Amniocentesis at 18 weeks to detect Cystic Fibrosis vs. Sweat Test at birth

Hello everyone,

We're 18 weeks along and have just found out we're both cystic fibrosis (CF) carriers.

We're continuing with the pregnancy, but are debating whether to have an amniocentesis. We understand there's a risk of miscarriage (more on that below) and the procedure can be uncomfortable. Our main question: Is there a significant advantage to knowing if our baby has CF now rather than at birth? Would this knowledge change our current approach, other than allowing us to prepare? Also, is there a risk in not preparing ahead of time?

We're also concerned about the miscarriage statistics associated with amniocentesis. We've seen varying statistics, ranging from 1 in 200 to 1 in 400, while some suggest the risk varies by practitioner (meaning it could be significantly higher). This discrepancy raises concerns about the actual risk level and whether the procedure is necessary.

We'll be discussing this with our genetic counselor next week but are keen on gathering more information beforehand. Thank you for any advice or insights!