NT scan // Natural Birth

rachelrogers2013

Hi mommas!

Did any of you opt to have an NT scan to help decide if a natural birth was going to be the right option for your family? My husband and I are wanting a natural birth, quite possibly a water birth at a birthing center, but we are thinking we're going to do an NT scan to see if the baby is healthy enough for that to be a good option. I know we could wait until the 20 week anatomy sono but I just don't want to wait that long and get my heart set on a midwife/center/idea to find out half way through the pregnancy that it's not best for the baby.

Feelings?

And please be kind. Some women on here have been a bit abrasive about simple questions and seeing as we're just coming off a devastating m/c and D&C, I don't appreciate the rudeness about such a sensitive time in a pregnancy. 

Thank you!!

aylafsu88

I had an NT scan and the anatomy scan. IMO knowing what to expect and what problems may arise is very important. My H and I wanted to be informed and emotionally/financially prepared if our LO was going to have any issues after birth. As we were using an OB and delivering in the hospital I never considered how it might affect the outcome since we were not using a birth center.
I think you need to make the right choice for you. If having a NT scan will help ease your worries and let you know that things are on track for the birth center then you should do it. Ultrasounds are safe and have been used for many years now. GL!

wintersong

@rachelrogers2013 - Sounds like you have already reached your decision. Don't let us change your mind! If you feel that you need the peace of mind, then by all means go for it. (If you're anything like me, maybe all you needed was a chance to air your thoughts in a no pressure way, like an online forum, in order to find out what you really feel.)

The question makes you seem like the kind of woman who makes informed choices. When it comes to the risks of different procedures, ask your doctor what they are, and then weigh them against the risks of NOT doing the procedure. Maybe the stress simply isn't worth it!!

oliversmommy32912

We are planning a home birth and have chosen to do the NT scan. We did not do it when I was pregnant with my son, but we were planning a hospital birth and I knew it wouldn't change our outcome or birth plans. This time, if I come back high-risk for one of the disorders the NT screens for, I will likely change my birth plans and opt have a hospital birth instead.

It's a very personal decision. If you decide not to proceed then you can rest easy knowing that, statistically, the chances of something being wrong are low. If you decide to do it, be confident in that decision. It is the first of many that you will make for yourself and your baby.

mb314

I don't really see much correlation between the NT scan and choosing a natural birth.  I had a NT scan with DS (and likely will with this one too) to find out if the baby was at risk for genetic diseases.  I am not sure if the NT scan will give you enough information to determine if the baby is healthy enough for a natural birth.

Also, keep in mind that circumstances change a lot during your third trimester, even after your anatomy scan.  Particularly in those last weeks, you can develop blood pressure issues, low fluid levels, the baby could be breech, etc that could make you unable to have a med-free birth.  I think it's awesome to plan and prepare for a natural birth, but do keep in mind that all sorts of stuff can come up and you may not get the birth you want.  Hopefully that won't happen, but it is best to be prepared for all circumstances.  To that end, we took Bradley Classes, and I felt like that really helped me prepare for all the different complications that could arise and how to deal with them if they do. 

Also, have people been abrasive on this board?  I find this board to be one of the least snarky and most supportive.

Good luck in your decision!  And here's to a healthy baby and a natural birth!

rachelrogers2013

mb314 said:  

Also, have people been abrasive on this board?  I find this board to be one of the least snarky and most supportive.

Good luck in your decision!  And here's to a healthy baby and a natural birth!

It wasn't this board that was a bit snarky, must have been an "off day" on another board.
Thanks for the feedback ladies.

NT scan looked good which is at least a step in the right direction