If it is your 4th pregnancy are you having any special testing (CVS, Amnio)

[FamousFiveForever]

Having three healthy children I am pondering the idea of doing some more extensive testing in this pregnancy. I am 32, turning 33 before the baby is born so outside risk range for maternal age.

Can I ask how you feel about this? I would consider it on the basis of the implications to my already existing family and their demands. Interestingly, Prof. Dr. Kypros Nikolaides calls it "4th child syndrome" of women who come for more testing despite their being no markers to expect a disabled baby.

I'm expecting no 4 but this time my age is more of a factor - 37 when due . I am more worried this time around but don't think I'd actively pursue additional testing unless risk factors indicated it was necessary. Presumably any testing would have to be done privately?

Hi,

We are expecting our 5th and will not be having any testing. Like you I will be 33 when this one arrives.

I will not be having any additional testing. There would be implications for our children but I would still proceed with the pregnancy so have ruled out extra tests.

I'm 7(ish) weeks pregnant with no. 4 and have booked a harmony test (non-invasive) at 10 weeks at FMC with the aforementioned prof nikolaides. That is more because of my age (39) than anything else, although there is an element of disbelief that after 3 healthy, happy children I could be so lucky again.

no i dont see why you would need more testing just because its your 4th?im on my 5th and this time i will be doing the same as i did with the others,which is nothing much really!just a scan at 20 weeks and urine test and blood pressure at my midwife appointments.

Hello sleepthief again, we might see each other at the door to FMC then , I am nearly 8 weeks... Yes I did like that test. Have been wondering about more invasive ones but scared of the risks.

Interesting, 4ahomeand1cooking, I think I would prefer to keep it at three if I found that this baby wasn't healthy. I know it's easy to say but an entirely different matter to make a decision when faced with it all.

I'm the same as sleep thief....... I am pregnant with dc4 and had harmony testing at FMC just for peace of mind. I will be 38 when this one arrives. I too find it hard to believe that I have been so lucky to have 3 healthy children and still fall pregnant very easily.

No. I've never had any testing in any pregnancy (except dating and anomaly scans) and this 4th one (currently 24 weeks) is no different.

Im coming up to 40.

I was one of Dr. Nic's 4th child syndrome patients, lol.
I think it had more to do with me being 40.
No regrets.
It's a personal decision.

Yes Murtle, testing would be paid for privately.
Thanks Amber, I just worry I guess. I am due to see the doctor next week for the first time. Maybe I'll feel better once I know all looks okay. He's been on holiday for nearly 15 days!!!

Wickedgirl, yes you spell out what's been a niggling worry for me. I have three healthy children and somehow I'm waiting for the BUT...

Iljkk, well he was smiling his usual twinkling smile when he sad it
I think he understood quite well why women come and see him.