Early Screening/Scans/Tests

[pambee]

Are you planning on doing any early/genetic testing? I didn't do any with E and aren't sure yet if I will this time around, but honestly don't know much about the options either. I just started doing a little research so I know what to ask when I see my OB. So what about you? If you are, what are you considering? What have you opted for in previous pregnancies?

[grover]

Yes. Last time we did the Harmony test at 10.5 weeks. This time I think they said they prefer the other company, but whichever one they offer I will do. Part of it stems from the fact that I learned through the fertility specialist that I am a genetic carrier for a random disorder (thankfully my husband is NOT a carrier- it's compatible with life if two carriers have a child that has the recessive trait). Plus, last time I got a false positive during my second tri screening that was automatically negated by the fact that I had already done the Harmony test.

[Tlex]

Oh I just posted in the weekly check in about going for Panorama this afternoon! I would have preferred Harmony based on my research/ some helpful advice from Charliefox (you might find it in my post history!), but overall they’re really similar and this one was easier for me to access/my doctor to order, so I decided to just go with it.
We opted for the full panel screening including microdeletions and Q.22 (my doctor explained that this is a version of Down Syndrome).

The main reasons to consider it are:
- it gives you time to prepare for caring for a child with extra needs, should that be discovered/the pregnancy be viable and you choose not to terminate
- it gives you time and options to prepare should the pregnancy not be viable, lowering risks of an unforeseen miscarriage
- if you decide not to continue the pregnancy it gives you the chance to work through whatever comes with that for you and your family

In Ontario NIPT (NT scan and bloodwork) are automatically approved for all pregnant women, so being in BC it was disorienting for us to imagine going through a whole pregnancy without having any testing options. So here we are paying OOP, but it was really important to us.

[pambee]

grover Tlex thanks for your input! That gave me a lot to consider and I'm leaning more towards opting for that (whichever is offered) depending on if my insurance covers it and/or how much it would be oop.

[Tlex]

Aug 7, 2018 19:22:02 GMT -6 pambee said:

grover Tlex thanks for your input! That gave me a lot to consider and I'm leaning more towards opting for that (whichever is offered) depending on if my insurance covers it and/or how much it would be oop.

I have no idea how it works exactly but I’ve read so so so many (American) anecdotes about people calling the companies directly if their insurance doesn’t cover it and the companies reducing the OOP cost to something like $250... hopefully someone here knows more!

[pambee]

Aug 7, 2018 20:12:04 GMT -6 Tlex said:

Aug 7, 2018 19:22:02 GMT -6 pambee said:

grover Tlex thanks for your input! That gave me a lot to consider and I'm leaning more towards opting for that (whichever is offered) depending on if my insurance covers it and/or how much it would be oop.

I have no idea how it works exactly but I’ve read so so so many (American) anecdotes about people calling the companies directly if their insurance doesn’t cover it and the companies reducing the OOP cost to something like $250... hopefully someone here knows more!

That's good to know! I plan on calling my insurance later this week to look into it, so if they don't I will call the company directly!

[Yogurt]

I will be getting panorama, harmony or Materni21 should I get that far in this pregnancy. I'll get whatever one my office does. I'm 37 so it should be covered, but I'll pay for it either way.

[haleyscott]

I’m getting the first tri screening which is the ultrasound/blood work. It’s not the harmony test though.

I did this with my other two as well. I just would rather be prepared and have time to research. I have mine on the 24th.

[pambee]

Aug 8, 2018 7:05:05 GMT -6 haleyscott said:

I’m getting the first tri screening which is the ultrasound/blood work. It’s not the harmony test though.

I did this with my other two as well. I just would rather be prepared and have time to research. I have mine on the 24th.

Is that the NT test? I couldn't find as much info on that one online (in my very brief search) other than it wasn't as in depth as the NIPTs, but it includes the u/s. Since I'm pretty sure I'll be getting extra u/s with the monitoring my rheumatologist ordered I'm not leaning towards that being better for me.

But also I have no idea still so we'll see! I plan on seeing what my doctor recommends too.

