Harmony Test Waiting Times

pc7

Just wondering for those who have recently had the Harmony test done in merrion fetal how long were you waiting for results/ They told me 5-10 working days, so just wondering what people have experienced. TIA

Penny Dreadful

pc7 wrote: »

Just wondering for those who have recently had the Harmony test done in merrion fetal how long were you waiting for results/ They told me 5-10 working days, so just wondering what people have experienced. TIA

I had mine done in the Beacon so although not the same I wouldn't be surprised if they use the same lab for testing. Anyway I was told the same waiting time as you but had my results in 4 days after the test was carried out.

Beanybabog

I was told a week minimum so I'm still waiting. Probably had it on same day as you OP!

I'm less concerned about the results ( I know it's fine) more concerned when they ask the boy or girl question what I say!!!!!!

Beanybabog

I was told a week minimum so I'm still waiting. Probably had it on same day as you OP!

I'm less concerned about the results ( I know it's fine) more concerned when they ask the boy or girl question what I say!!!!!!

cornflake1

I had my Harmony test done on a Wednesday and received a call the following Wednesday with the result. I was asked if I wanted to know the gender and said I'd wait until my next visit. When I went in I asked them to write it on a piece of paper and put in in an envelope. That was nearly a month ago now and still haven't opened it. My OH would like to know but I'm not so sure. I'm debating burning the envelope altogether and leaving it as a surprise.

pc7

Thanks Cornflake got the call exactly a week later like yourself. Is this your first? We kept it a surprise on our first, have found out this time but not telling anyone.

Beanybabog

pc7 wrote: »

Thanks Cornflake got the call exactly a week later like yourself. Is this your first? We kept it a surprise on our first, have found out this time but not telling anyone.

Sounds like I'll be waiting until Friday so. Ugh. Dying for the call!

ziggy23

Can I ask how much this test costs and when is the best time to get it done i.e. how many weeks?

pc7

I paid 550 in Merrion Fetal but I think the beacon are doing it for 450 best to ring round. You can have it done from 10 weeks 2 days.

pc7

Beanybabog wrote: »

Sounds like I'll be waiting until Friday so. Ugh. Dying for the call!

Best of luck, I burst into tears with relief and happiness, the poor lady ringing me

cornflake1

It is my first pc7. Like you my sister kept it as a surprise on her first and found out for her second. I'm leaning towards keeping it as a surprise.

The Harmony test cost me 380 in the Cork Women's Clinic. Paid it directly to MedLab Pathology in Dublin.

Beanybabog

Im dying to ring them even though I know if my results came in they'd call. Defo finding out if its a boy or a girl!! Whether I shared it with everyone else I'll see

Beanybabog

Mine are in! Thrilled it's all good. Worth every penny!

cornflake1

Great news Beanybabog! Such a relief when they're good.

Beanybabog

And I found out the gender! I'm walking on air. I couldn't stop smiling yesterday. It feels Really REAL or something, and like I'm actually going to make it through this pregnancy and have a baby!

Beanybabog

Just for information if anyone else is looking at this thread, my harmony test was on a Friday morning and the results issued the following Wednesday evening

Gatica

The waiting times seem to differ a little, even for the same clinic. Our friends had theirs done at same place as us and had them back in 2-3 days (on the phone, they called for the results on a Friday evening). However, ours took the full week. Test last Monday, result today... All excellent and low risk, most importantly, as a bonus hubby and I asked to know the gender and it's a GIRL!
We had lunch together afterwards talking about names. It was such a great feeling, relief and excitement. Afterwards I popped into Monsoon baby section to look at all the pretty dresses.
I hate to think what kind of lunch it would've been if it wasn't good news as we were really preparing ourselves for anything so we could try to deal with it.

Ruad

This is just a general observation, but I notice that some people who are long-term TTC or maybe even IVF pregnancies are getting this done. Is there a reason to get it done besides deciding whether to continue with the pregnancy? I'm very long-term TTC myself and I know if I did find myself lucky enough to be pregnant, I'd keep it no matter what as it may never happen for me again, and screening a baby you're keeping regardless of health issues doesn't make sense to me. Obviously anomaly scans are different because you're keeping the baby anyway at that point. I'm just trying to wrap my head around it all and maybe there's a reason I'm missing, feel free not to answer.

pc7

I think its a very personal decision, even though we waited years we wanted to know, I'd had a previous mc that was diagnosed as chromosonal. I'd rather find out at 10 weeks and have options/choices than when it was too late. Because it took us longer than expected to have a baby (currently expecting no. 2), we are older and that would also be something that if there was something wrong with the baby we wanted to be able to take into account. Its a personal thing, I don't believe you can say what you'd do 100% until in that position in my opinion.

