NT Scan - why or why not?

katka512

DH and I have to decide today if we will have an NT scan because I'll have to have it next week if we decide to go ahead.
I realize this may be a personal topic, but I'm wondering why others decided to either have the scan or not have it.  DH and I are going back and forth on if we think it's the right decision for us and I'm pretty stressed out about having a deadline to decide!

Roeni

I thought this was just routine and something everyone does. Am I missing something?

katka512

Roeni said:

I thought this was just routine and something everyone does. Am I missing something?

My OB said it is our choice if we want to do it or not.  She told us that people often choose to have it done to either make a decision about terminating the pregnancy or to be able to plan if the results determine there is an increased risk of Down Syndrome.  DH and I decided that we would not want to terminate. 
However, we are back and forth on if we want to know if our baby has an increased risk - I thought it might be helpful to be able to plan ahead and DH isn't sure he would want to know and worry about it for the next 7 months when there's a possibility the baby would be fine.  Hope that makes sense.

Gr8te

My OB wouldn't do it because my risk level is low and the neck fold was normal.

74dragonfly

We did it because I believe in being informed the best I can.

htn1763

KKDRAGONFLY said:

We did it because I believe in being informed the best I can.

This. 

Even if you don't plan to terminate I don't think it is responsible to not be completely informed. There was a post I read the other day about a condition that was found that was deadly for the mother and had they not known both the baby and mom could have died. 

ETA: https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/9104619/nt-scans-can-we-have-a-serious-conversation-about-these/p1

BzeetyD

Read the link that was provided. The NT scan looks for far more than Trisomy 21, it's a useful tool/scan and honestly having or not having it does not have anything to do with how one feels about termination. It's really too bad it's been linked to that. The scan is about being informed and (IMO) preparing to be the best parents you can be to any child.

PurpleIris30

I'm in the "more information is better camp" -- and that doesn't have anything to do with a decision to terminate.  

lizrn1975

Are you at an increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities? I'm 38 so I decided to have it done, but it stressed me out- it was 2.3mm which they said was normal (under 3) but it was a lot more than other people I know. I had to wait 1 plus weeks until my MaterniT21 tesults came back fine. I found it a little stressful.....

CousinVicki

I had the maternitT21 done, which is far more accurate, and the NT scan since this is still routine.  the NT scan/ materniT type test does not necessarily equal termination.  this enrages me that people associate this with being informed.   i think it's juvenile and shortsighted to bury your head and not be aware of any possible complications your newborn might have.

ForevAAROSE

I know its a tough choice. My cousin was born with some disorders that were unknown during pregnancy. It was hard for my aunt to understand and get everything properly in order for her. Maybe its best to know ahead of time so you can try to do your research and understand how your life may be altered. Good luck to you, and congrats. Ultimately this is a great blessing!!!

xladybassx

The NT scan is not routine at my clinic. They will only do it for mothers over 35 or mothers with family history of chromosomal issues. So for me it wasn't even a choice. I don't feel bad not having it though, because I know my risk is so low. Also, this is very likely the only time I will be pregnant, so I plan to go through with it no matter what the risks may end up being. If I have one shot at having babies, it is worth any risk.

belgirl

First of all, if you are not willing to get an amino or CVS test done, then I wouldn't do the NT scan. The NT scan only measures risk, is not a diagnosis, and can be inaccurate. Secondly,for people to say that not getting the NT scan is irresponsible is ridiculous. You can be as equally prepared getting a level 2 ultrasound and fetal echo at 20 weeks. Don't fall into that pressure trap. I know a lot of women on this board have a pie in the sky mentality that the only reason the test is done is to be prepared, but that simply isn't true. 75-85% of women who do the NT scan and an amino/CVS terminate their pregnancy. It gives a woman the option of terminating sooner rather than later, which is why it was originally developed. However, I know plenty of pro-life women who have had it done, which I have no problem with. Its not required and don't let anyone make you feel like you are a bad mother for not doing it.

CousinVicki

belgirl said: First of all, if you are not willing to get an amino or CVS test done, then I wouldn't do the NT scan. The NT scan only measures risk, is not a diagnosis, and can be inaccurate. Secondly,for people to say that not getting the NT scan is irresponsible is ridiculous. You can be as equally prepared getting a level 2 ultrasound and fetal echo at 20 weeks. Don't fall into that pressure trap. I know a lot of women on this board have a pie in the sky mentality that the only reason the test is done is to be prepared, but that simply isn't true. 75-85% of women who do the NT scan and an amino/CVS terminate their pregnancy. It gives a woman the option of terminating sooner rather than later, which is why it was originally developed. However, I know plenty of pro-life women who have had it done, which I have no problem with. Its not required and don't let anyone make you feel like you are a bad mother for not doing it.

what??? where are you getting these insanely high stats from????? some pro-life propoganda? 

   

i  know PLENTY who have done both and did not terminate. I do know some that have, due to SEVERE issues, and i completely support this choice.   which, yes, is why you have it done early, not wait until 20 weeks.    So indeed, it is to be prepared, but it is also to give the parents a choice, and what's wrong with that?