Prenatal Testing

Let me preface this entry by stating I don't like surprises.  When I was younger I would hunt for my Christmas presents.  I never wanted a surprise Birthday party, because it had to be planned ahead of time.  When my husband was ready to propose I helped him pick out the ring.  If you tell me you have a surprise, I will probably bug you until you tell me all about it.  I go with the saying, "Knowledge is power."

Most pregnant moms feel this way about our babies.  We can't see inside our own bodies, so we have tests and ultrasounds to tell us about this tiny new life.  Is he healthy?  Is is safe?  How big is he?  When is he due?  What will he look like?  Will it be a boy or girl?  These questions plague moms to be.

Then we come to the prenatal testing.  I am currently in my second trimester.  There is a whole list of tests that I can choose from.  My doctor's office offers: Amniocentesis, Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein Screening (MSAFS), Percutaneous Umbilical Cord Blood Sampling (PUBS), Quad Screen, or Triple Screen Test.  There are risks and benefits to each of these.  American Pregnancy Association has a great breakdown of each of these tests. 

Personally, I am choosing not to do any invasive procedures.  I will probably only do the Quad Screen.  The Quad Screen is a maternal blood test.  The screen is essentially the same as the screening tests that look for only three substances (Triple Screen), except the likelihood of identifying pregnancies at risk for Down Syndrome is higher through the evaluation of Inhibin-A levels. These tests DO NOT diagnose a problem; they only signal that further testing should be done.  Except for the discomfort of drawing blood, there are no known risks or side effects associated with the quad screen test.


What tests did you have done?  Why or why not?

Personal News

I have wonderful news to share with my birthy friends...  I am pregnant!  We are so happy.  There were no interventions or drugs needed this time.  Since I am diagnosed with PCOS and had a difficult conception with my first son, this is a real miracle!

I went to my OB doctor yesterday.  I am 12 weeks along and we heard the external fetal heartbeat.  Everything looks great so far.  I can't wait to bring you all along on this journey with us.