Prenatal Tests??

D - posted on 04/19/2010

They have a quad screen now, I think they still do the triple screen (a combo of both or something??). It's been 5 yrs since my last baby and they didn't have the quad test then. I just did the same test I did with my other 2 babies. Results came back great, and I just had my ultrasound, so I'm not worried.

I am from Canada and don't need to pay for these tests, I just take what they recommend and go from there. I just take the early test and if I ever had a abnormal result, I may have taken it further. But since they came back great, I don't feel I need to keep testing. My Dr did offer the NT test but I decided I didn't need to go that far. We don't get our regular ultrasound until 19 weeks.

Katy - posted on 04/15/2010

The optional testing options are:
1st trimester includes a blood sample to test NT (nuchal translucency) and an ultrasound (11-13wks)
2nd trimester includes AFP, anatomy ultrasound, and/or Quad screen (18wks)

These are ALL optional regardless of age or history

@danielle-Why did you choose that test over all the others? Also you said triple screen was it the quad screen??

D - posted on 04/15/2010

There are different tests at different stages of your pregnancy. I did the triple screen at 15 weeks I believe. There are earlier ones with ultrasound and blood at maybe 12 or 13 weeks. But these are only to test if there could be an abnormality, if they come back positive, they could be false. You would have to go further in testing to check for particular abnormalities. Amnio's have a possible harm to the pregnancy. You just have to decide what you would do with the info if you did test. I did the triple screen to find a bit of an answer, if it did come back positive I'm not sure I would have kept going. The ultrasound gives the tech's a good idea as well. Dr's won't usually do testing unless you are over 35 yrs old.

Katy - posted on 04/15/2010

Thanks for the opinions!! I should have probably gave my age. LOL! I just turned 30. I do believe the risks increase at 35?? I am not so worried about birth defects such as down syndrome as I am major defects such as the heart or any major organs needed to live. I agree so far though (from my past) it just adds to worry. My debate is having just ultrasounds or the optional blood tests too. Has anyone discovered something with a blood test missed on an ultra sound?

Jamie - posted on 04/15/2010

I prefer to not get any tests done, any physical abnormalities will usually be shown on the ultrasound. Prenatal testing is so iffy, i find i just don't need the added worry.

Tiffani - posted on 04/15/2010

my doctor told me that unless you are an older women or your ultrasound has something unusual that i should have to worry about other testing. But i just turned 20.. im not sure if its different for older women. i hope this helps a little. and i also know the most common testing is for down syndrom