When I was at my doctor's last visit, she said next time at 16 weeks I would need to do some test that would determine if the baby has downs syndrome. Is this a necessary test? I'm already set in my ways to not do the amnio, but I was wondering if you could tell your doctor that you don't want that test... I just don't see it as necessary if DH and I are at a young age (both 28).
TIA everyone!!!
steph4777
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Re: Testing...is it necessary???
I don't think it's necessary to take the test. If you feel that strongly you can opt not to do it. I wasn't going to do it, but DH really wanted to. So I will probably go next week.
antoinette
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Re: Testing...is it necessary???
I had the nuchal fold test which is an ultrasound and a blood test. This test can only be done from weeks 11-13 so I dont think thats the one shes talking about? Maybe the afp? Im opting not to get this done for 3 reasons 1. It can give false positves and I dont need the extra worry 2. Dh and I are 26. 3. We wouldnt do anything about it if God forbid there was a birth defect.
kptoys
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Re: Testing...is it necessary???
The test you are talking about is the AFP test. It is not an amnio. You shouldnt need one unless they detect a problem with the baby and they need (or decide you may need) more testing. Of course you dont HAVE to do anything. The AFP is 3 viles of blood. It tests for Down, Trisomy 18 and Spina Bifida. There are many false positives but with both babies of mine I have had 2 negatives, actually this baby has a 1 in 142,000 chance of having DS... which is a good feeling. I think this and the Ultra screen are the 2 tests you do not need to have. The next one you should get is the GD test about 26 weeks and that should be it besides the GBS which isnt a blood test.
ddunne23
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Re: Testing...is it necessary???
We had no testing done during my pregnancy. I had an ultrasound at 16 weeks at that was it. My doctor explained each test and gave us the option about what we wanted to do. My doctor asked me if no matter what he told me, was I going to act on the test results by considering terminating the pregnancy if it was found there was a severe disorder. My DH and I immediately said 'No, we would never terminate', so the doc said, then there is no reason for you to take the tests. I agreed.
Stefanie
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Re: Testing...is it necessary???
Thank You!!
Niecey
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Re: Testing...is it necessary???
I took the AFP - although I had no reason interest in terminating pregnancy should I have some disorder, I wanted to be prepared and know as much as I could. The only thing with this test is there is a high chance of false negatives and positives.
AliKing
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Re: Testing...is it necessary???
I had the testing done, but honestly if I had thought about it, I probably wouldnt have bothered. It is a very personal thing and I dont think the results would have effected me either way. If you dont want to get them done, you have every right to tell your doctor!
bride082003
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Re: Testing...is it necessary???
we are 28/30 and we didn't bother with the testing. We don't have a history in the family and have heard you can get a lot of false positives. I would have done nothing but worry the rest of the pregnancy so I figured we were better off not...
