u/Area21_

Hi, I would love to hear your insights, feelings and experience on this one.

I’m 26 weeks pregnant with baby number two. We recently found out baby has a heart defect that may be asymptomatic or may need surgery (we will know more after birth). But the cause of the defect is unknown at this time and genetic testing is strongly encouraged if not needed to figure out more. We are now trying to decide if we should do amnio or wait until birth to do the testing. Pros and cons of each option below.

Amnio:
Pro - get results faster. Questions and unknowns answered. If certain things show up as positive on amnio we can get things ready and lined up for baby before birth (ie medications, therapies, doctors, etc)

Cons - I already have a high risk pregnancy as is, as well as a blood clotting disorder. I know there is a risk, though low, of preterm labor with amnio. I am concerned that the *potential* preterm labor mixed with the heart defect could end in a bad result for baby. Also my mom had amnio done while pregnant with me and started having preterm labor. She was on bedrest starting at 4 months pregnant until I came out. Does that increase my risk of complications?

Waiting until birth:
Pro - no risk to me or baby, just a blood test
Cons - delayed answers and continuing with more unknown. We will not have things the baby may need in order or prepped in time (ie medication, therapies, etc). Could take up to 2 weeks for answers and then more time getting what is needed set up.

But also, everything could come back normal with no genetic abnormalities 🤷‍♀️ So if anyone has any similar experiences or thoughts I would love to hear it all. Of course I will be talking more with my medical team, but curious on others takes.

TLDR - baby needs genetic testing, trying to decide if I should do amnio or wait until baby is born

Hi, I would love to hear your insights, feelings and experience on this one.

I’m 26 weeks pregnant with baby number two. We recently found out baby has a heart defect that may be asymptomatic or may need surgery (we will know more after birth). But the cause of the defect is unknown at this time and genetic testing is strongly encouraged if not needed to figure out more. We are now trying to decide if we should do amnio or wait until birth to do the testing. Pros and cons of each option below.

Amnio:
Pro - get results faster. Questions and unknowns answered. If certain things show up as positive on amnio we can get things ready and lined up for baby before birth (ie medications, therapies, doctors, etc)

Cons - I already have a high risk pregnancy as is, as well as a blood clotting disorder. I know there is a risk, though low, of preterm labor with amnio. I am concerned that the *potential* preterm labor mixed with the heart defect could end in a bad result for baby. Also my mom had amnio done while pregnant with me and started having preterm labor. She was on bedrest starting at 4 months pregnant until I came out. Does that increase my risk of complications?

Waiting until birth:
Pro - no risk to me or baby, just a blood test
Cons - delayed answers and continuing with more unknown. We will not have things the baby may need in order or prepped in time (ie medication, therapies, etc). Could take up to 2 weeks for answers and then more time getting what is needed set up.

But also, everything could come back normal with no genetic abnormalities 🤷‍♀️ So if anyone has any similar experiences or thoughts I would love to hear it all. Of course I will be talking more with my medical team, but curious on others takes.

TLDR - baby needs genetic testing, trying to decide if I should do amnio or wait until baby is born