At the weekend, I went to my local hospital for my first ultrasound scan of this pregnancy. I have never been one to accept screening and diagnostic tests during pregnancy and this pregnancy will be no different. However, I do like to have one early scan (around 14 weeks) just to check on the baby since I won’t feel him/her move until around 18 weeks, and also to check on the placenta. I was glad that I had been pre-warned by a friend that my hospital performs the Nuchal Translucency Scan so when the sonographer asked me to roll over so she could measure the baby’s neck I remembered what my friend had said and quickly asked her not to perform that part of the ultrasound.
I feel quite angry that the hospital performs this screening test without first informing patients and checking they want the test and understand the implications. A screening test is different from a diagnostic test in that it only gives a risk factor for certain conditions and NOT a definitive answer. If you are told that your baby is a high risk of having Down’s Syndrome then you will need further diagnostic tests such as amnioncentesis or CVS if you wish to determine for certain whether or not the baby you are carrying has Down’s Syndrome or some other chromosomal abnormality.
What I don’t understand is why this test is routinely performed in Saudi Arabia – it gives only a risk factor, chromosomal abnormalities cannot be fixed before or after the birth and termination of pregnancy is not available here. From my point of view, I prefer to find out about any problems after the birth rather than having a diagnostic test that carried it’s own risks (1/100 risk of miscarriage after amnioncentesis; 2/100 risk of miscarriage after CVS). I put my trust in Allah that He knows what is best for me, I make du’a to Allah throughout my pregnancy for the best outcome.
I wonder if I am on my own here or if there are others who feel the same way about screening and diagnostic tests in pregnancy.
33 responses so far ↓
um almujahid // December 28, 2008 at 4:26 pm
As salamu alaykum
I agree with u 100%! As muslims do we really need to know it? We should just accept our Qad’r, children are barakah anyway mash’Allah!
Mujahida // December 28, 2008 at 5:14 pm
بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ
As salamu aleikum wa rahmatuLlahi wa barakatuhu.
I think ultrasound scan is essential to know how the pregnancy gets along…placent’s position, amniotic fluid, fetus’ heartbeat, any anomalies to be treated in utero, etc.
But I ask me: why the amniocentesis? Why the screening to know the probability of risk? We are Muslim, mashaa Allah. We don’t need to know this!
Ok, I understand in other countries…here in Italy it’s absolutely the norm.
I don’t shocked for this. (mmmh…but Italy is also the Vaticano’s home…ok, this is another matter!!)
But in Saudi Arabia…astaghfiruAllah! It’s a very sad thing!
Now, I want to know…if a woman knows her child is Down, so she can abort??? If the answer is “no” (and I pray is “no”!!!), I’d like to know what is the utility?
So, my dear sister…I agree with your view. And I pray every Muslim woman is agree with this.
Wassalam.
Aafke // December 28, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Very incoorect of the hospital to take this test without informing you what exacteley they want to test.
It’s good that your friend informed you so you kne what was going on, and also that you have the guts to stand up for yourself!
I hope everything will be going well for you.
Marahm // December 28, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I daresay the medical people did not have intentions of deceiving you by not informing you of their intention to do the test. If the test is routine, they probably did not think to mention it– sometimes medical people get so accustomed to our tasks we forget that patients are not always aware of “routine” procedures.
Nevertheless, your point is well taken, and I, too, wonder why such a test is routine in the Kingdom, except perhaps for the purpose of giving Mom a clue about what she might expect, so that she can prepare.
ummabdurrahman // December 28, 2008 at 6:12 pm
salamu alaikum, did i miss you announcing ur pregnancy somewhere??? anyhoo, congratulations sister.
My lil bro has downs and they tried to do an amnio here in the US and I refused bc I already knew I wouldn’t abort. There really is no point to it.
I will have to have a fetal echocardiogram done during any future pregnancies because my son’s heart condition is congenital and they want to know ahead what is happening.
InshaAllah you have a smooth and event free pregnancy. congrats again.
Anisah // December 28, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Salam alaykom…first, mabrouk on ur pregnancy
May ALlah bless you and make it easy for you, amin.
I agree with you about this testing. I work ina unit that actually deals with premmies and most of them are there BECAUSE of these tests. Parents are outraged that they were not properly informed.
