https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 25 May 2026 07:31:29 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1086170 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 17:15:29 +0000 banana 1086170@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A lot of mamas skip genetic testing so don't feel bad! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1086163 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 17:08:48 +0000 T-Mom 1086163@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wasn't offered the option to do the NT scan.. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085886 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 15:10:06 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 1085886@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My midwife said about 50% of people do the NT scan an 50% don't. We don't even have that other option here I don't think! None of my friends did the NT scan either.. I did only because I wanted the US at 12 weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085752 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 14:28:55 +0000 raintreebee 1085752@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BabyBoecksMom: Just want to mention that I am really, really, really glad we did the NT scan along with Maternit21 (a Harmony-like test). The Maternit21 test results came back inconclusive (I think this happens in about 5% of Harmony tests). Also, because of a low protein level in my NT bloodwork, I discovered that I likely had a placental problem. So it's not just genetic issues that can be uncovered. And now I will be monitored very closely to ensure the right time to deliver before something happens to the baby in utero do to the malfunctioning placenta. So in the end, the NT scan may save my baby's life. Not trying to scare you--this is all very rare, but I am glad we did the testing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085741 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 14:26:29 +0000 ShootingStar 1085741@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My health insurance covers everything - including the NT scan AND the MaterniT21 test (which I assume is like the Harmony one your'e referring to). I wouldn't rely on a nurse at your doctor's office to know what your specific coverage is. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085707 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 14:16:29 +0000 sslm 1085707@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We opted out of the NT scan. A lot of people do, so I definitely wouldn't feel guilty :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085642 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 13:57:58 +0000 Mrs. Lovejoy 1085642@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>no scans for us! Super healthy babe :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085635 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 13:56:07 +0000 indi 1085635@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Dandelion: Same. And like @deerylou: said, unless we would terminate or do amnio for further testing, they encouraged no additional screenings until the 20 week ultrasound. </p> <p>Don't worry, mama, you're looking out for what's best for baby, and so is your Dr, @BabyBoecksMom:. :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085627 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 13:50:29 +0000 raintreebee 1085627@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BabyBoecksMom: The AFP is done around 16 weeks. Just had mine done. (abnormal :/) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085588 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 13:36:58 +0000 deerylou 1085588@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We opted out of all the genetic testing. When I initially looked into it, I discovered that my insurance would only cover the NT or quad screening if I met the risk criteria, anyway. </p> <p>My OB mentioned the same as @lemondrop: unless we planned to terminate, we could just wait until the anatomy scan at 20 weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085533 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 13:17:25 +0000 lemondrop 1085533@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We wouldn't have even done the NT scan if we didn't want to see the little one again before announcing (partially to be prepared, but really it was purely selfish on my part to see baby!) It was nice to get the peace of mind that things are good early on, but we skipped all of it last time since I never bothered to research any of it. </p> <p>Last time my doc said unless we would terminate the pregnancy in the face of an abnormality, it was all stuff we could find out at the anatomy scan anyway. My new practice pushed it a little more this time, but they do the scan and only if there are concerns they will do the Harmony test. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085528 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 13:16:09 +0000 loveisstrange 1085528@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We skipped the NT scan and the quad screen with C. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085518 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 13:12:18 +0000 Bao 1085518@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We skipped it both times! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085496 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 13:00:21 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 1085496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Lozza: maybe I'm thinking of the AFP. I can't remember how early the testing was last time, and I thought it was all done at 12 weeks. Thank you - that did put me at ease :-) I just wanted to make sure that, if the baby does have it, that we can catch it early enough to possibly fix it. </p> <p>Oh, and the hormones are kicking in full force (12 weeks) so that's not helping me to think logically anymore - ha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085451 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 12:40:46 +0000 pl0508 1085451@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: ditto ! