These stories are based on information gathered from health
professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health
decisions.
Georgia, age 35: My doctor talked to me about
the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome. I understand that at my age, the
risk starts to go up. I had a second cousin with Down syndrome, so I know what
that's like. I would end the pregnancy if it turned out the baby had it, so I
am going to have CVS and find out.
Patricia, age 39: My doctor told me there is a
risk of having a baby with problems because of my age. But testing wouldn't
change my mind. It has taken me 5 years to get pregnant. I won't do anything
that might cause me to lose the baby.
Sabrina, age 32: My husband and I are Jewish,
so we had genetic testing and found out we are both carriers of Tay-Sachs
disease. We will definitely have CVS to find out if our baby has it. We want
children but not if they will have that awful disease. If this pregnancy
doesn't work out, we will try again.
Coco, age 43: I want to find out if my baby
has any problems so I can be prepared. But no matter what, I wouldn't end the
pregnancy, so I am going to wait and have amnio. I had it done with my second
child. I feel more comfortable having it again instead of a different test, and
I don't need to find out in the first trimester.