Any AMA expectant moms NOT doing CVS or amnio?

[Anonymous]

It is my understanding a la google that CVS is typically reserved for more at risk women - with a history, suspicion of something (from prior screening or exposure to something in early pregnancy) or older age - 40s or close, and the amnio is for lower risks. Is this false? I guess it just depends.

Also is it a blatant abuse of the health care system to get nuchal screening, get good results, and still proceed with an amnio? Thanks for any thoughts.

[Anonymous]

Don't see how it could be an "abuse" as the first trimester screen (nuchal and blood test) only screens for T13, 18, and 21. The amnio addresses a much wider range of chromosomal issues. These are different tests.

My first trimester screen numbers (for three pregnancies) have never been outstanding for T21, but they've always been improvements over what the numbers were for my age. I decided to do neither CVS nor amnio for any of my pregnancies, even though this was a harder decision in my current one (age at testing: 40, age at due date: 41), but given my history of loss and being on the bad side of statistics I just in my heart of hearts wasn't up for the risk. Have a healthy girl and so far a healthy pregnancy this time around, with no markers seen in subsequent sonograms for chromosomal problems.

(My second pregnancy ended in termination for severe fetal brain anomaly, but that wouldn't have turned up on the amnio anyway, because it was developmental and possibly genetic (deeper than they're able to test for with modern tools), so not able to be identified by the first-trimester screen or other chromosomal tests.)

I think this is an intensely personal decision, and you just have to think hard about what _you_ are telling yourself about what you want to do. I know women in similar positions to me with a history of m/c or other loss who knew without a doubt they'd have a CVS no matter what the minute they could. I also know women like me who weren't comfortable with the risk of m/c and who waited to see how the first trimester screen turned out and what numbers they were comfortable with, moving ahead or deciding on more invasive testing. And, as you see on this board, some people avoid all of the testing altogether. So there's really not a right answer here, other than that the right answer is the one you come to and can claim as the right one for you.

Take care--I know this part of pregnancy and the whole aura around prenatal testing is really nerve wracking.

[Anonymous]

I guess I'd like to offer a slightly different perspective. Had my first at 39, passed amnio with flying colors. He still has several genetic defects. An amnio does not screen for all genetic or chromosomal defects or problems, and people who have the amnio and develop a smug attitude about avoiding all risk or "enjoying their pregnancy" are a little silly in my book. An amnio is a tool, not a guarantee.

[Anonymous]

I was 39 and didn't do CVS or Amnio. Our 1st trimester screening looked great and my OB advised against it. Don't feel pressured.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was 39 when I had DS and I took a pass on both. I did have the various screenings with good results. I would have considered an amnio if the screening had shown increase risk or if ther had been any soft markers.

Same here, same age. Got great results on the NT test, so I didn't do anything else. I've got a healthy little four year old boy now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I guess I'd like to offer a slightly different perspective. Had my first at 39, passed amnio with flying colors. He still has several genetic defects. An amnio does not screen for all genetic or chromosomal defects or problems, and people who have the amnio and develop a smug attitude about avoiding all risk or "enjoying their pregnancy" are a little silly in my book. An amnio is a tool, not a guarantee.

Well, I don't think it's smug to get results from a test like the amnio and put worry behind you. As someone who ruined my entire first pregnancy wondering about what ifs, and is trying hard three years later not to do the same about motherhood, I think that attitude is not the one to go for either. Just because you are born with a healthy, perfect baby doesn't mean anything can't happen down the road...he could get hit by a car at three, snatched from right beside you on the street at 5, hit by a drunk driver at 17. But if you go through life like this, it's not going to be good for you or your kid.

I'm sure you didn't mean this but there is nothing wrong with getting information and being happy about it or relieved. I'm determined to "enjoy" this pregnancy more, for my own health and sanity. It's not "smug" of me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess I'd like to offer a slightly different perspective. Had my first at 39, passed amnio with flying colors. He still has several genetic defects. An amnio does not screen for all genetic or chromosomal defects or problems, and people who have the amnio and develop a smug attitude about avoiding all risk or "enjoying their pregnancy" are a little silly in my book. An amnio is a tool, not a guarantee.

