Trisomy testing. Are you doing it?

Question

So yesterday our doctor discussed the Trisomy 21,18, 13 test (down syndrome, spinal bifida, diGeorge- syndrome, X/Y test)
All 3 test options are payable and not covered by out insurance and at 380€ they are not cheap. Although discussing with my SO, we agreed money would not play a part in our decision.
We both decided that regardless of the outcome we would want to hold our child and bring it to full term.
So I was wondering if the test is even worth it. 
The only one at 100% success is invasive (which we will not do)
Based on our decision to keep our child the test would only give us a heads up.
I am looking for feedback on your decision if you did or did not do the test. 
And would you want to change after the fact.

Answer

Just because you do the testing does not mean the only reason is to decide whether or not to abort.  
49-54% of Down syndrome children, for example, have a cardiac defect- some of which require urgent cardiac surgery.  They have higher rates of sleep apnea and pulmonary hypertension- all of which can be life threatening if not monitored and treated promptly and effectively.
It is about being prepared.  Will you two be able to care for a child with trisomy 13?  They require around the clock care either in the hospital or at home- which one of you will quit your job to stay home?  Can you afford it?  What if you already have a severely Autistic child?  Could you reasonably handle 2?  What social support for special needs childcare do you have?  If the child is likely not to walk, is your house/apt wheelchair accessible?  If not, you need to start saving even more for a new handicap accessible home.
I’m just saying that parents who test for these things love their unborn child just as much as you do and often want to be as medically, emotionally and financially prepared as possible, should something come up.

Answer

We did the NIPT blood test and paid out of pocket...to me, it was important for peace of mind and to be able to mentally and emotionally prepare if necessary. If my child was going to have Down syndrome, I wanted to start talking about it immediately so when he/she came everyone already knew and was ready to love him/her the way they were instead of being shocked or sending condolences.

Answer

I've decided not to do the early test, as we will not terminate. 
We will have an alternative test at 32 weeks, which Is said to be more accurate and checks the physical child rather than blood and covers a larger range of symptoms, without being invasive. 
And this will also give us time to plan if needed.

Answer

I would do the test to be better prepared for what's ahead.  Some things are treatable if found early enough and for the things that aren't, it's better to be prepared and learn as much as you can about the road that lies ahead.  Knowledge is power and can be a great tool with helping LO.  However, since keeping baby either way, the decision is ultimately how you both feel about knowing vs not knowing

Answer

Ill be doing the harmony test so I at least have a heads up on how high my risk is. If that brings something to our attention, we’ll go from there. I’d rather be prepared

Answer

I go in for my spina bifida blood work on the 19th.

Trisomy testing. Are you doing it?

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