Harmony test

[Ekphrasis]

I’ve just booked myself a harmony test, I’ll be almost 11 weeks. I’m not sure why it feels wrong! But at the same time it feels like a good idea as I’m 40. And we’ve had 2 mc this year. I can’t bring myself to have a reassurance scan at the moment.

Far too many friends have sadly had to tfmr (incompatible with life) at 20 weeks so I feel it will help make decisions earlier.

Just wondered what people’s experiences were?

In a similar position here though am 44 with first baby (a happy shock!)
Had an mmc two years ago so wanted to stay as informed as possible this time.
I had bloods taken for the Panorama test on Monday and am now hoping for a speedy result (they said it takes 7-10 calender days). We chose Panorama because you can test earlier and they screen for more conditions.
Am feeling much calmer since going to the clinic. As tiny said, the results will either bring peace of mind or give us the ability to make decisions early if it is not good news. I feel like we have done all we can to find out risks and, though the wait is difficult, I feel I can relax a little somehow.
They did do a viability scan before taking the blood (all looked good apparently, measuring 9 + 4 with strong heartbeat) but my partner and I requested not to see the screen as we don't want to get too attached at this stage. That sounds horribly cold and unemotional. We are not at all, it just feels safer for us at the moment to stay as grounded and pragmatic as we can.
Hoping the Harmony test brings you peace of mind too

I hope your results were ok mcakes?

Mine is later. Not feeling positive (this will be the first scan I’ve had). I feel less bloated and breasts less sore so am convinced I’m deflating. I’ve convinced myself any nausea is my gall bladder! But I guess that’s normal at 10 ish weeks isn’t it?!

Hope all went well at the scan Ekphrasis. Have been thinking of you today as I know how anxious a time it is.
All my blood results came back as very low risk which is a huge relief (thanks loads for asking). Still not out of the woods yet by any stretch but am allowing myself to feel slightly more positive and have told a very few close family members now. I have my 12 week scan tomorrow morning so have my fingers crossed as I have not been scanned since 9 +4 and am cautious after the last MMC.
Symptoms still here but lessening. Have heard that's common as the placenta is meant to start taking over at this stage so am trying not to worry. My symptoms have come and gone a lot to be honest, sometimes I have thought I can't possibly still be pregnant as I feel fine and have not put on any weight at all. But then a couple of days later the nausea and metallic taste and bloated belly are reassuringly back.
Have everything crossed for you and sending positive wishes your way...

Thanks it’s in an hour, I’m glad yours came back good. It’s the scan that’s bothering me the most. Yes I think it started to tail off around now with my son, possibly to come back with vengeance for a few days later on. Mine have come and gone but from week 8-10 a very definite extreme nausea has plagued me with really sore breasts. I think you really notice it when it starts to improve!

Had one at 10 weeks due to age and having gone through so much IVF stuff to get there. Included scan, bloods and consultant specialist appt. It is a shed load of money but for us was worth it.

I don't think the NHS would ever consider rolling it out as a standard due to cost. But I have been told that they are considering as a cheaper and less invasive alternative to amniocentesis in specific cases. Also because of the current research on reliability of results (despite it being screening rather than diagnostic).

Hi well the baby looked very healthy, I was In shock that there was actually baby and measuring 8 days ahead where the nhs put me (I knew I was 4 days ahead but not 8!)

I’ve had the bloods done. Also - as we said yet to the sex, they’re testing for a whole load of gender specific conditions too? Eg turners. Did anyone else have this? I’m now feeling like I need more info. I said yes but I have no idea what else they’re testing for.

That's brilliant news Ekphrasis! Really happy for you.
We got the option to check for gender but said no (as we want it to be a surprise) No mention of gender specific tests.
Got my scan in an hour so will update later today.

I had NIPT (ultrasound direct) at 10 weeks. Really good service, all three trisomes list separate and they can look for sex chromosome abnormalities (Turners etc) as well. We found out the Gender as well(DH wanted to know). With the viability scan, whilst not designed to look for abnormalities, the sonographer talked us through it and explained that everything he could visualise was normal, so it was a nice bit of added reassurance.

The reasons I had it were:
My age (36) making the chances of a moderate to higher risk probability with NHS screening, would have caused me a lot of stress.

A friend had a late Amnio for possible Edwards syndrome some years back resulting in complications (infection) and an extreme premi (who is now in high school!), so I knew there was no way I would have an Amnio or CVS without the NIPT as a further check before hand, so figured I may as well just pay for it and get it done at the earliest point and save myself the anxiety (I'm a worrier).

DH and I had agreed pre TTC that we would abort a downs baby (or other major anomaly), but even so, if it had come to that I would have wanted it done as early as possible and felt that having the NIPT at 10 weeks would have reduced any delays.

Just got back from watching a very wriggly, bouncy baby on the ultrasound screen! A few lovely clear profile images too. It is all starting to feel much more real and we are finally believing this might well happen and that we are going to be a little family. All good and happy news!

We had the harmony done this time - although my NHS results were fine, they were a lot higher risk than when I had DD just 2 years ago, so I wanted the harmony too. I found the scan v reassuring as she took ages and went over all the organs, which was good.

We had the sex test too - DD is having a sister!

Glad yours went so well OP and other PPs above.

Brilliant news @Mcakes!

Thank you for more positive experiences.

We haven’t had the result yet so still keeping everything crossed for that.

@Mcakes, hope you’re ok. Just wondered how long the test results took? It’s been a week now and no news!

I have my nhs scan early tomorrow morning.

I did the Panorama test (sent to Natera in the US) so timings may be slightly different for the Harmony? Had the bloods taken on a Monday eve and got the results back the following Tuesday morning so almost exactly one week. They said it could take 7 to 10 calendar days so was on the quick side.
I really do feel your pain. The wait is absolutely excruciating .
Wishing you all the best at the scan tomorrow! Will be thinking of you and hope you get your test results soon.

Oh and all is well here thanks. Had a return of nausea this week which is a bit annoying but also hopefully reassuring that all is progressing ok.

Thanks @Mcakes! I just called and all is well! Awaiting the email; not been told sex yet.

Nausea has been bad with me this time; different to when I had my son. Hope it passes soon!

Going nuts refreshing...