Well, I don't think it's smug to get results from a test like the amnio and put worry behind you. As someone who ruined my entire first pregnancy wondering about what ifs, and is trying hard three years later not to do the same about motherhood, I think that attitude is not the one to go for either. Just because you are born with a healthy, perfect baby doesn't mean anything can't happen down the road...he could get hit by a car at three, snatched from right beside you on the street at 5, hit by a drunk driver at 17. But if you go through life like this, it's not going to be good for you or your kid.

I'm sure you didn't mean this but there is nothing wrong with getting information and being happy about it or relieved. I'm determined to "enjoy" this pregnancy more, for my own health and sanity. It's not "smug" of me.

Thank you for this perspective! I "ruined" my pregnanacy as well, being of AMA and having several family histories but I chose not to have the tests after my NT and quad screens came out ok. I went back and forth, but I spent to long trying to get pregnant - and then spent the rest of the time worrying anyway.

She came out healthy and perfect and I regret spending those 9 months not enjoying the pregnancy more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I guess I'd like to offer a slightly different perspective. Had my first at 39, passed amnio with flying colors. He still has several genetic defects. An amnio does not screen for all genetic or chromosomal defects or problems, and people who have the amnio and develop a smug attitude about avoiding all risk or "enjoying their pregnancy" are a little silly in my book. An amnio is a tool, not a guarantee.

Did you not find any of the issues until birth? Or did ultrasounds show problems?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I guess I'd like to offer a slightly different perspective. Had my first at 39, passed amnio with flying colors. He still has several genetic defects. An amnio does not screen for all genetic or chromosomal defects or problems, and people who have the amnio and develop a smug attitude about avoiding all risk or "enjoying their pregnancy" are a little silly in my book. An amnio is a tool, not a guarantee.

There are NO guarantees in life. Not one. We don't have a crystal ball, so we all have are tools. If you go through life, if you go through parenthood, waiting for guarantees, you will NEVER be happy. It's not smug to live otherwise, it's healthy and functional.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I guess I'd like to offer a slightly different perspective. Had my first at 39, passed amnio with flying colors. He still has several genetic defects. An amnio does not screen for all genetic or chromosomal defects or problems, and people who have the amnio and develop a smug attitude about avoiding all risk or "enjoying their pregnancy" are a little silly in my book. An amnio is a tool, not a guarantee.

6:26 again. You know, I'm sorry I posted this. There was no way it was not going to come across as bitchy and mean and sort of like I was wishing all of you bad things, which of course I'm not. I guess I'm just kind of tired of all the people who ask me "Why didn't you have an amnio?" as if that would have solved everything.

Again, my apologies.

[Anonymous]

First pregnancy after first m/c - had NT screen with 1/900 for chromo problem, but quad screen came back 1/75. After having decided no amnio, we changed our minds. Had the amnio. Have perfect DD now. I was 37/38.

Second pregnancy after second m/c - had CVS. At the end of the CVS, Dr. asked me to come back in two weeks to look at the nuchal folds again. He said something like he couldn't really see them well. He could see them just fine, they just looked bad. Problems in two sets of chromosomes - one T18. 42/43 at the time.

Third pregnancy - Went straight to CVS with same doc. Quizzed him and tech about those nuchal folds. All looked good and results came back good. Guess my age now.

I think experience play a role in what you choose to do. Had I not had that first m/c, I may never have done the amnio for my DD. Good counsel from a genetics counselor is very very helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess I'd like to offer a slightly different perspective. Had my first at 39, passed amnio with flying colors. He still has several genetic defects. An amnio does not screen for all genetic or chromosomal defects or problems, and people who have the amnio and develop a smug attitude about avoiding all risk or "enjoying their pregnancy" are a little silly in my book. An amnio is a tool, not a guarantee.

