Over 35 yrs and Genetic Testing

So at my last OB visit I was given referrals for a consult with a MFM doctor and genetics consult.

I had scheduled both and had my MFM appointment first and she gave me my NT results which were good and said she didn't see any further testing needed at that time(genetics). I then cancelled my genetics consult. Fast forward to today. I have my OB appointment this evening and nervous that my OB may not be happy that I didn't go to genetics. Anyone else not listen to their OB?

Over 35 yrs and Genetic Testing

Personally, I think the testing is a suggestion not a requirement. I was 38 when pg with my 1st and while the subject of testing was not brought up by my dr, DH and I discussed and knew that we would not do it.
Now that we are trying again and I am 40, it was brought up (different dr) and I already know that if/when we get pg we most likely would not be doing any testing and told the dr that. He was fine with it.

Re: Over 35 yrs and Genetic Testing

I am 40 having #2 and did not go to genetic counseling. . I had an appt but skipped it due to a long wait but if yours is like the average all they are going to do is scare the hell out of you. . the consult usually does not even deal with real numbers just with averages and risks based on your age, ethnicity, etc and offers info on other tests etc. If you are happy with your results you should have no worries. I think it is standard for you OB to refer you but I don't think it matters at all if you went!

Re: Over 35 yrs and Genetic Testing

Not over 35 but my OB suggested genetic counseling because of a congenital heart issue I have. However, I have had this my whole life and I am very well aware that it is not hereditary, I have spoken about it at length with my cardiologists. So I didn't go. They did not ever press the issue. It's our body, our call. Of course we want to hear from our medical practitioners but in the end we make our own (hopefully informed) decisions. If the specialist felt it wasn't necessary, I wouldn't worry!

Re: Over 35 yrs and Genetic Testing

I don't think its a big deal. I was 36 when I had my first DD. My doc referred me to a high risk doc (due to another issue of mine). They went over my first trimester results and said that, based on my results, I was at no increased risk of anything, so we opted not to have any invasive tests.
With DD#2, my risk for trisomy 18 came back high so I did have the amnio. (I also had a m/c due to trisomy 22 between my DDs). I was 39.
I think that you can make the decision based on your own circumstances. And the geneticist I went to did not scare me at all. She gave me all the information and let me decide for myself. I found her very helpful at sorting things out.

ETA: DD#2 did have a disorder that was not able to be picked up on the amnio. I can say that I truly wish it had been. They can now test for it as well as many other things when they do an amnio or CVS (and it was not age-related at all). I went to North Shore-LIJ genetics dept. and did not have to wait weeks for an appt.

Message edited 4/19/2013 3:02:39 AM.

Over 35 yrs and Genetic Testing

I'm just a few months shy of 36 and newly preggo w/DC#2. DS is 8 months old and while I was preggo w/him I was offered genetic counseling. DH & I decided that because all my early testing came back perfect w/out the hint of any issues we decided to skip it. My OB never questioned me about it. With this DC, I have to see how we feel as we get closer but, I think we might do the testing.

Re: Over 35 yrs and Genetic Testing

I was 35 (giving birth at 36) with DS. They did not suggest a genitics counselor. We did do the NT and our results came back good so, though the doctor mentioned we could do the CVS or amnio, he did not seem like he thought it was necessary unless I really wanted to - I really didn't.

This time, I just turned 40 and am due in July. The first doctor I saw at the practice - new since DS was born - talked about the tests - which, although I know they have low risks, just scare me. But, after scaring me with that for a little and discussing my "advanced maternal age" - we talked about the Materniti21 blood test which is (supposedly) 99% accurate, we decided to go with that. We still did the NT exam and the results from that as well as the results from the Materniti21 were fine so we decided not to go any further with an amnio or CVS. Again, no one discussed a genetic counselor with us.

Over 35 yrs and Genetic Testing

I was 38 when I gave birth. I did not go any genetic counseling. My Dr saidd I did not have to do any type of testin gand that it was all up to me.

We decided against the NT but decided to do the amnio.

NOTHING is required so do what you feel comfy with.

Re: Over 35 yrs and Genetic Testing

I was 33 when I had my DD and 38 with my DS..........I declined ALL genetic testing. I saw no need. DH and I have no family history of genetic defects and my NT scan and Anatomy Scan all were perfect. Had those tests come back with anything "iffy" I *may* have considered further testing but I wasn't about to have extra testing done just because of my age, it didn't seem necessary.

FYI - Both of my babies were perfect and healthy so I made the right choice for me.

Over 35 yrs and Genetic Testing

Thanks Ladies

Message edited 4/19/2013 6:32:08 PM.

Over 35 yrs and Genetic Testing

Im 40 on #3 and was never referred or advised to consult with a Genetic Counseling or tested. I was given my options though, that I think every woman should know...OPTIONS. I have only done the standard scans/blood tests.
Good Luck in what ever you decide. Its a personal decision.