Ultra-screen

[sjmj]

Ultra-screen is the first trimester screening for Down Syndrome and Trisomy 18 and 13. Does anyone have first-hand experience with this test? I did not have it with my last children but since I will barely be 35 (gasp!!) with this baby, my doctor said that he had to tell me about it. I never felt old until we had to have the "age talk." Grrr....

We are having a hard time deciding if we should have the screening done, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Starr1402]

I think they have to tell anyone about it no matter what their age is. I had done last year with my child and I was 22 then. Whenever they did the ultrasound and she measured the neck she was able to tell me then if I should be worried or not, then after the ultrasound they drew blood and was able to call me within a few days and let me know the result.

[alsace77]

At my OB's office they offer it to everyone regardless of age. We opted out b/c the results really wouldn't have changed anything for us, and there are lots of false positives. No sense in having one more thing to worry about while pregnant, IMO.

[tessmom]

Is that the QUAD screen? That is the test I did in the first trimester. Mine came back that I was higher risk for trisomy 18 (Downs) so we did a follow up amnio. Honestly, I probably would have done amnio anyway so it just got me in a bit quicker. The test is just a screening device that analyzes different risk factors. It is in no way a diagnostic test.

It is really individualized whether it is important to you. If you do it and the test comes back low risk than you can just relax and not worry in your pregnancy. But, if it comes back that there are markers or risk factors then you will have to decide whether or not to do a more invasive diagnostic test like CVS or amnio I suppose.

I think going into it realizing that it is not a diagnostic test is really important though. That way if they call you with results that indicate an increased risk for genetic disorders you do not panic and think your baby actually has the disorder.

[vegmom]

We did not have that testing done, because like the other poster the results wouldn't have changed anything for us. I also didn't want the needless false positive worry.

But Tessmom's advice is very good about when to start worrying or not.

[bydesign]

Yes mid-30's here too, but I do think it's an option for everyone at this point. There is a certain window period you have to have the test done and I believe it's between 11-13 weeks. With this being my fourth, I did want the test done. I have three healthy children at this point and I wanted to know if there was anything going on so I could prepare myself. The funny thing is I had a mandatory trip scheduled during those weeks which made it impossible for me to have the test. I then felt immense guilt over 'feeling' that I should have it done in the first place. The fact that my trip was scheduled during the time I needed to get the testing done was like a confirmation for me that I didn't need it, nor can you ever really prepare yourself for what life may have to offer you. Of course, pregnancy brings on all kinds of random thoughts and emotions. I hope you can make a good decision that you are comfortable with!