Nuchal Translucency Scan

ailimay

Hi ladies! First time mom here, due 12/25! I'm wondering if anyone else's practitioner offered the Nuchal translucency scan that helps detects Downs and other chromosomal abnormalities? We're trying to decide what to do- did you feel that it was a good decision if you did it? If you didn't do it, why not? Thanks!!

Fuzzy228

I decided to get it done... Regardless of your decision whether you could keep the baby or not (not the topic here) it would be good to have all the information as early as possible. Either everything comes back ok and we don't worry or we have information to get more testing done to be prepared for what best fits our family. Remember, it is not diagnostic but a screening test- just something to keep in mind. Wishing you a H&H pregnancy!

yl1m32015

Yep, just had it done the other day. Im very glad I did it along with genetic screening. I'm a type A planner. I just wanted to be as prepared as possible for whatever my child my face.

foliver82

Yes. I had it done with my first and we are having it done again this pregnancy. It's a good noninvasive test :-) gives you peace of mind to an extent.

Angelface225

Had mine last week, it was great for my peace of mind.

Beckah31

I just had mine today. It's easy, non-invasive and as a bonus it gives you another chance to see the baby!

angetralala

My OB didn't present it as optional; it was just something she gave me a Rx for at my first appointment. That may be because I had two losses - I don't know the normal protocol.
I'm 14w2d, so I had it done almost two weeks ago. There was a packet mailed to me beforehand so I could prick my finger and submit bloodwork, the results of which were discussed at my appointment. The ultrasound looked great, but we discovered I have a PAPP-A protein in the second percentile. That can sometimes lead to chromosomal abnormalities, so my Dr. told me she thought I should get further testing (MaterniT21, Harmony, or whatever your insurance's version of the test is). That's a series of chromosomal tests with add-on tests for other disorders, depending on your family history. The tests are 97-99% accurate, depending on which Trisomy is being tested. Insurance will only cover if there's a medical necessity.
Luckily my results came back a-ok yesterday, so now my low protein is hopefully just an isolated issue, although it can lead to early labor and lower birth weight.
I hope some of this was helpful - if your practioner doesn't offer the test, it may not be necessary depending on your age, family history, and pregnancy history. Everyone feels differently about the concept of risk, however, so it's a very personal choice no matter what.

laurabwalker

I decided to do it, however I am 35 which drove my decision.

ailimay

Thanks ladies! I'm just worried it will cause me unnecessary worry- but, do they tell you right then and there if they are worried? I have an appt tomorrow, 11 weeks, for an exam I think? I think it's when I get blood tests for screening as well- then NT in 2 weeks.

It sounds like everyone thought it was worth it. I'm just afraid of a false positive and unnecessary invasive testing. Although I'm 28, first pregnancy and no complications. I'm probably fine- just a worry wart sometimes. I wasn't even remotely worried until they offered everything.

Thanks!

yl1m32015

ailimay said:

Thanks ladies! I'm just worried it will cause me unnecessary worry- but, do they tell you right then and there if they are worried? I have an appt tomorrow, 11 weeks, for an exam I think? I think it's when I get blood tests for screening as well- then NT in 2 weeks.

It sounds like everyone thought it was worth it. I'm just afraid of a false positive and unnecessary invasive testing. Although I'm 28, first pregnancy and no complications. I'm probably fine- just a worry wart sometimes. I wasn't even remotely worried until they offered everything.

Thanks!

In my experience, you will know immediately if something is wrong. This u/s is pretty detailed and the tech can talk you through it if you ask them. If they are concerned, you'll know. If all is well, you'll know. We specifically asked "what's that" and "what was my nt measurement?" We wanted to know, but she was very detailed. Even if all looks well, they'll call you with the blood results.

kcmichel

OBs offer it where I am. I've had it done all 3 pregnancies and am having it done for #4 next week. Im not at high risk because of age or anything, its just something they offer to cover all bases. I also know 2 younger people who had down syndrome babies.
It's nice to have a heads up and be prepared - or peace of mind if the results are good. Its a simple sonogram and there is a blood test portion so non-invasive which is the best part. Plus it's nice to get to see baby. Wishing you a happy healthy pregnancy!!

amandachristine518

I had one with my first pregnancy @12 weeks at which time they saw "things that were concerning" and I had to go back for an additional scan at 16 weeks. My son had a heart defect among many other abnormalities and we ended up losing him at 20 weeks.
Obviously I'm extremely nervous to have it done again this time around but for me I feel like it will help put my mind at ease to know that everything is okay. If your insurance will cover it I would do it.

AlejandraN2

We weren't really given an option in this one or in my last pregnancy. It seems to be common practice in NYC and I have not yet had a pregnant friend who declined it. I don't mind it because i like to plan ahead. You'll know during the scan if the measurements are within the normal range. The blood work will probably come back in a week and it'll tell you your chances. Really, a high "risk" is 1 in 200 (vs. one in thousands) so it's not like an abnormal result is immediately something to worry about. What it may mean is that you may have to do extra testing like a genetic test like MaterniT21 or amnio to know more. I've had friends who had abnormal measurements but then the added testing came back perfectly ok. 