You see some doctor’s make like a psychological evaluation of the parents to see ho much “truth” they can handle. I find they often use this power in order to just avoid a sticky situation and having to explain themselves.
My advice is to ALWAYS second guess and to do research. ALWAYS>
ammena // December 28, 2008 at 7:10 pm
salam, Im confused… what would this test do to the baby?? or is your point only that you dont wish to know? I wouldnt want to know anything about my baby… no sex, no problems.. I dont think I would ever be able to terminate, so whats the point? Allah wouldnt give my children problems if he knew we both (parents and child) wouldnt be able to cope with the problems right?! Allahu alim.. good to hear youre still out there though sis
miss you
ummadam // December 29, 2008 at 1:07 am
Nope, you’re not on your own. I’m with you sister.
nabbu // December 29, 2008 at 5:02 am
I don’t think it’s right of them to perform this test without consent. I wonder what they do for patients whose babies show that they are at risk? Do they inform them about the outcome? How do the parents react then?
Personally, I wouldn’t mind a ’screening’ test, if it is done during the time of a routine u/s but I would want to be informed in advance.
Jayne // December 29, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Congrats on the pregnancy hon. I think if I were in your shoes, I also wouldn’t want to know if there were any ‘abnormalities’ & I find the prospecct of a doctor sussing a patient out psychologically (to see if she can handle ‘bad news’ ) is horrific honestly. I wish you well & hope the pregnancy is a happy one
ittosjournal // December 29, 2008 at 2:39 pm
salam alaikoum dearest sister,
and mabrook to your pregnancy!!! so you are week 14? I am week 19…
and I totally agree with you about testing and everything else. I went to a doctor too two weeks ago and did’t liked the behaviour, but alhamdulillah, the test went well and all seems ok. I think that will have been the first and last visit, if no real problems appear, inchaallah. I do not like to be influenced by the ordinary doctor’s talking, especially not the negative view on homebirth they always have… and I think I will not even do all the blood tests and stuff… I feel well and everything seems ok, I eat healthy and relax and so the rest is up to Allah.
and I still have my midwife who gives me mental support…
I wish you all the best and am looking forward to share this special time with you! t’barakallah.
itto xxx
humayraa // December 29, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Unfortunately, KSA isn’t the only place which has a highly interventionist approach to antenatal care. As a result of my last experience, I have chosen to delay visiting an OB for as long as possible this time around. InshaaAllaah the rest of your pregnancy will go smoothly and invasion free.
Umm Hibaat // December 29, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Assalaamu Alaykum,
I’m with you too sis. Funny enough, it was a non-Muslim midwife in London when I was expecting no1 who talked over with me the implications of taking such tests! She’d had a lot of Muslim patients!
I wonder if it’s just certain hospitals in the Kingdom that do this. With my last pregnancy (my 1st one here as you know) I visited a clinic for that first ultrasound and a couple of check ups, then booked in to a hospital much later. At the clinics they tend to check with you before they do anything.
Alhamdulillah you know what to expect so you know what to look out for. I’m looking forward to your pregnancy blog posts in sha Allah!
Hannah // December 30, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Hi There..I Just came across your Blog..Interesting…
I dont get it..Why are you against these test..??.When the purpose of performing them is to know if your baby is going to be normal or no..Then its upto you if you want to abort or continue with the pregnancy
..Mabroook for the pregnancy…
Dïgïtal Jêwêl // December 30, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Assalaamu alaikum,
Mabrook on your pregnancy! May Allah bless you and your baby with strong health and protect you both from harm! Ameen.
I don’t think I’d wanna know that either…
Um Omar // December 31, 2008 at 9:03 am
Stand your ground, sister. We should all be more informed about our medical choices. Even in the US I had to fight and argue to not have certain tests done even when it was my right to deny. Allah knows what is best for us. Keep the faith and inshAllah your child will be healthy and 100% from the Saliheen.