Beanybabog

Ruad wrote: »

This is just a general observation, but I notice that some people who are long-term TTC or maybe even IVF pregnancies are getting this done. Is there a reason to get it done besides deciding whether to continue with the pregnancy? I'm very long-term TTC myself and I know if I did find myself lucky enough to be pregnant, I'd keep it no matter what as it may never happen for me again, and screening a baby you're keeping regardless of health issues doesn't make sense to me. Obviously anomaly scans are different because you're keeping the baby anyway at that point. I'm just trying to wrap my head around it all and maybe there's a reason I'm missing, feel free not to answer.

To decide if you want to proceed with the pregnancy or just to be prepared. To be honest, I'd do any new tests or scans going! I think the relief of not worrying the baby has X Y or Z is a big plus after the harmony, regardless of what you'd do.

xalot

Ruad wrote: »

Is there a reason to get it done besides deciding whether to continue with the pregnancy?

I (luckily) wasn't long term TTC and would most likely have kept the baby no matter what the outcome but I did not want any surprises down the line. My first labour was very long and traumatic and resulted in my son being in special care with suspected meningitis, all was fine but it was incredibly stressful and I dont think I could cope with being told anything was wrong with my baby after going through another exhausting labour.

By taking the harmony test at 10 weeks we were able to have plenty of time to prepare ourselves should something be wrong. Thankfully we got the all clear and now we have a couple less things to worry about.

On a side note, I would never judge parents who decided not to continue with the pregnancy if they received negative news, these decisions are not taken lightly.

Lucyfur

I agree it's very personal and I'd never have a negative opinion of anyone who would choose to terminate their pregnancy for whatever reason. For me, I've no interest in getting it done and if I was told tomorrow that my unborn child has Downes or something it wouldnt change the love I have for them already. We've been patients of a fertility clinic for a few years. The harmony test was never mentioned to us and if it's in the literature, I must've missed it!

Kantava

Since we are expecting twins I was told doing it would give uncertain results and be sort of pointless. Further tests would carry double the risk (amnio) Even if they found a problem, they wouldnt be sure which baby had it, and you couldn't do anything without endangering the other.

Beanybabog

It was nearly worth €550 just to be told the gender!!! I was walking on air that day. It was so real

Lucyfur

Beanybabog wrote: »

It was nearly worth €550 just to be told the gender!!! I was walking on air that day. It was so real

This!!

I really wanted to know the gender By the time I'd read up on all the harmony info, I was only a few weeks away from having the gender identified on a scan. But if there was a test to determine gender at 10 ish weeks, I'd definitely have had that done. Not for €550 tho!

Kantava

they cant even tell the gender for certain with twins unless they are both girls.

Beanybabog

Kantava wrote: »

they cant even tell the gender for certain with twins unless they are both girls.

Yeah an if you get a Y you know you're having at least 1 if not two boys!!

pc7

Lucyfur wrote: »

The harmony test was never mentioned to us and if it's in the literature, I must've missed it!

I think if you are over a certain age now they automatically advise you on it.
Countries like New Zealand do it automatically as part of prenatal care.

Beanybabog

pc7 wrote: »

I think if you are over a certain age now they automatically advise you on it.
Countries like New Zealand do it automatically as part of prenatal care.

There has been discussions about putting it on the NHS also. My friend who lives in the UK said he heard an interesting debate about it. On the one hand there was a pro-life camp saying it shouldn't be available as it would encourage abortion. On the other hand you had doctors saying it was more reliable and safer than the current tests. Apparently there was also a woman who sadly lost a baby from getting the amniocentesis test.

I wouldn't have thought it was that controversial to be honest since Downs tests are already available, albeit much less reliable and less safe than this one. I personally think it's fantastic and if you are pro-life/don't want to know/aren't concerned for whatever reason just don't do it.

pc7

That's it each to their own, do what works for you and your family, people are too quick to give their opinions and push their choices on others.

Gatica

Even If you're keeping a baby with genetic problems, it makes sense to be prepared. Wouldn't it be better to get all the info you could on the condition? Find out what state help may be available, what charities provide help and info, decisions on whether one of you would need to give up work... These are huge enablers before you have your baby rather than finding out these sad news on what should be happiest moment after labour.
The anti-abortion campaigners really annoy me, they push their agenda on every one.. I'm pro life, pro woman's life and her right to it..

Neyite

Ruad wrote: »

This is just a general observation, but I notice that some people who are long-term TTC or maybe even IVF pregnancies are getting this done. Is there a reason to get it done besides deciding whether to continue with the pregnancy? I'm very long-term TTC myself and I know if I did find myself lucky enough to be pregnant, I'd keep it no matter what as it may never happen for me again, and screening a baby you're keeping regardless of health issues doesn't make sense to me. Obviously anomaly scans are different because you're keeping the baby anyway at that point. I'm just trying to wrap my head around it all and maybe there's a reason I'm missing, feel free not to answer.

