What tests ate mandatory vs optional?

My friend had a pointless scare with the AFP (?) test and she said to stick only with mandatory tests and to decline anything optional unless there's a solid medical reason. She said the stress and worry isn't worth it if the baby is healthy otherwise. Any input?

Re: What tests ate mandatory vs optional?

My SIL did this - although I don't know if it's different in Canada. She only had 3 sonos her entire pregnancy (until the end when baby was late so she went in to schedule an induction). Baby was healthy, everything was fine so she didn't do any tests that weren't mandatory.

Re: What tests ate mandatory vs optional?

I think the only optional tests are the 12 week nt scan and the 16 week afp.

Re: What tests ate mandatory vs optional?

With both pregnancies I did all the required blood work as well as the 12 week NT scan and the Level Two Anatomy Scan around 16-18 weeks. I liked the peace of mind the tests provided, there was NO way I would've considered skipping them.

This pregnancy, because I am 37, they wanted me to have genetic counseling and an amnio because of my age but I declined. My test results from the other tests came back perfect so I saw no reason for further testing.

Re: What tests ate mandatory vs optional?

I didn't get told anything was optional.

What tests ate mandatory vs optional?

So far I have agreed to all non-invasive optional testing - this includes the NT Scan, 16 wk genetic scan and 20 wk Level II scan. I will be 35 yrs old when I deliver and the NT Scan bloodwork came back with low PAPP-A results, so I just feel more comfortable with the extra tests. I have opted out of the amnio and CVS because those are more invasive and come with added risks.

Re: What tests ate mandatory vs optional?

We did not do the NT scan, but since I went to my 16week appt alone, I did get the 16 week blood work, just felt like it was better to know.... everything has come back great, and the 20 week scan was awesome, (I don't think that is optional though) DH didn't want any optional genetic testing because our risk factors are low and he said it would just make me crazy if there was anything possibly wrong...

What tests ate mandatory vs optional?

Honestly all are optional. But the 20 week is the only one my Dr was strong about doing.

I ddid not do the NT or the AFP. I did have an amnio but that was completely my choice and the Dr didn't push it just gave me stats on it and infomation about how the test is done.

What tests ate mandatory vs optional?

Nothing is mandatory. Except HIV testing on the baby if yore not tested. Think of it this way, if there was potentially something abnormal with the fetus, would you want to know? Would you terminate the pregnancy if there was? All rhetorical questions. Just some food for thought.

Re: What tests ate mandatory vs optional?

What tests ate mandatory vs optional?

honestly.. I just went with whatever the doc said they do there and got all the testing done that they do at the office.. I was never told any of the test were optional but Im glad that I got them all done so I feel better that my baby is looking good and healthy:) it put me more at ease getting all the bloodwork and scans..plus got to see the baby as much as I could:)

Message edited 2/25/2013 2:22:13 PM.

Re: What tests ate mandatory vs optional?

I opted out of the 12 week NT scan and the 16 week bloodwork testing. I have heard of too many people having scares from these and termination was not an option either way.

I figured that if something was seriously wrong it would be detected at the 20 week anatomy scan and we would deal with it then. It's not like you can do anything about it any sooner.

It's a personal decision, but I was very low risk and I know of too many people who spent weeks sick with worry over what turned out to be a false scare. (DH was also very paranoid about unnecessary sonos - but that was not a concern for me) Looking back I would opt out of the 12 week testing again with any future pregnancies.

Re: What tests ate mandatory vs optional?

Posted by Pomegranate5

I know of too many people who spent weeks sick with worry over what turned out to be a false scare. QUOTE]

That is exactly what I'd like to avoid provided there isn't any reason to suspect anything otherwise

Thanks everyone for the input, I really appreciate it!

Re: What tests ate mandatory vs optional?

What tests ate mandatory vs optional?

This is strictly my opinion on the NT and AFP test. I think it is a waste of a test and is the one that causes the undue stress for most people.

I know a handful of people (or more) that received poor results from these 2 tests. ANd NOTHING was wrong. I opted out of it because I was 38 when I was PG and knew that based on age alone my numbers would not be great. My sister was 41 when she had her DS and she got a 1 in 4 results. SHe had a CVS done within days and nothing was wrong. But for a few days she was a mess. I know I would be too.

my DH and I spent a few weeks deciding on whether to have an amnio or not. My Dr didn't care either way and siad it was completely up to us. He did kind of stear us away from the NT etc and I agreed. I didn't want a maybe I wanted yes or no!.

Pregnancy is stressful no matter what...you will question yourself daily on different issues...what to eat, can I do this that and the other thing. You just have to know yourself and your DH and decide on what the tests will do to you if they come back as questionable and what you will or won't do if there is soemthing wrong.

Re: What tests ate mandatory vs optional?