Feeling pressured to get genetic testing?

Question

Every time I go to a prenatal appointment I am asked multiple times about genetic testing. We opted out of the blood work just as we did with our first born. We do not wish to know if the baby has any genetic condition because we will love the baby the same no matter what. I just feel like it clearly shows in our chart we opted out, so why am I constantly asked about getting it done or reminded why people have it done? It's getting frustrating.

Answer

They like you to have it done even if you'll love your baby and keep your baby, because that way you can coordinate resources, care, infant surgical procedures  etc while you're pregnant instead of having to do invasive testing with a newborn and figure everything out while caring for a newborn with special needs or health problems. It's not meant to be malicious or to tell you that you should terminate or not keep your baby, it's because they want the baby to have the best care if heaven forbid something is wrong. They also document it a million times so you can't come after them later that they didn't urge you to have the testing done if after the baby is born there's a serious issue that wasn't caught during pregnancy.

Answer

I think it’s often in the doctors best interest to do it, because that way they can know ahead of time if there needs to be extra steps taken once the baby is born (for instance, with downs there is a high incidence of babies born with holes in their heart, so if they know a child being born has downs, they can have the staff on hand equipped to deal with infant cardiac cases). I don’t think it’s them being insensitive of your request, but rather them trying to give you and your child the best care modern medicine can offer. 
It’s wonderful that you’ll love your baby regardless of whether or not they have any genetic condition and I think many people feel the same. However some genetic conditions require far above and beyond what caring for a newborn would otherwise. It can be beneficial to have that care lined up ahead of time if you can, should there be a need.
That being said, it is completely your right to not have it done. Next time you’re there, be kind but firm with the nurse and doctor and ask them to put it in your chart so you aren’t asked further questions about it.

Answer

They aren’t forcing it on you. It’s more than likely just bc they see that it hasn’t been done yet. Let them know you don’t want to at all and ask they put it in your charts. It’s easy for them to forget.

Answer

Ask them to make a not of it in your chart that you don't want it done. They probably keep asking because they see it hasn't been done. You might also ask if there is a reason they keep asking or if they ask everyone the same way. (Honestly, I think they just see it hasn't been done and don't know it's been offered. I don't think there's any malicious intent.)

Answer

Be very clear about your answer and they won't ask again.

Answer

My midwife pushed for it but ONLY because she didnt want any medical emergency surprises at delivery.  (Twice now they’ve had to do emergency transports for surprise genetic disorders in newborns).  I said no but I’d consider it if something looked off in the anatomy scan.  Everything looked perfect so it should be okay!

Answer

I'm sure they're not suggesting it because they think it'll change your mind about anything.
It just really is better to know ahead of time if there's a problem, rather than end up in an emergency situation when you deliver.

Answer

They want to bill your insurance.

Feeling pressured to get genetic testing?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products