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085399 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 12:28:23 +0000 avivoca 1085399@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We skipped the NT and went straight to the anatomy scan. We also did not do any genetic testing. It will be fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085382 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 12:24:22 +0000 Mae 1085382@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@swurlygurl: That's my concern. I think I have a much higher risk of causing myself unnecessary stress from going through the testing than I have a risk of catching any issue that I could do anything about by getting the tests. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085328 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 12:05:46 +0000 swurlygurl 1085328@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also skipped all the genetic testing. My SIL got a risk factor result from one of her tests and it ruined her whole pregnancy because she stressed the whole time (baby ended up completely healthy). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085310 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 12:00:57 +0000 MrsMccarthy 1085310@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As far as I know insurance doesn't cover the early gender test unless you are over 35 in most cases. That said I do not think you should feel bad at all. You clearly love your baby and want what is best for them. You just didn't know. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085288 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 11:55:54 +0000 Meltini 1085288@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We skipped all genetic testing as well. Don't stress about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085282 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 11:53:58 +0000 Dandelion 1085282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My dr office doesn't do the NT scan. They just find all of that stuff at the anatomy scan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085266 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 11:49:31 +0000 Lozza 1085266@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mae: Actually, there is a benefit to finding out early about spina bifida- certain cases can benefit from prenatal surgery. So finding out early can, for a small number of babies, make a big difference in their early health issues. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085265 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 11:49:06 +0000 Ash 1085265@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We skipped all genetic testing - but they still check for things on the anatomy scan at 20 weeks. Don't fret, mama!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085252 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 11:43:51 +0000 Lozza 1085252@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was under the impression that neural tube defects couldn't be detected as early as the NT scan anyhow, which is why even if you have an NT scan or a CVS, they still do an AFP test around 16 weeks to look for possible indicators of a neural tube defect, so I think you wouldn't have gotten the information you're looking for through an NT scan anyhow! And the AFP should still be covered, I'd imagine, just a little later on in pregnancy.<br /> I had a CVS with my current pregnancy and even though there was an ultrasound, we still did the AFP at 16 weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085210 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 11:28:54 +0000 Mae 1085210@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are opting out of all genetic testing entirely! And I don't feel guilty at all. It's not like knowing if your baby had spina bifida would change that reality for the baby (and seriously--- it's SO UNLIKELY there is anything wrong with your baby). So why worry about it? It will be what it is (and it will be fine!). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085201 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 11:25:12 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1085201@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We skipped the NT scan the first time, no guilt! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085196 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 11:23:47 +0000 raintreebee 1085196@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Mine were both covered by insurance. Btw, I don't think that spina bifida is typically detected until the anatomy scan later on. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085195 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 11:23:31 +0000 nana87 1085195@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>are you sure the harmony test doesn't test for the same things? my ob told me that the harmony test ids risks up to 99% whereas NT and cvs (or maybe it was the quad blood test, I got those confused...) combined are like 93%, so harmony was better but in my state they will legally only run the harmony test for moms over 35 so she can't do it for me...she was speaking really fast and i haven't done my own research on it, but my impression was that the harmony was way better than NT, so I wouldn't feel guilty for doing it instead. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085192 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 11:22:55 +0000 wahine08 1085192@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We skipped the NT Scan and waited for the 20 week anatomy scan. Don't worry, LOADS of people skip this scan. If there are things to be found, they will find it.</p> <p>Try not to worry!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/feeling-guilty-about-testing-decision#post-1085182 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 11:19:19 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 1085182@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So... being the impatient person I am, I decided to go with the Panorama/Harmony test instead of the NT scan, because they test for pretty much the same thing, and I really wanted to know the gender early. But I forgot about the things that can only be identified on an ultrasound... like spina bifida, which would be discovered during the NT scan.</p> <p>Now, I'm feeling really guilty for putting my wants in front of checking on the baby. I called the doctor and asked how much it would be to do the test, and the receptionist said that my insurance most likely wouldn't cover the NT scan as well. I'm hoping she was wrong about the out of pocket price, because she said it would be over $700 for the two-part test! There's no way we can pay for that right now. </p> <p>I'm sure hormones are making this much worse for me right now... I guess I'm just looking for someone to talk me off the ledge :-) </p>