6:26 again. You know, I'm sorry I posted this. There was no way it was not going to come across as bitchy and mean and sort of like I was wishing all of you bad things, which of course I'm not. I guess I'm just kind of tired of all the people who ask me "Why didn't you have an amnio?" as if that would have solved everything.

Again, my apologies.

Thank you for clarifying. Life is a bit of a crapshoot and never is that more true than with pregnancy. Even a 20 year old has a 1/2000 risk for Down Syndrome, though it's typically thought of as aging egg issue. As soon as you pee on a stick you are elated and then if you are like me you start thinking about high rates of miscarriage...especially now that I'm 35. So I think for those of interested in assessing the risk, the amnio and these other tests are all we have. The amnio doesn't determine if you child will have conditions, it simply tells you that information and certainly it can't tell everything. And then are certain conditions that are very severe in some and very mild in others, like cystic fibrosis. Early in my career I used to work with families affected by CF. Some children die young with this, yet I have a good friend who just celebrated her 50th birthday and is in great health. She has a beautiful family and a great career. Everything is such a crap shoot and I think you have decide what info you want, what to accept and disregard, what to focus on and what to dismiss.

[Anonymous]

I was had children at 39 and 41. I said I didn't want any testing done because my husband is Catholic and terminating isn't an option for him and I was willing to deal with what we were dealt. Given my age, there was a possibility of something coming up, but we were fortunate to have 2 healthy children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess I'd like to offer a slightly different perspective. Had my first at 39, passed amnio with flying colors. He still has several genetic defects. An amnio does not screen for all genetic or chromosomal defects or problems, and people who have the amnio and develop a smug attitude about avoiding all risk or "enjoying their pregnancy" are a little silly in my book. An amnio is a tool, not a guarantee.

Well, I don't think it's smug to get results from a test like the amnio and put worry behind you. As someone who ruined my entire first pregnancy wondering about what ifs, and is trying hard three years later not to do the same about motherhood, I think that attitude is not the one to go for either. Just because you are born with a healthy, perfect baby doesn't mean anything can't happen down the road...he could get hit by a car at three, snatched from right beside you on the street at 5, hit by a drunk driver at 17. But if you go through life like this, it's not going to be good for you or your kid.

I'm sure you didn't mean this but there is nothing wrong with getting information and being happy about it or relieved. I'm determined to "enjoy" this pregnancy more, for my own health and sanity. It's not "smug" of me.

Thank you for this perspective! I "ruined" my pregnanacy as well, being of AMA and having several family histories but I chose not to have the tests after my NT and quad screens came out ok. I went back and forth, but I spent to long trying to get pregnant - and then spent the rest of the time worrying anyway.

She came out healthy and perfect and I regret spending those 9 months not enjoying the pregnancy more.

Smug and you forgot naive. What really ruins a pregnancy is a dead infant. Get it straight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess I'd like to offer a slightly different perspective. Had my first at 39, passed amnio with flying colors. He still has several genetic defects. An amnio does not screen for all genetic or chromosomal defects or problems, and people who have the amnio and develop a smug attitude about avoiding all risk or "enjoying their pregnancy" are a little silly in my book. An amnio is a tool, not a guarantee.

Well, I don't think it's smug to get results from a test like the amnio and put worry behind you. As someone who ruined my entire first pregnancy wondering about what ifs, and is trying hard three years later not to do the same about motherhood, I think that attitude is not the one to go for either. Just because you are born with a healthy, perfect baby doesn't mean anything can't happen down the road...he could get hit by a car at three, snatched from right beside you on the street at 5, hit by a drunk driver at 17. But if you go through life like this, it's not going to be good for you or your kid.

I'm sure you didn't mean this but there is nothing wrong with getting information and being happy about it or relieved. I'm determined to "enjoy" this pregnancy more, for my own health and sanity. It's not "smug" of me.

OMG you had to deal with ANXIETY?? How awful for you. Both of these posts are so annoying and short-sighted.