Anyone not having screening tests?

[mejon]

I'm 42 and had my booking appointment and dating scan today and I'm 11+3. I was considering having a Nuchal scan but this needs to be done privately and would mean a trip of 2.5 hours each way (neither a problem) but now I'm not sure if there's any point as I would not be inclined to go for an Amnio if the results came back as 'high risk'. I had the blood tests at 16 weeks when I had DD in 2006 but obviously my age makes my risk that much higher this time anyway. DH is happy to see how things go with the anomoly scan at 20 weeks - which I know won't necessarily pick anything untoward up but might give us some idea as to how things are.

I don't know what I'm trying to ask really - has anyone else decided not to have these tests and been happy with their choice? Is not knowing either way better than worrying what if if the screening results came back as high risk? Any experiences?

Yes, me. I chose not to have scans or any screening tests.

Yes, I was happy with my choice; am currently 6/40 and am exercising that same choice again, God willing I get that far.

Can't possibly answer whether that choice is better than worrying if the results come back as high risk; that is highly personal and differs from person to person. I chose not to have ANY form of screening because I believe that termination is wrong; therefore it wouldn't affect the outcome. It is HIGHLY personal and no-one can give you a blanket "yes, this is a better choice" answer.

I think the crucial thing to do, which you are obv doing, is to decide whether you would action any of the information. I think a LOT of people blithely agree to acreening without THINKING about it, because "it's rountine" and then get shocked if the outcome isn't ideal. Have a look at the antenetal testing and choices thread. That helped consolidate my mind.

One of the posters here often comments that a child is more likely to suffer from cerebral palsy and that is untestable for. An excellent point.

I have 3 dc's and am currently 11 weeks pg with number 4. I am not having the triple test, as even if it comes back as high risk, it will not change the way my DP and I feel about continuing with this pregnancy. Two out of 3 of my current children have extra needs, of which one of these problems actually has a 50% chance of affecting each subsequent child, and there is no test for while you are still carrying the child. DS is not that major a problem, I know of 2 ds children that have had less health problems than my DS2 who didn't walk or talk until he was over 3yo due to muscle problems etc.

i didn't have the nuchal scan this time, i had it for dc1 and dc2 just because they provided it, but as I'm 43 i didn't think it was going to tell me anything I wanted to know and I wasn't going to have amnio. i did have a 13w dating scan and a 20w anomaly scan.

Thanks ladies - that's my feeling too - I wouldn't terminate for DS and as you say Littlesilver, they can't test for some conditions anyway. I have been looking at the antenatal testing and choices thread and it has helped make up my mind.

TBH I hadn't even considered thinking about tests up until a couple of weeks ago when I suddenly realised I was 42 and pg and maybe it was something I should be doing, but having had my meeting with the MW this morning who helped me see things more clearly I'm just going to opt for the anomaly scan.

We haven't had any of the tests (25 weeks and 35 years old) as my logic was I wouldn't want the amnio or a termination so what would I gain by having the tests. Looking at other threads they seem to cause a lot more anxiety than peace of mind

I have had all the standard blood tests and both scans at 12 weeks and at 20 weeks, but elected not to have any screening/testing for Down's etc. BTW I am almost 39, so fall into the "high risk" category. My husband and I both decided before we even sat down to have the conversation about whether to accept or decline this test that we would continue with the pregnancy no matter what and would not be prepared to take the 1%, or whatever it is, risk of miscarriage that amnio or CVS poses. Yes, we could have had non-invasive screening for Down's - but that would only have told us what the chances were of having an affected child and if the risk was high we'd just be worrying for the rest of the pregnancy. I'm now 27 weeks and this remains the right choice for both of us - no regrets at all. Littlesilver makes the excellent point that before having any of these tests you need to think about what you would do with the information it provides. Two friends of mine who also knew that they would not consider a termination, however, decided they would have the screening tests - one went as far as amnio when her results came back very high and one chose not to have amnio. They each felt they needed to know - either so they could relax during the pregnancy if they came back very low risk/negative, or to prepare themselves if the tests came back positive.