To Test...Or Let It Rest?

I have been reading a lot about Genetic Testing lately.  The CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) test is something that is offered to most pregnant women nowadays.  Especially if you are over the age of 35.  It is an evasive genetic test that is performed between weeks ten and twelve.  Ultimately, a trained doctor will get a sample of your placenta tissue (usually through a really long needle through your belly button, eek!).  This sample will be tested for chromosomal abnormalities.  As with almost everything, there are a lot of side effects to having this procedure.  Just to list a few, higher chance of miscarriage, a few days of bed rest, no sex, heavy lifting, or flying.  You might experience cramping, pinching, or bleeding.  To CVS or not is definitely not an easy decision, and you're smart to do some research before deciding.  I dove head first into the internet and also reached out for personal experiences from other moms on community boards widely available. I found that everyone has their own personal opinion on whether or not to CVS and I was just going to have to come to my own conclusion.  That's when I read about Panorama Testing.  I went immediately to the website and did endless days of research.  I found that Panorama Testing was a fairly new procedure and non-evasive (ding, ding, ding!)  Also, it poses no risk to me or the babe.  It has a 99% certainty whether or not baby has genetic disorders and we get to find out the sex of the babe in ten to twelve days after testing.  The test is a simple blood draw from the mom and a simple swab of the mouth from the dad.  Sounds perfect!  I asked my doc about it at my nine week check up.  She said that she didn't personally offer the testing but that she was super excited that I was interested and had done my research.  She contacted the Panorama provider in our area and made an appointment to have the procedure done the following Monday (I would be ten weeks along which is required for the test).  Monday came and it took maybe a total of five minutes and we were on our way with the rest of the day.  I look forward to sharing our results when we receive them.  If you are interested in Panorama Testing please visit their website to learn more at PanoramaTest.com

Please note, you should talk to your doc openly about any genetic risk to your babe and carefully consider all your options.