Try not to worry about it. Most likely you'll be ok. 

@amandachristine518 - I wish you a normal scan this time around and a healthy pregnancy. I know how that feels like and I'm dreading the 20 week scan for my own reasons. I'm hoping you get an all clear. 

chewie5990

we opted out for any additional testing. My OB said it wasn't something she recommended because we are low risk but the option was there if we wanted. we are also on a really tight budget and it would have been a couple hundred extra dollars which is a lot of money for us right now (DH is still in school and I'm the only one working...yay for surprise babies

herdofcows

With my first we had it done. Perfect test odds 1:10000. At birth we found out the test was wrong and he had Down Syndrome. No markers or any indication on any ultrasound. This time we skipped it am had the Maternit21 test. It came back as 'normal'. I guess we will see if that one is correct at birth.

asmith40

I don't "plan" on getting one. I am a planner but I'm not sure what I would plan/do differently if there was something wrong with the baby. I think I would just worry about the baby and it would cause me a lot of stress for the duration of the pregnancy. However after reading some of these posts I'm second guessing myself! Ugh...decisions decisions!

ailimay

Wishing you the best @herdofcows !!

Thanks everyone for your feedback! We just ordered the Harmony testing today and will do the NT. My husband is really think he wants the peace if mind or preparedness. I agree with him- think it's just different when you're carrying the baby.

Happy and healthy pregnancies for everyone!

vera1127

We did not have it done with my son, but we did this time as I'm a little older and wanted to prepare our 5 year old in case we had to help him deal with a sibling with a disability. We also wanted to be prepared with specialists and things like that, just in case. However, it gave us great peace of mind that baby looked healthy! I don't regret doing it!

sheinritz

I got mine done this week... I think the best part was getting to watch the screen for an hour while my little baby was bee-bopping around. The little baby looks like a baby now at 8 weeks baby kind of looked like a caterpillar so it was exciting to see all his/her features. It was nice to get the results regardless of what is said they are only a ratio. It's possible there is false negative and positive results. In the end I still think it's worth it.

rain0831boww

I am opting in for every test. Even though I did the Harmony, it only detects some chromosome abnormalities. The one that concerns me is Turner's and hopefully I can have better piece of mind knowing if there's no excess amniotic fluid, swelling or issues in general. 

@amandachristine518 I am sorry for your loss. I lost around that time also. I hope you get positive results with this one!

RSB1982

I asked my OB about the NT scan. Apparently my office no longer does these scans because the Verifi test is so much more accurate. I did have my blood drawn for the Verifi test and should have results in two weeks.

merbear32

We did the full 1st trimester screening.  All three tests are noninvasive and pose no threat to the fetus. Some people do CVS but that is invasive and has a risk.  Our MD suggested we do 1st tri screening instead which ruled out the need for a CVS. 

BellaM110

Just out of curiosity for those who had it done already .. Do they give you any pictures to keep from the scan? I am having mine done tomorrow and my husband won't be able to attend.

MoreKittens

BellaM110 said:

Just out of curiosity for those who had it done already .. Do they give you any pictures to keep from the scan? I am having mine done tomorrow and my husband won't be able to attend.

We got 5 pictures! Woo! 

yl1m32015

BellaM110 said:

Just out of curiosity for those who had it done already .. Do they give you any pictures to keep from the scan? I am having mine done tomorrow and my husband won't be able to attend.

Absolutely! I got perfect profile pics and an adorable foot print pic.

NoSugarCoating

asmith40 said:

I don't "plan" on getting one. I am a planner but I'm not sure what I would plan/do differently if there was something wrong with the baby. I think I would just worry about the baby and it would cause me a lot of stress for the duration of the pregnancy. However after reading some of these posts I'm second guessing myself! Ugh...decisions decisions!

@asmith40 You wouldn't read about the condition? Seek out support groups? Find specialist doctors to treat any accompanying conditions like a heart defect (common in people with Down Syndrome, for example)? If needed, look for a daycare that can accommodate a special needs baby? 

krick43

I had my NT scan on Monday, I got the cutest pictures it was so amazing to see how much had changed since my last appointment! We got a footprint picture too @embuzz247 I can't stop staring at it  

We did decide to do the chromosomal testing, much like everyone else said we just wanted to be as prepared as possible if something were to be wrong. They told us the results take 7-10 business days but are almost always sooner than that. If you choose not to do the testing or it is not offered they are really forthcoming with information during the scan. Our tech walked us through everything she was looking for so we knew what would be concerning or not. 

Either way its a personal choice to do the testing. A good bonus is they can also tell you the sex of the baby if you want to know based upon the chromosomal screen! 

BellaM110

That's awesome! I'm excited to see my little peanut and be able to take some pics home!