NPIT test or wait until 12 weeks?

Question

Just wanting some advice! I’ve been given 2 options by my midwife and not sure which route to take.
1. NIPT test at 10 weeks to check for chromosomal abnormalities and to find out gender for $700
2. Wait until 12 week scan and check for abnormalities then in conjunction with a simpler blood test for $50
Obviously it’s a big cost difference, are the NIPT absolutely worth it for peace of mind?

Answer

Saving $650 to wait a few weeks? I'd wait! Lol

Answer

I did the NIPT with both my kids and plan to with this pregnancy as well. $700 seems a bit high, they had a plan when I did it where if insurance copay was more than $350 they would let me pay out of pocket for $350. It was quite worth it to me to have the information the test provides, it’s a very individual choice.

Answer

I work in Genetics in the US and thought I’d toss a couple thoughts your way. Hope you find them helpful!
1. $650 difference is no joke! However, I just realized you may be saying NZ dollars, which would be about $450 US. Still a high cost, but a little more reasonable.
2. Even though you’re in NZ, I wonder if you would qualify for any of the discounted programs through the NIPT company itself. With my first, the company offered a steeply decreased cost if you took a survey. They actually ultimately never billed me! I would find out what company your midwife uses and reach out to them directly to see if they have anything available.
3. In terms of quality, NIPT is technically better. NIPT has better sensitivity (likelihood to pick up a chromosomal abnormality if one is present) and specificity (an abnormal result is less likely to be incorrect). Nuchal translucency and the other markers can technically detect a couple other diagnoses, but they’re also more likely to miss a chromosomal diagnosis or give a false positive that leads to recommendation for more testing.
4. If you’re low risk, I think either is reasonable, though the OB/GYN groups in the US are pushing for insurance coverage for NIPT for all age groups. I plan to do NIPT regardless of cost when it comes up for me during my pregnancy. But that’s just my decision. 🙂

Answer

Your insurance may cover the nipt test if you are considered "advanced maternal age". I had my first at 35 and it was fully covered. Definitely worth a call to your insurance to check.

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My nipt test was fully covered by my insurance with my last pregnancy, I got it done at 10 weeks

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We did an NIPT and got a false positive for neural tube defects🙄 the most stressful time of my life where I cried everyday for months and almost got an amniocentesis (which puts you at greater risk of miscarriage) but I’m still going to do the NIPT again because it gave me piece of mind that the doctors would be prepared for him and whatever extra care he needed when he came out. Luckily all turned out fine but just being able to know is worth it to me personally

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Why is it costing that much? I feel like we were offered Natera and it was going to be like $200 Max no insurance? So I’m just really confused rn? 🤔

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Not to be grim but my personal opinion is that the NIPT is worth it if you would consider terminating for undesirable results (trisomy 13, etc) . If the results wouldn't impact you keeping the pregnancy than I would opt out and wait. It is a very personal decision, some would say ignorance is bliss, other would rather be prepared and know what to expect.

Answer

Thank you for the advice, always good to hear some different perspectives! I’m from New Zealand where all my maternity care is free or heavily subsidised but just this particular test isn’t funded so it really is a personal choice! I have a few more weeks to think on it 😊

Answer

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NPIT test or wait until 12 weeks?

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