Any over 40s not opted for testing.........

[missytabitha]

This is my second time around and I am 41 years old. I was 40 when had DS1 and due to the fact a lot was going on when found out I was pregnant first time around I didn't have any of the diagnostic tests offered other than the usual two scans at 12 and 20 weeks. DS1 was born (and is!) perfect. This time due to a mixture of things really I have chosen not to have any tests and now 16 weeks. Just wondered if anyone else in my position and done the same? Everyone else I know over 35 has all the tests and says it helps put their minds at rest. I am not overly worried as for me from what I know many of the tests aren't conclusive anyway and as I am a natural worrier I think this would be potentially worse. However, part of me feels madly irresponsible for not having any tests but another part thinks I have made the right decision for me. I really want to know if I am alone in this or others have done the same? Any answers gratefully received from anyone in the same/similar position.

[reikizen]

No point in the screening tests, they only tell you what you already know i.e. you have a chance of having a child with an abnormality. I regret giving in to pressure to have screening with dd2 which turned into an amnio and lots of heartache for nothing. I wouldn't have screening again.

[missytabitha]

Thanks reikizen. That helps. There feels like a lot of pressure to have the tests and thats what I am feeling maybe. As you say I already know my odds of having a child with an abnormality are higher than they were 5-10 years ago and I guess I have chosen to take the risk. Glad things worked out okay for you. Anyone else?

[spicemonster]

I didn't bother (pg with my 1st term baby at 41) as I thought they'd only tell me that I had a high chance of Downs and I'd already decided I wouldn't terminate for that.

I did have my 20 week abnormality scan but that seems more routine in a lot of ways.

Also I have two friends with children with disabilities, neither of which were neo-natal so I really just thought 'what will be, will be'.

HTH

[seeker]

I had dd at 38 and ds at 43. I had nuchal screening and the routine scans but I refused all other testing. I had a high risk nuchal scan with ds - or what they said was high risk 1:80, I think it was. My thinking was that I would never back a horse at 80:1 so the chances were very high that he would be fine.

I think if you are as certain as you can be that you wouldn't continue a pregnancy if there was a problem then go for testing. If not, not.

Sorry, rambling.

[missytabitha]

Spice, I guess I am similar. I too have a friend who has a child with SN which couldn't have been picked up during these tests. I also know I wouldn't terminate for Downs. There seems a lot worse problems that a child could have that can't be picked up in these tests, but I am no expert. I am glad I am not the only one though. Good luck with your pregnancy.

[spicemonster]

Sorry, my post wasn't clear was it? My DS is now 18 months

I think it's actually a really good thing to think carefully about whether you want tests when you're older. I was pretty sure that them telling me my risks were high would have made me more, rather than less, anxious. Good luck with your pregnancy

[LilRedWG]

I'm not over 40 but my midwife gave me some very sound advice (IMO). When I said that we didn't want any tests other than the scans and that some people thought we should, she asked if we would abort if high risks showed up. I said that I wouldn't even have and amnio or CVS due to my history of miscarriage.

Her response/advise was that if we wouldn't carry it further then it is not worth testing and also that there are far more conditions that cannot be tested for.

[missytabitha]

Thanks everyone you have made me feel better through your comments that I haven't just buried my head in the sand and have made the right decison. We did think carefully about it and I guess I just wanted to know that I wasn't the only one not testing though I am in my peer group in real life. Not that it matters really! Good luck everyone.

[pagwatch]

I have two sons- one with SN and we found I was pregnant again when i was 40.
I only had the scans because it made my GP happier. Although DS1 was delighted when he came to second scan and the told him babies sex .
I had less checking and testing during that last pregnancy and had virtually no HV or NHS involvment from the moment DD was born.
Without doubt the least stressful preganacy and i have loved every minute of a much less weighed, measured and stressed out baby and toddlerhood.
Its not for everyone but suited us so well