I'm long term ttc as well. I think if I was offered this test, I'd take it, but personally a distressing result from the test would not change my mind about the pregnancy. So I don't know if I'd opt to pay for one. For me, if I knew the baby has a health issue, then it gives me time to prepare to do what the baby needs. To read up on the particular disorder, the health complications that may or may not be involved. Research potential specialists or join forums or groups that might help give you insights. Basically just inform yourselves about what your particular baby might need.

It might be that couples want to get their initial shock over with, then by the time their baby is due to arrive, they've put it into perspective and can focus on welcoming their baby without dealing with shock associated with discovering your baby has a disability or having to handle misinformed relatives with Tales of Doom immediately post partum.

For those who opt to terminate, well, who knows what their reasons are. They may already have a disabled child,and would not be able to cope with another special needs child. Or might be a carer for someone. Or it simply might be someone who feels unable to be a carer for a disabled child. Maybe you worry that there would be nobody to look after your baby if anything happened to you both.

I cant judge anyone and someone who is finally expecting after years of losses and treatments and heartbreak I can imagine it must be very devastating and very far from easy to make the decision not to go ahead with a pregnancy.

Ruad, its not just the disability. Getting your head around the fact that you will have a disabled child is the easy part. I say that as someone who's had a myriad of special needs ranging from mild to severe in my family and extended family.

Its about countless specialist appointments. Taking time off for appointments only to have them delayed or cancelled. Being on waiting lists for treatment. Being on waiting lists for referrals, for various assessments. Queueing in the SW office and dealing with the paperwork associated with being assessed as a carer. Queuing in a HSE office. Being on hold on the phone to various offices constantly. Having to track down your payslips and mortgage and savings information to apply for the child's medical card every.single.year.

Being able to afford to adapt your house for disabled equipment or having to change your car to fit the car seat that's required. Trying to figure out how to pay the mortgage if one of you takes a career break or has to quit work to care for the baby. I've seen people take their child's disability in their stride and have a wonderfully positive outlook yet are broken to the point of tears by the bureaucracy involved in dealing with the authorities to get the supports for that disability. And that's at the newborn stages. I wont even go into the logistics of trying to find a suitable school/creche, or additional learning supports.

There really is so much more to it that some people don't realise. Like I say, I'd continue a pregnancy even if the baby was disabled, and because of those disabilities around me, I'm under no illusions how drastically my life in every single area would have to change if I had a disabled child. And not everybody might have the family network or flexibility of working that I might.

Ruad

Thank you all for taking the time out to reply. I think TTC has affected how I view things, maybe has made me bitter, in a "why are they looking a gift horse in the mouth" way which isn't necessarily the case. I knew a woman who was going through IVF for years, but still wanted to do gender selection and I couldn't believe she wouldn't just be happy with any baby. I know it's not a fair way of looking at it. Mayne I just need to take a break

Lucyfur

I never even thought of the practical side of finding out. My son has been attending speech and language, occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy etc regularly since he was 9 months so it's normal life! I'm kinda regretting not getting it done now purely from a preparation point of view

Beanybabog

Ruad wrote: »

Thank you all for taking the time out to reply. I think TTC has affected how I view things, maybe has made me bitter, in a "why are they looking a gift horse in the mouth" way which isn't necessarily the case. I knew a woman who was going through IVF for years, but still wanted to do gender selection and I couldn't believe she wouldn't just be happy with any baby. I know it's not a fair way of looking at it. Mayne I just need to take a break

If people who have IVF / TTC for a long time are in fact more likely to have the harmony test I assume it's more because 1) they possibly have spent €1000s on treatment, another €500 isn't much anyway for peace of mind and 2) they are possibly more aware that things don't always go smoothly and are hyper aware of all risks. Doesn't mean anyone who is TTC for a long time, or has IVF, is more or less likely to make different decisions that someone who gets pregnant straight away.

I for one would not proceed with a pregnancy where there was a serious chromosome abnormality and I make no apologies for that. It's nothing to do with not wanting a baby. If you are pregnant and the fetus has an abnormality and you want to proceed that's 100% your choice. If the fetus had a fatal abnormality and you choose to carry it to term, great. But you can't choose for other people or judge their choice in light of what you would do - or indeed what you THINK you would do, because it's impossible to know until you face that situation yourself.

