Abnormal Nuchal Translucency?

sarajlj

I went in for a CVS test on Monday because I'm a carrier for a chromosomal translocation. I'm currently 11 weeks and they did an ultrasound before the procedure and noticed an excess amount of fluid behind the baby's neck (Nuchal translucency), which can be an indicator of a chromosome abnormality. Has anyone else had or heard of any positive outcomes from having a higher than normal NT reading? I have to wait 2 weeks for the results and I'm half driving myself insane already....

nycqueens36

My sister had the indictor in the NT scan and then had a perfectly healthy baby (she did do further testing to make sure all was ok and it was). I was told the NT scan is a screening and to be sure to not think of it as a diagnostic test. The wait is terrible but it can all turn out fine.

VioletandRose

Hi there. I had a CVS last week due to a high NT (3.0) and my age (35). Did they tell you exactly what the measurement was?

Obviously I am no expert, but once we got the reading I was like a Nuchal Translucency researching machine. It was the only thing I could do to keep my sanity. I read about lots of cases of babies with higher NTs that were born completely normal. Babycenter.com has a whole board dedicated to NT readings/outcomes, where women share their stories and experiences. I think it will put your mind at ease.

Our test was last Weds and I received the preliminary results early yesterday morning. No T21, T18, T13 or Turners. I was given a 3.7% chance of having a problem, which sounds ok at first, but if you break it down it is a 1 in 26 chance, which seems a lot scarier. I have never been so relieved in my life. Now we are just waiting for the results of the microarray, which we'll have in another 2-4 weeks. (ugh) Also, a higher NT could be an indicator of a heart problem, another hurdle we have to go through. We have a fetal echocardiogram scheduled in a few weeks. Your doctor will probably recommend this for you as well.

Best of luck

katie0919

Do you know what your exact measurement was? I know that an abnormal amount of fluid definitely does not automatically mean the baby has a chromosomal problem. (((hugs))) I know this is so stressful to wait. I have heard and seen women on these boards say they had an abnormal amount of fluid but that their baby was healthy. I don't have much advice, but sending T's & P's and wishing you the best possible outcome!

MrsN092714

I have a friend who just went through this. Her baby measured 3.7 and after further testing her chances of having a baby with Downs is extremely low. Try not to worry to much! (Easier said than done) there is a lot of women with higher than average readings that end up with healthy babies.

aah1013

My baby's NT was high (3.1), but all of the blood work came back ok (the one that goes with NT and the DNA test). We'll have a growth scan at 16 weeks and fetal echo at 20 weeks with the high risk OB to check for heart defects. I just feel in my gut that all is well.

Stay positive and keep us posted! You'll be in my prayers.

smlowe9311

I'm only 25 (turning 26 in a week) and from the nt scan baby had a 1 in 85 chance of having Down's syndrome. Just got the call an hour a go after doing the pandora ms blood test and everything is perfectly fine!! Sorry they didn't tell me my exact numbers so I can't compare. Good luck to you!!

MerVer

Yes there are many stories of babies with high chances being born healthy. I'm not judging you at all, more sympathizing with you, when I say that this test adds a lot more worry and fear than anything else and does not offer a diagnosis. Its influence on us is based on something that doesn't even offer accuracy. I hope that it doesn't cause too much stress and I'm sorry you have to go through everything!! Hugs to you.

sarajlj

Thank you so much for the responses! You've all made me feel a bit better about this. My measurement was 2.7. I feel like I was totally blindsided by this since I never technically said I even wanted the test, it was just a measurement done during the ultrasound. Because I went through with the CVS they won't do the NT blood work since that would be redundant.
Hoping I just have a deviation of normal!
Thank you again for everyone's reassuring responses.

aah1013

sarajlj said:

Thank you so much for the responses! You've all made me feel a bit better about this. My measurement was 2.7. I feel like I was totally blindsided by this since I never technically said I even wanted the test, it was just a measurement done during the ultrasound. Because I went through with the CVS they won't do the NT blood work since that would be redundant.
Hoping I just have a deviation of normal!
Thank you again for everyone's reassuring responses.

2.7 is completely within normal! Anything below 2.9 is considered to be a normal measurement. I'm sure you're fine!

numbr2

I als had a high reading. Mine was 4.6 the genetic counselor I spoke to informed me that anything above 3 was considered abnormal and that she would be having the same conversation with a person who had a measurement of 3.1 that she was having with me. We researched the hell out of it and the genetic counselor even said it was common for women to have an abnormal reading and have healthy babies. She said it could be a normal variance, but also a sign of a problem. I am pregnant with fraternal twins and one measurement was normal and one was abnormal. We have chosen to wait till my anatomy ultrasound to decide if we want to do the non invasive prenatal testing. I could do it now, but the blood test gave me a false positive with my daughter. I am only going to consider it if they see a bunch of things at the anatomy ultrasound that indicate an issue. From what I have read it seems the majority of babies with high readings are ok but some are not. I won't do an amnio and risk two lives just so I can know and I am not going to terminate so I have chosen to wait. It is he'll but I am dealing with it. A reading of 2.7 would be considered normal at the women's hospital I was at. Don't worry too much:)

Peachey23

My friend had this. She went on to have an amniocentesis which showed it was all fine. I have refused this test with each of my pregnancies as I know I would never terminate a pregnancy so I don't feel I need to know. Having said that I do believe 100% in the anomaly scan as it shows actual problems that may require immediate treatment at birth. Please be aware this is my personal choice and is no judgement on anyone who does different as we are all individuals who live our lives making our own choices and its noones place to judge others opinions or decisions xx