Late Maternal Age Testing

Hi everyone! I'm 35 and expecting my first baby. Genetic counseling regarding testing optionsis recommended for mothers over 35. I'm anxious about the increased risk of miscarriage, though, I think I will go through with it. What were your experiences with this testing?

I don't have any personal experience with the testing. My cousin refused any testing other then the "normal" pregnancy testing and she delivered a perfectly heathly baby at 37 yrs old. Good luck.

I was 33, just a few month shy of 34 when I had Kelly last year. The only testing I had was the AFP or also called the Triple Screen.

My triple screen came back negative so we didn't proceed with any other testing. The doc had told us that the tests that come back negative are usually correct and that the get more false positives. So we thought everything was alright.

Lo and behold when Kelly was born she was born with PPH (heart, lung issue) and strong physical characteristics of Down syndrome. We hada blood test done on her when she was born and two weeks later it came back (which we already pretty much knew) positive for Trisomy21 Down syndrome.

Just my experience with testing.. It is a very personal and difficult decision and my prayer will be with you in making it.

Quoting MrsH:“ I was 33, just a few month shy of 34 when I had Kelly last year. The only testing I had was the AFP or ... [snip!] ... Just my experience with testing.. It is a very personal and difficult decision and my prayer will be with you in making it.”

Mrs. H, thank you for sharing. I am not too familiar with the testing, and perhaps should do some research prior to the info session with the genetic counsellors to make the most of that appointment.