Somayya // December 31, 2008 at 7:25 pm
AsSalaam Alaikum
I did actually have this test done with my 2nd child (mainly cos I’m such an old biddy!!!) I was happy enough to have this, though I would not have had any more invasive tests if it had shown a high risk. But I think on the whole it is good to know in advance if there is likely to be a problem, especially with something like Downes where there is a high incidence of heart problems. At least then the doctors can be prepared when it is time for the birth, in case there are any major complications with the baby. And it would also give the mother more time to come to terms with it, and research what it will mean to her and the family.
dutch_sister // December 31, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Salaamalikum sister elf mabruk with your pregnancy.Here in the netherlands you have to do these test from age 36.And I did it 3 times.They told me that there are no risks for the baby when they look for the neck for the “risk” of the Down Syndrom.And they can only do it in a early stadium in the pregnancy. When the baby is older they cant do it anymore.If you are talking about a punction of the water from the baby(dont know the word in english)there are risks.You can loose the baby.I never did that(punction)The doctor told they do it for every woman from age 36.Because here in my country there are many women who have theyre first child on that age or older.But he told me that for me the risk for having a child with Down is on a low level,because I have my first child on a young age.Wa Allahu Alem.
love,amina
muslimah trying to home edu // January 1, 2009 at 2:35 am
Assalamu alaykum sis,
Mabrouk on your pregnancy!! May Allah bless you and make it easy for you.Amin
With all 4 my pregnancies i had all sorts of tests done but i don’t remember the one you mentioned. Anyway it’s your right to refuse if you believe that it would harm your baby.
x (((hugs)))
hikmet // January 2, 2009 at 6:03 am
Assalamu Alikum Dear sis,
Glad you are doing well Alhamdulilah. Your choices are of course your own, but as you already mentioned CVS & amnio are quite risky and are not recommended except for exceptional situations. I will outline (in case it helps anyone out here to know) why these tests are done…and in what conditions. Amniocentesis is used under:
advance maternal age, a previous child w/ chromosomal (otherwise genetic problems), a parent w/ chromosomal arrangement or x-linked disorders. and it should not be performed until the sixteenth week of pregnancy. CVS on the other hand can be performed 8 to 10 weeks of pregnancy. It is a bit invasive compared to Amnio., but still both are tests and are not definitive answers, they are what they are: diagnostics. Further more, it is quite important that we view Scientific advances relatively, meaning for what it is than scrutinize it. I am saying this only to highlight on the fact that many a complication can be averted and with the knowledge that we have to date, problems such ask PKu have been treated more successfully.
Yet, as some of you are aware, Genetic Therapy and screening are quite controversial, and with good reasons as well. From what I know thus far the ethics behind these theories and views are quite disturbing, but Alahmdulilah for us, our ethics and guidance is Al-Islam. So we can take advantage of what knowledge there is and seek our guidance from Ahlu-Sunnah.
While as muslims we consider abortion as a no no, it is also imperative that we are well informed in regards to pregnancy and the health of our young. For sure it is in Allah’s will of what he ordains for each of us, but there is also what we can do that can become a reason to alleviate a future complication. Insha’allah I am compiling some beneficiary knowledge for us women…that will be accessible to each of us in knowing and having access to choices.
Allah knows best…and insha’allah i hope you have a healthy pregnancy.
Jaza’ki Allah Kheir Ukhti fi Deen.
H_
uneekmuslimah // January 2, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Congratulations ! May Allah give you a good, healthy, pious, generous child who is a coolness to your heart and eyes ….. Ameen ….
Sonya // January 2, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Strange that a hospital in a Muslim country would perform such testing!
Xx
But on a good note, may you have an easy pregnancy and labour, wishing you all the best
Umm Ibrahim // January 5, 2009 at 11:33 am
Assalaamu alaikum,
Thanks for the comments and opinions ladies – nice to read the diverse thoughts on this subjects but also nice to know that I am not totally alone in my standpoint!
Oh and Ummabdurrahman, this is the announcement on my blog!
L_Oman // January 5, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Mabrook!
susieofarabia // January 8, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Congrats on the pregnancy and welcome back to blogging! Wahashtini!
I did have several sonograms and an amnio with my last pregnancy because of my age. I was considered high risk. Luckily the amnio went perfectly and allayed any concerns we may have had for Downs, etc. If the test had been positive for Downs, at least we would have been effectively prepared when the baby arrived. There is always a risk with certain tests, but in some cases, it is better to know what lies ahead.
Best wishes with the pregnancy!
Tasmiya // January 14, 2009 at 6:57 am
Pregnant!! Woohoo!!
I don’t think i would go further to do an amniocentesis but if the extra part of the ultrasound isn’t so invasive then I don’t see any harm in knowing. i admire those that wish to accept whatever happens at the time of birth, but I’d much prefer to have an inkling so I can prepare myself, be it physically, spiritually (praying a bit extra for strength to manage) or at least practically (talking to parents with children with particular disabilities etc).
