We are on the fence about doing it. It sounds like it was definitely worth it for you to know. Did you consider not doing it, or doing a different test instead? How long did it take for the results to come back?
We are on the fence about doing it. It sounds like it was definitely worth it for you to know. Did you consider not doing it, or doing a different test instead? How long did it take for the results to come back?
MissMusic, I never considered not doing it. I am 38 now so I know the odds were increased of me having a child with a chromosomal defect. I wanted to know so I could be prepared. Two of the Trisomy defects can be deadly or a short life span (less than a year if not a few days) and the other one causes Downs. I didn't want to find either of those out at delivery. After working with parents of children with disabilities, they all have said how they had to grieve the idea of what they thought their child would be before they could become the best parent for the child they were given. I didn't want my sad mixed with my happy. If that makes sense... also, many babies with Downs have other issues that need to be dealt with.. some have heart issues that require fairly immediate surgery or due to their enlarged tongues, need feeding help. I wanted all my ducks and specialist in a row from the get-go.
Some people have said to me that they wouldn't want to know because they would keep their baby... that always offended me to the nth degree. I spend my days working with families and kids with disabilities. I would (and will) love this baby no matter what issues come out with him. If anything, I looked at the testing as a way to make sure I had everything ready for him that I could possibly have ready. And while we don't have to worry about Trisomy, there are plenty of other things that he can be born with and I will always be one that will be pushy and on the quick end of getting services. I have seen the difference between a child getting Early Intervention and a child who hasn't.
Sorry, didn't mean to write a novel
We did Harmony because that is what the doctor offered. I had read about them all prior to meeting the doctor and they really are all the same, they just use different labs. Also, if your insurance doesn't cover Harmony, the most out of pocket the lab will charge is $130 which is less than the others. I can't remember how old you are but if you are over 35, insurance should cover it. It took us 8 business days to get the results back.
Thanks mrsrek10, thats all good info. I'm 35 so I will check the insurance. OBs seem to be pushing Harmony over other tests so I did some digging on it, but since you had it done I figured I'd ask your experience.
MissMusic, you are welcome. I have to be careful or I end up on my soapbox with these things. But it definitely is a very personal decision. I am still so excited for you!
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