[haleyscott]

Aug 8, 2018 7:30:52 GMT -6 pambee said:

Aug 8, 2018 7:05:05 GMT -6 haleyscott said:

I’m getting the first tri screening which is the ultrasound/blood work. It’s not the harmony test though.

I did this with my other two as well. I just would rather be prepared and have time to research. I have mine on the 24th.

Is that the NT test? I couldn't find as much info on that one online (in my very brief search) other than it wasn't as in depth as the NIPTs, but it includes the u/s. Since I'm pretty sure I'll be getting extra u/s with the monitoring my rheumatologist ordered I'm not leaning towards that being better for me.

But also I have no idea still so we'll see! I plan on seeing what my doctor recommends too.

I think you’re right! I agree on seeing what your doctor recommends.

[Yogurt]

Aug 8, 2018 7:30:52 GMT -6 pambee said:

Aug 8, 2018 7:05:05 GMT -6 haleyscott said:

I’m getting the first tri screening which is the ultrasound/blood work. It’s not the harmony test though.

I did this with my other two as well. I just would rather be prepared and have time to research. I have mine on the 24th.

Is that the NT test? I couldn't find as much info on that one online (in my very brief search) other than it wasn't as in depth as the NIPTs, but it includes the u/s. Since I'm pretty sure I'll be getting extra u/s with the monitoring my rheumatologist ordered I'm not leaning towards that being better for me.

But also I have no idea still so we'll see! I plan on seeing what my doctor recommends too.

You'll probably get the 13 week NT scan either way. It's standard here.

[pambee]

Aug 8, 2018 11:06:31 GMT -6 Yogurt said:

Aug 8, 2018 7:30:52 GMT -6 pambee said:

Is that the NT test? I couldn't find as much info on that one online (in my very brief search) other than it wasn't as in depth as the NIPTs, but it includes the u/s. Since I'm pretty sure I'll be getting extra u/s with the monitoring my rheumatologist ordered I'm not leaning towards that being better for me.

But also I have no idea still so we'll see! I plan on seeing what my doctor recommends too.

You'll probably get the 13 week NT scan either way. It's standard here.

Interesting! I didn't get anything with E but that was 4 years ago. I need to just be patient and wait for my appt in 2 weeks but I have no chill apparently.

[Yogurt]

Aug 8, 2018 11:08:18 GMT -6 pambee said:

Aug 8, 2018 11:06:31 GMT -6 Yogurt said:

You'll probably get the 13 week NT scan either way. It's standard here.

Interesting! I didn't get anything with E but that was 4 years ago. I need to just be patient and wait for my appt in 2 weeks but I have no chill apparently.

In California you have to opt out and sign something if you DON'T want the NT scan. That was in 2015. Its a quick ultra sound and bloodwork to check for downs and some other things (trisomies).

[Tlex]

Aug 7, 2018 18:42:03 GMT -6 grover said:

Yes. Last time we did the Harmony test at 10.5 weeks. This time I think they said they prefer the other company, but whichever one they offer I will do. Part of it stems from the fact that I learned through the fertility specialist that I am a genetic carrier for a random disorder (thankfully my husband is NOT a carrier- it's compatible with life if two carriers have a child that has the recessive trait). Plus, last time I got a false positive during my second tri screening that was automatically negated by the fact that I had already done the Harmony test.

I just read today that Panorama is the only test can tell you both the twins sex and whether or not they’re identical, thought you might be interested to know that!

[grover]

Tlex, I had read that as well! I think that was the test the receptionist mentioned as their general preferred NIPT when I told her I did Harmony last time. I'll find out on the 30th, but I'm crossing my fingers I can find out the sex sooner via NIPT over a/s.

[remi]

I was offered early testing with my DD but didn’t do it. This time I do but I’m with a different office and I’m not sure what it is they offer. I have my first appointment tomorrow afternoon so I will have to ask then. I’m really hoping they know what I’m talking about.

[whoopster]

I didn't do the testing last time, only the blood work that checks for trisomies I believe. I am also with a different office this time, so I'm not sure what I'll do this time.