Is it better to pay for tests? I'm 38 and first pregnancy

[usernamein]

My family have all had healthy pregnancies - mum was having babies until her 40s.

I'm having my first one at 38. I'm overweight/obese but no other health complaints.

I'm going for my first hospital appointment and Ive accidentally had to tell some family. I'm 10 weeks this week.

My anxiety over having a baby that it's viable etc is high. I really want this baby. Would it be wise to get a test done? I'm a bit confused what tests to do.

I'll be speaking to hospital midwife (if that's what I'm seeing) and ask for more information.

I know most pregnancies run smooth but when it's something you want it's hard :(

Don't worry about being overweight OP in regards to the tests, NIPT are blood tests and scans can be done internally (vaginally) if sonographer can't see what they need to abdmonially!

I've read they can fail if you are overweight and you do it too early :(

NIPT is a blood test, so obesity is not a factor.
Tiny bits of the baby's DNA make it across the placenta into the mother's blood and the test screens those.

People saying that you will get NIPT after nuchal screening on NHS if nuchal screening shows something...nuchal screening is not as accurate in the first place.

I'd totally have NIPT at that age if I could afford it and was really anxious.

I did pay privately for an early scan to confirm heartbeat at 7 weeks due to anxiety in my pregnancy. In other countries, women get a lot more screening throughout pregnancy, so I don't think it's irrational to want a bit more than the NHS 'no frills' approach to antenatal care.

I'd also recommend a doula to any first time mother who can afford it.

@uusernamein wow I did not know that! All the best for you whatever happens. Easier said than done but try not to stress too much!

@Whentwobecomesthree thanks I have emailed them now, I'm not eager to find out if there's an issue because I'd have am abortion, i absolutely wouldn't, I am hoping the test can rule things out and allow me to enjoy my pregnancy with no worry, I know if something shows up it'll make the pregnancy more worrisome but at least allow me some time to come to terms with things before baby is born.

@Gruffling NIPT is a blood test, so obesity is not a factor.

This is incorrect! Obesity is certainly a factor in the test failing! The performance of NIPT is affected by several factors including maternal obesity, which results in a greater rate of no-calls for obese pregnant women.

This doesn't mean everyone obese won't get a result, but there is more likelihood of it needing to be repeated or possibly not getting a result.

Congrats OP. Have you been taking a higher level of folic acid due to your weight? Its recommended to be taking 5mg of folic acid if obese, not the regular, over the counter 400mcg. Best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy x

OP- I realise I didn't actually answer your question. I paid for an NIPT at 11 weeks rather than waiting for the regular combined tests. I've heard of some people not getting the regular bloods till 14 weeks or later- and then IF NIPT was offered, they were already 16weeks or more. Too far along IMO.

In my case, the results showed trisomy 13- patau syndrome. I was 38 with my 1st pregnancy. I was glad to have the options to choose what to do early on before I was showing and before I'd told anyone.

There was and NHS initiative to offer NIPT on the NHS for high risk cases, but I don't know if this is in all areas or if it ever came in? IMO- waiting till 16+ weeks in come cases is far too long- even if it is on the NHS.

I'm so sorry to hear that.

Yes Im silly for telling my parents.

Hope you have gone on to have successful pregnancies.

Nothing wrong with telling your parents OP. If they will be supportive on all outcomes and not blab to everyone they know- (unless you'd want them too?) then thats fine.

Unfortunately, I have never had a successful pregnancy to term. TTC 13yrs, 3 losses, rounds of IVF and no cause for sub-fertility found. With my 1st loss and pregnancy at 38- I was told the likely cause was 'old eggs'!

My case though isn't common OP- so don't assume its the norm. x

I feel so sorry for you and I'm sorry you weren't able to have children.

The SAFE test I believe is the best test around when looking at trisomies. The trust I work at does it, St George’s but I’m sure you can get it elsewhere also.