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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Harmony - thoughts / advice appreciated!

20 replies

angelix · 16/04/2019 17:08

Hello, my head is a bit muddled at the moment so just want to put this down and get some thoughts from others...

Had my 12 week scan and baby was too active so I couldn't get all the checks done, including the NT for downs so was advised that I could have bloods done at 16 weeks instead.

I'm now 16+3 and had my bloods done this morning. I've been told I'll get a letter in 7-10 days if I'm high risk, alternatively my midwife will confirm low risk at my next appointment at the end of the month.

I've convinced myself I'll get a high risk result, no real reason but I'm 35, higher BMI etc and just a general worrier about these things.

I know the harmony test gives a more accurate result in terms of risk, so I'm pondering whether to book this test too?

If I get a high risk result from today's bloods, I think I'd definitely book the harmony as I'd want to find out a bit more before fetal medicine started tests.

Even if i get a low risk from today's tests u think the fact that the harmony is seemingly much more accurate would tempt me to still get the test anyway for reassurance.

I feel like I'm being a bit over the top, but at the same time it's on my mind, I dont like 'not knowing' and occasionally I think if the option is there to know more and I can afford the test, then I should have it.

I spoke to a midwife about the test as i wasnt sure if it was medically recognised or if it was a bit of a commercial con but she pretty much gave it a thumbs up.

Just want to know if anyone else has had a similar dilemma over testing and if so, what would you do....

Thanks in advance!

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Em39ma · 16/04/2019 17:33

I’ve got my 12 week scan tomorrow and I’m the same as you.
I will see what my bloods and scan say, but think we will probably get the harmony too.
I’m 40 with a higher bmi, though I’m losing weight, because I’ve been so sick.

Lilfabet · 16/04/2019 17:45

I had a Harmony test done at 12 weeks as I was worried about being an older mum. I also have a very (very!!) active baby and measuring on scans is very tricky.
I felt much better after having the test done as I knew clearly what the chances were of abnormalities based on blood results and not a measurement snatched when he's wriggling about! It really helped settle my nerves, although waiting for the results wasn't great (4 working days).
I would certainly have one again if I ever had another baby.

FJRogers · 16/04/2019 17:55

We had the same at our 12 week scan and couldn't get the NT measurement. Had the quad blood test at 14 weeks and that came back low risk. However at the 20 week scan a possible physical anomaly was spotted which then overruled the low risk result, which we were told is about 75% accurate. We were offered an amniocentesis for a more definite answer but went with a NIFTY test (different brand to harmony and about £150 cheaper here). Results came back incredibly low risk. We were glad we had it for peace of mind and would probably get it straight away next pregnancy. If you have the spare money for it I'd reccomend it to put your mind at rest

Sunshinegirl82 · 16/04/2019 18:24

I have had the harmony at 10 weeks in both pregnancies and I am glad I did. I got low risk results and declined the NHS screening (although I had the 12 week scan and nuchal measurement).

I found having the test really reassuring, I wasn't convinced that the NHS risk factor would do that for me.

Maybeayemaybenaw · 16/04/2019 20:33

I am considering getting this test. Can I please ask, did you have to arrange the test before you went to your 10week midwife appointment? Also, how much did it cost? Thanks.

Weathergirl1 · 16/04/2019 20:46

It varies in price depending where you get it done but shouldn't be more than around £500. www.arc-uk.org has lots of information about the various NIPT available.

@maybeayemaybenaw as it's a private test no reason to do any arranging around when you see your midwife - probably best to contact the place where you'd get it done and ask them how far in advance to book.

Maybeayemaybenaw · 16/04/2019 20:52

Thank you. I will have a look at that. For some reason I thought your midwife would take the blood sample to send.

My3boys9910 · 17/04/2019 12:51

I had mine 2 weeks ago...very simple & reassuring...and they can tell you babies sex which is lovely & such a surprise so early...if you have the money...I recommended x

aweedropofsancerre · 17/04/2019 12:55

I would definitely get the harmony test. My sister got the blood test and was told she was low risk. Her baby was born with down syndrome.. When I went for my screening I was told I was high risk based on scan, age and blood test. My baby was fine.....

Lavellan · 17/04/2019 15:36

It's reassuring but also expensive for only testing 3/4 things. So it's a bit of a tricky decision which has to factor in what you can afford. I felt I might be wasting money I could use for my child at the time, but I'm not regretting it after. £400 is a lot out of our "extra" money, but it doesn't affect our bills etc..

If money was no object I would get it without a second thought.

Lavellan · 17/04/2019 15:40

Oh I should say I also had the NHS NT scan just before and I wasn't super confident in the measuring since the baby was cooperative and it took them a long while to get. In the end they were like "ok, I think this will do"... I'm not complaining but the extra test was nice.

Megan2018 · 17/04/2019 15:40

I had Harmony at 10wks to avoid the situation you are in. I was 40 (now 41) and all came back 1/10,000 for everything so I didn’t have NHS combined test at 12wks.
I’d have Harmony without a shadow of a doubt.

Lavellan · 17/04/2019 15:40

*uncooperative

Megan2018 · 17/04/2019 15:41

Meant to add, it cost £399 and results took 5 working days.

secretlyhermione · 17/04/2019 17:33

I had the same dilemma as you. I am 30 and have had the combined test with very low risk recorded. Apparently it's 95% accurate. Harmony is 99% accurate. I decided with my OH that we were happy with that result and wouldn't go forward with harmony. There is always the 5% or 1% chance so nothing is 100%. Then again do what makes you most comfortable. If you will be fretting and unsure I would recommend doing it. Our doctor was very good at putting us at ease and we had clear NT results as baby was calmly sucking his/her thumb. It's a very personal decision but I also agonised over it for a few weeks.

Original poster

angelix · 17/04/2019 18:19

Thanks everyone! It's really reassuring to know I'm not the only one who's had this dilemma.

I've decided just to go for it so I'm booked in next Tuesday evening. Its £400 where I am but I half expected that from the various prices I'd seen quoted online.

I didnt realise they scanned you first too so I'll get another wee peek at baby which is nice.

OP posts:

agteacht · 07/05/2019 00:13

Hi @angelix how did you get on?

Original poster

angelix · 07/05/2019 09:09

Great thanks @agteacht

Got the result back 6 working days later via email and they'd referred to 'wonderful news' and the fact the results had come back low risk within the body of the email which was great, as we also chose to find out the gender too, which was within the report they had attached to the email, meaning I knew all was ok results wise while at work, and could wait until I was at home with hubby to find out the sex together!

I'm definitely glad I went for the test as it has reassured me and settled some of my worries.

OP posts:

treeless · 07/05/2019 09:42

I think if you can afford it, go for it. I've got the second part of my harmony test today when I find out the results. I've done it for all my pregnancies as I'm an "older" mum. It's always given me a much much much lower risk factor than the nhs test. For me, the reduction in anxiety was worth it, but everyone is different and of course no test is 100%. If you're based in London, I'd recommend the feral medical centre. Congratulations on your pregnancy OP.

treeless · 07/05/2019 09:42

FETAL not feral!!!

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