To test or not to test ...?

[dazedandconfused]

I'm 11 weeks pregnant with DC3 and just received the appointment leter from the hospital this morning, along with booklet explaining the many possible risks and conditions. I expected to breeze through this, but I am 39 this time around and now unsure what to do about the whole nuchal fold and blood tests for Down's. With my previous 2 children I didn't go for them because I knew we wouldn't consider termination. However, with the increased risks this time I'm wondering if I should be more prepared.

Can anyone else share their experience of making this decision?

Thanks ...

I tested when pg with DS (was 36) and now with DC2 (am 38) - low risk both times with 1:4000 then and 1:2000 now. Didn't think twice about testing either time really, definitely wanted to and would have had CVS or amnio if risk had been high. Mainly because don't know how we would feel if baby had Downs and would want to have all options open for us.

Completely understand your dilemma. Am 14 weeks pregnant with DC3, and am 41. Considered nuchal fold scan but would have had to go private - looked into it, but found myself quite relieved when I couldn't get an appointment in time! Am due to get blood test in just over a week, but am contemplating cancelling because they will almost certainly come back high risk this time (were low risk in both other pregnancies when I was 37 and 39). If there is a problem with the baby I would rather find out, although I don't think I'd terminate. But the only tests that are almost definite carry a risk of miscarriage (albeit a very small risk), so that puts me off having them. That being the case, my reasoning was that having the nuchal and the blood test might leave me worried senseless, when in fact everything may well be ok. Still in 2 minds about whether to have the blood test or not ...

Hope this makes sense! You can tell my thinking on this is still a bit chaotic! Good luck, whatever decision you come to.

We didn't test with either of ours but that was because I wouldn't have risked the further tests anyway and so could not get any definative answer but would just have had more worry. I'm 32 though so have a lower risk, although I don't think I'd have taken the tests no matter my age.

It's a very difficult decision though, I'd go with what your gut is telling you, good luck.