Should I Do Prenatal Testing?

Hi Everyone!

So today I wanted to talk a little about prenatal testing.

Basically, I'm trying to decide whether or not to do it. I'm finding it really hard to find concrete information/guidance/straight answers on the topic (from my doctor, pregnancy books, the internet, etc.).

Part of the problem is everyone kind of dances around the fact that one of the reasons the testing is done is to make a decision whether or not to terminate a pregnancy...I'm finding the vagueness surrounding that fact is really complicating the information I'm getting.

There are two types of testing, as far as I can figure: invasive and non-invasive. Both kinds test for genetic defects like Down's syndrome, etc. Last week, my doctor asked if I wanted to have some of the non-invasive testing done.

"What do you recommend?" I asked.

"It's up to you," she said.

"How would you suggest going about making the decision?" I asked.

"Basically there are two types of people," she said. "One is the type who wants all possible information and wants to be as prepared for things as possible. The other is happier just taking things as they come."

So how I am feeling is:

• That I am not going to terminate this pregnancy, no matter what the results of the testing show. (Especially because I have twins...I can't really find concrete information on this, but if one were found to have a defect can you terminate the one and be assured the other will be OK? I think there is risk to the healthy twin in that scenario, and that's something I can't handle)
• Also there is a chance for a false positive, meaning that the test may say there is something wrong when there isn't, and I know myself, I will believe that the worst possible scenario is going to happen and spend my whole pregnancy worried about an outcome that may not even happen
• Plus, and again I'm having a really hard time finding concrete information about this, it seems like the tests are less accurate with twins?
• Plus with the invasive stuff there is a risk of miscarriage and I just can't stomach that
• Plus my husband doesn't want to do it

So I'm leaning towards not having testing done.

Except it seems like everyone is doing it (ah, peer pressure), which is making me question my decision.

I know this is such an individual thing each person has to determine for themselves, but any insights/input any of you have here would be greatly appreciated. Just not feeling like I am getting enough information to make an informed decision, and don't really know where to turn for more...

Thanks in advance...

XOXO