Najeeba // January 28, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Assalamualaikum,
I’m with you sis! And congrats for your pregnancy!
This is my first pregnancy, and so I’m not as experienced as you are. My mom has 5 children including me, and she said that she has never been scanned even once! But for me, 2 scans and I’m only in my 6th month! Why do the docs do it all?
Nzingha // February 9, 2009 at 9:48 pm
I went through the whole ordeal of the nuchal testing. There was a ‘percentage’ of some possiblity of my child having DS. I left those drs more confused than when I started, but because I wouldn’t terminate either way I didn’t do any further testing. I also assumed things were fine, heart was fine, growth was fine, measurements fine ect. My son was born with Down Syndrome no testing could have prevented it so it matters not really.
Some choose to know, which is their right as well. They want to prepare, want to have time to deal w/ the knowledge, want to learn. There are all sorts of possiblities when it comes to DS specifically. heart problems, bowel obstructions, feeding problems, thyroid issues and a slew of other possiblities that you can learn latter after your childs birth.
Some want to terminate, while I’m not for such a choice women will take a flight and terminate in another country or within saudi (it can be done)
Some want to excuse, take a fall here or there, or put the blame on something else rather than just accepting what Allah has willed. There is such a social stigma within Saudi when it comes to DS many Saudi families do not take the news well.
It is a choice not to know, your right and you should inform your doctor about what tests you want and what you don’t want. Since there are standard practices in Saudi just ask and than you can rule out what you don’t want.
But of course you’ll need to ensure there are no problems that you and the drs should be prepared for once that child is born inshallah. So just make sure your choice not to know doesn’t put your little one at risk.
Congrats by the way May Allah make this an easy pregnancy for you.
lakshmi // February 13, 2009 at 11:56 pm
Congrats on your pregnancy, i lurk in your blog @ times
well written.
I don’t agree though witht he testing, i want to know everything, test everything and find out everything possible. thecontrol freak in me
I live in riyadh, married to a saudi but i’m hindu and hopefully plan to raise my kind bi-religious ( if there;s any such thing) and yes i did get all the tests done and also went thru the heartache of abortion . ( wouldn’t have survived outside) , but thank god am blessed with 2 lovely children. is there any kind of group for non-saudi wives out there who are not muslim?
umkarim // May 24, 2009 at 11:39 pm
I can’t see the point in having it done either especially as I have heard of so many cases where they have told the mother that the baby has high risk of downes and its turned out to be perfectly healthy. It’s worry for nothing in many cases alhamduallah.
Anjum // May 28, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Congratulations ! May Allah bless you and the child with good health and happiness.. Ameen ….
I also just came out of my pregnency and now Alhumdillah blessed with a 1 month old baby Girl…
umm qahtan // August 17, 2009 at 12:37 pm
As salam alaikum ukhti.
mashAllah im currently in my first pregnancy and expecting in dhull hajj inshAllah.
I was in the dr’s office every 2 weeks from the moment i found out at 4 weeks mashAllah. Being a reader that i am, i was asking to get the cervix etc checked up and have other things answered, i hd a list of questions on behalf of myself and hubby.
Amnio is one test i did not do at all and i wont have it done in the future, Allah forbid. My husband and i said from the point 1 what ever ALlah blesses us with, its from Allah, all we can do is make duaa for a healthy, pious child that will obey Allah and help us in our old age. Alhumdulillah wa mashAllah so far all is khair.
I feel no need to put my kdis life at risk at all, i even canceled flying to my brother in laws wedding 1thousand km away because the risk of flying over mountains and its turbulance may hurt the child. 3 other women had flown that flight, all pregnant and all lost their pregnancies. I wasnt perpared to do the same, so i changed my plans at the last minute.Alhumdulillah my bro in law understood the choice my husband n i had made.
Hasbun Allah wa nimal wakeel. What ever Allah wills for us, will come for us & what ever Allah has not willed for us will not come for us. Alhumdulillah for all.
Love ur blogg. Off to read more.
Hiyyach Allah
xx
Umm Ibrahim // August 21, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Assalaamu alaikum,
Masha’Allah sis Umm Qahtan and mabrouk on your pregnancy. Insha’Allah goes smoothly for you!