12 week Prenatal Testing

I had the NT scan with both of my previous pgs. This time, I have an appt with a genetic counselor on Monday to see if I can get the new blood test (materniT21) instead. It is a much more definitive test than the NT scan.

I agree that you should think about why you want the testing and what you would do with the information. You should also discuss it with your spouse/partner, to ensure you are on the same page. DH and I have discussed it, but we don't have a set plan for if the news is bad. I feel that you can only plan so far and that you won't know exactly how you will feel or decide until you are there. You may think one thing now, but when faced with the actual situation it may change. So, part of what DH and I discussed was flexibility.

Hi Katja_D,
I am not sure I agree with you. My first was born at the IWK in Halifax which is the major hospital in the atlantic provinces (and a beautiful birth facility). Any children from the 4 atlantic provinces with problems are sent to this hospital. I remember questioning my doc on it and she said they don't do it unless there are other indicators. My second was born in fredericton and it was the same. My third will be born in charlottetown and it seems to be the same story. Perhaps this area sets its standards in accordance with the iwk? Perhaps they feel the maternal syrum screen covers the same diagnostics.

I agree with the rest of your comment (knowing what you will do with the info) and I think it is something everyone needs to consider when doing these tests. That is why I decline the maternal syrum screening because I wouldn't take any action other than educating myself on the results.

We decided tonight that we were going to pass. We did it last time - I'm only 32 and we're both healthy with good history. We originally were going to do it because of DH's age and cancer history - but we've decided that it really isn't something we feel led to do. I wish I could just have the ultrasound!!