Testing for congenital defects

[Ilovebrie]

Hi everyone,

My partner and I are trying for a baby (yay!) but, because of his father's involvement in nuclear bomb testing in the 1950s, we are concerned about genetic abnormalities. 30% of those involved in the testing died of various cancers by their fifties (including my partner's dad) and it's now known that they were exposed to huge levels of radiation.

There's been one study has suggested that grandchildren of nuclear test vets have a 61 in 1000 incidence of congenital defects - that's similar to the levels seen in the descendants of Chernobyl survivors! There's also a much higher rate of miscarriage and stillbirth, and some childhood cancers.

So I was hoping you guys might have some thoughts on testing for congenital defects during pregnancy. In those who have had pregnancies with a high risk of birth defects, were you offered extra testing and how did you go about approaching healthcare professionals about your concerns? Did you have to push for tests or were you offered alternative types of scans etc? I don't suppose a common question when you tell a GP you're pregnant is 'Was this baby's grandfather irradiated by the government'...

Any thoughts would be hugely appreciated. I'll obviously talk to the professionals when the time comes and will read through the forums here, but it's something I've been thinking about a lot and would like to get my thoughts clear before that time comes. My worry is that, if we do find ourselves in the lucky position of being pregnant, I won't be taken seriously by my doctor etc. There's not a well-accepted link between nuclear testing and birth defects so it's not something they're going to have set protocols in place to deal with. It's easy to say now when it's a purely hypothetical baby, but I would consider a termination if there was a life-limiting problem.

Thanks so much for any thoughts or opinions!

Here's a video of the atomic tests if anyone is interested. From 1 minute on shows the servicemen sitting with their backs to the blast!

[Secretswitch]

Bump for you! I m in the US. The father of my very good friend was a combat soldier in the Vietnam war. He was exposed to the chemical,, Agent Orange, and died at just 60 from a cancer associated with this chemical. Apparently there were a variety of chemicals used in that war that can do genetic harm. My friend insisted on prenatal testing with with all her pregnancies. I know this is not greatly helpful to you in Britain. I would surely explain the circumstances to your consultant.
I am wishing you tons of luck and brightest blessings for a future healthy baby :)
I have seen that video..utterly shocking!

[AnythingNotEverything]

I'm no expert, and I do feel for you, as this is a difficult situation, but if its not a well known link (yet), then you may struggle to get extra testing.

However, private scans are available, although I'm not sure what exactly you'd be looking for.

The anomaly scan at 20 weeks is very thorough, and I imagine you'd pick up the majority of issues here.

I'm not sure you'd get extra prenatal care or scans as standard though.

Best to discuss it with your midwife at your booking app.

Good luck ttc!

[Ilovebrie]

Thanks! Had no idea it was possible to get private scans. I will look into it. I guess I'm mainly trying to work out in my head what I would do if a test came up positive for something. Thinking out loud and all that. I like to plan for every eventuality.

[Secretswitch]

Ilovebrie, I think you are being very smart. I know you can't plan for everything but getting educated and knowing your options is wise.

[AnythingNotEverything]

You do right - every parent should prepare for the unknown as best they can.

[TolliverGroat]

If you're near London, or able to get in, the Fetal Medicine Centre on Harley Street is very good for scans.

[Essexgirlupnorth]

They ask about your history at your booking appointment and I would mention it then. They may refer you to a consultant. The anomaly scan at 20 weeks should pick up any major problems but may not pick up all.

[mb2512cat]

Have you thought about your partner doing a sperm analysis? The private tests are normally more thorough than the NHS ones as they look and measure more variables.

[ilovevenice]

Why don't you have a chat to ARC (Antenatal results and choices)? //www.arc-uk.org
It's a charity specialising in antenatal testing and has a helpline. They were v knowledgeable/helpful when I called them.