Nuchal Translucency US

Wepplo

Hi all! I should preface this question with a little information - This is my first pregnancy, and I worry A LOT. Like, everything makes me anxious. I had a great 10 week ultrasound yesterday which put my mind at ease, but then I got my referral for my nuchal translucency US, which gave me something new to worry about!

Anyway, I understand this screening needs to take place between 11-14 weeks. The soonest they are able to get me in is at 13 weeks, 4 days. Clearly this is within the 14 weeks, but I can't help but wish they could see me sooner. I was told that after 14 weeks, the screening is far less reliable in detecting potential issues. 

Basically, before I call my doctor for the 1983098th time, I thought I'd throw it out to your ladies. Anyone else have their screening done so close to 14 weeks? Do I need to just chill and be okay with this, or should I call my doctor and see if she can help me get in sooner?

Thanks in advance for helping out the worry-wart.

Atlast111

Hi. There is a thread on Nuchal testing a bit further down which you might find useful. They have put many years of research into deciding what the best window for this type of testing is. Honestly, they allow upto 14 weeks because this gives accurate results. If it didn't give accurate results, they would only allow testing upto 13 weeks. These guys are experts! They also vary the length of the measurements according to when you are tested so if you are tested when you are 11 weeks they allow 2 mm and upto 2.8 mm at 14 weeks. You should also get a blood test. This combined testing is very accurate. If both the scan and the blood test show you are high risk they will send you for an amniocentesis or CVS which gives a definite answer. The best advice I can give (coming from a fellow worrier) is relax, honestly stress is the worst for the baby.

alysemci

Mines at like 13 1/2. I'm not worried

Atlast111

I have posted this elsewhere but thought it might be useful.
Here are the downs rates. They are pretty low. At age 36 they are still only 0.5%. They go up significantly as you get older. So unless you are an older mum I really think it's unfounded for women to be worrying about this!

https://www.ds-health.com/risk.htm

Wepplo

Thanks everyone! I've been actively trying to calm down and just go with the flow since I found out I was pregnant, but it can be so hard! I appreciate you all talking some sense into me. 

Atlast111 - I've seen that break down before. Thanks for posting again. It does make me feel better. I'll be 33 when I give birth, so I know I shouldn't be too concerned.

Atlast111

Wepplo said:

Thanks everyone! I've been actively trying to calm down and just go with the flow since I found out I was pregnant, but it can be so hard! I appreciate you all talking some sense into me. 

Atlast111 - I've seen that break down before. Thanks for posting again. It does make me feel better. I'll be 33 when I give birth, so I know I shouldn't be too concerned.

Glad to help. I'm going to be 34 so similar age. I would love 3 children so realistically I know this will only become a slight concern when I have my last child maybe around 38. Mind you that's still less than 1% so probably shouldn't worry then either...lol.

nrs164

Last time, I had mine at the same exact time and we were blown away by the ultrasound. They were able to identify and see everything they needed to during it. We got to see him moving all around and even sucking his thumb. It was so amazing. This time around we are scheduled for 11 weeks, 5 days so I'm curious to see the difference.

nrs164

Here are mine from last time! Try not to worry and get excited about seeing your little one!

pillowdrunk

I just had mine at 12 weeks.  I was a nervous wreck the entire time.  Baby wasn't cooperating and I felt like I was going to pee on the table.   It was really exciting to see the baby for so long (it took an hour and a half because we couldn't get baby in the right position) but now I'm counting down the minutes until I get the results.

Stay calm and have fun with the US!

seabandsforall

Mine also took over an hour today because the feisty fetus was moving too much in all the wrong positions. I had a genetic counselor walk through US + bloodwork results right after, which I appreciated greatly. I am blown away by how much the baby looks like an actual human right now.

NicknShan

Mine is at 13w6d. My OB said the best readings come during the 13th week so she recommended it.