Beanybabog

Ruad wrote: »

Thank you all for taking the time out to reply. I think TTC has affected how I view things, maybe has made me bitter, in a "why are they looking a gift horse in the mouth" way which isn't necessarily the case. I knew a woman who was going through IVF for years, but still wanted to do gender selection and I couldn't believe she wouldn't just be happy with any baby. I know it's not a fair way of looking at it. Mayne I just need to take a break

Also, don't get bitter, there's no point. I have pcos and while I was only TTC for 1 year and a month it still worried me a lot as I was being sent for more tests, everyone asked where's the baby etc. I felt bitter that some people were getting pregnant straight away, by accident, when they didn't want to, were living unhealthy lifestyles etc. etc.

And I learned that being bitter only makes you bitter - it achieves nothing for you beyond that. In fact it probably adds to the stress that for some people can be detrimental to conceiving. I started a new job, and told hubs we should put TTC on the long finger for maybe 6 months. I got pregnant straight away. I don't know if stopping trying / worrying actually helped, but I still regret that I have become a cliche!!!:D

Lucyfur

I never even thought of the practical side of finding out. My son has been attending speech and language, occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy etc regularly since he was 9 months so it's normal life! I'm kinda regretting not getting it done now purely from a preparation point of view

pc7

Ruad wrote: »

Thank you all for taking the time out to reply. I think TTC has affected how I view things, maybe has made me bitter, in a "why are they looking a gift horse in the mouth" way which isn't necessarily the case. I knew a woman who was going through IVF for years, but still wanted to do gender selection and I couldn't believe she wouldn't just be happy with any baby. I know it's not a fair way of looking at it. Mayne I just need to take a break

Struggling to ttc is one of the hardest roads to walk, it really is a struggle. Took us 5 years to have our first child, thankfully we are now expecting our second. I know we are one of the lucky ones to walk out of a fertility clinic. Try plan nice things if you can, let yourself be angry, grieve whatever you need but try put as many positive things and things for your and your partner that you can. xx

Neyite

Ruad wrote: »

Thank you all for taking the time out to reply. I think TTC has affected how I view things, maybe has made me bitter, in a "why are they looking a gift horse in the mouth" way which isn't necessarily the case. I knew a woman who was going through IVF for years, but still wanted to do gender selection and I couldn't believe she wouldn't just be happy with any baby. I know it's not a fair way of looking at it. Mayne I just need to take a break

Sometimes a break can be helpful. TTC is a lonely emotional road, and the longer it goes on the harder it can get. I've heard about and seen gender disappointment. I cant really understand the mindset of the woman you've described above, but maybe if you consider it from a different point of view? That thank fcuk she did get the gender she wanted because if she didn't, then that child might have had a miserable existence being the 'wrong' gender in their mother's eyes. I don't know if that helps.

Would you like to pop over here and join in the chat with us? Lots of us long termers there.

Beanybabog

Neyite wrote: »

That thank fcuk she did get the gender she wanted because if she didn't, then that child might have had a miserable existence being the 'wrong' gender in their mother's eyes. I don't know if that helps.

There may have been a whole different issue you don't know about as well. I have one friend with a genetic condition - they were terrified if they got pregnant with a boy as she's a carrier for a very serious disorder and the male children die. There's also a very high probability of a boy having it. She couldn't afford gender selection and went ahead anyway and happily had a healthy baby girl. But if she got pregnant with a boy she was potentially in for a world of pain. You never ever know what's going on in the background.

Neyite

Beanybabog wrote: »

There may have been a whole different issue you don't know about as well. I have one friend with a genetic condition - they were terrified if they got pregnant with a boy as she's a carrier for a very serious disorder and the male children die. There's also a very high probability of a boy having it. She couldn't afford gender selection and went ahead anyway and happily had a healthy baby girl. But if she got pregnant with a boy she was potentially in for a world of pain. You never ever know what's going on in the background.

I know a similar situation. They did have a boy, who subsequently had a very tough short life, and now they have a girl. I presume it might have been gender selection as I know they had been looking into it, but I'd never ask. It's not my business and I saw what they went through the first time around so would understand fully if that was their choice they didn't want to risk losing another child that way.

cornflake1

Hi all. For those of you that got the harmony test have you claimed your tax back? Just not sure where to put it. Do blood tests go under other qualifying expenses? Thanks!

Gatica

cornflake1 wrote: »

Hi all. For those of you that got the harmony test have you claimed your tax back? Just not sure where to put it. Do blood tests go under other qualifying expenses? Thanks!

I didn't Know this was a claimable expense. Where did you see this?

Merkin

cornflake1 wrote: »

Hi all. For those of you that got the harmony test have you claimed your tax back? Just not sure where to put it. Do blood tests go under other qualifying expenses? Thanks!

Afaik you can't claim any of it.

cornflake1

Thanks for the responses. It was on another thread somewhere that it was possible to claim. I will ring revenue to find out for sure.