Genetic screening ??

Question

Hello ladies , I have been asked for genetic  screening in 10 weeks. I am curious and need some help . What is genetic screening? What do they look for? Is it important? Will it cause any problem if I don’t do it? In short what’s the pros and cons of the genetic screening ??? Please help me. And yes I am 36 and will deliver my third baby at age 37.

Answer

For your age it’s probably a good idea. They just check for any genetic markers such as Down syndrome, trisomy 13,18,21 and I think a few other chromosomal abnormalities. This is my first pregnancy and I’m 22 and will be doing it! They also can tell the gender! There’s not any harm if you don’t do it because it won’t change the out come if your baby does have any chromosomal abnormalities, because there’s nothing they can do to change the results!

Answer

They do it for all women over 35. You can request it if under 35. But basically checking for various genetic things like schizophrenia, down syndrome, heart anomalies, etc... they are worried about "old" eggs and "geriatric" pregnancies increasing the risk of genetic anomolies. It isnt bad to have, but I dont like that they require just for "older" women. But as a friend said to me "why not check for things if you can".

Answer

Wait until 11w so they have more baby dna in your blood to check. We did it, I am 32 going on 33 and so is my husband, but we wanted peace of mind

Answer

I choose to do the testing for the simple reason that if there’s something wrong, I have options.  If there are markers for Down syndrome, I can do my research so I know what to expect and start looking at the best therapies and when I can start them. If there’s another issue, my doctors can be aware so if there is action that needs to be taken soon after birth, it’s not a surprise for anyone.  
One of my best friends did it and found out her daughter had a heart defect. They were able to talk with a team of doctors and have a medical plan ready for when the baby was born. It not only potentially saved her daughters life (they had to do open heart surgery almost immediately), but it allowed my friend and her husband to know and understand that she would be taken from them right after birth and they made their plan as to what they wanted to do.

Genetic screening ??

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