Less than stellar NT scan...?

Texafornian

Hey ladies... have any of you had a less than great NT scan this go around or in the past and had a positive outcome?

I know the measurement of the nuchal fold should be under 3...our baby measured a 5. The radiologist showed us all the baby's limbs, little feet, organs, top of head and then said the nuchal measurement was "thick" and "I'm sorry." Then she went on to say "I've seen babies with this be TOTALLY normal...and I've seen them go the other way." Um thanks lady. 

My OB said it's more like a bell curve and I'm now waiting on my Panorama test to come back to see if there are more red flags for possible chromosomal issues. If yes, then o move onto an Amnio.   She did say I have no other markers other than my age and that I'm fabulously healthy...

Staying positive as I know there's room for error and it's NOT a diagnostic scan...merely a test that presents possible increased odds for stuff.

Just wondering if anyone else has gone through this...this is our last chance for a baby so we are understandably stressed and saddened not to get glowing results. I'm kind of a roller coaster of emotions from "it'll all be just fine" to "omfg."

JustBored10

So sorry.  We opted not to get this test done for the very reason that it is not a reliable markers test.  I would just wait for your blood results to come back and also your 20 week anatomy scan to make sure there are no other markers. 

lap018

I'm so sorry that you're having to deal with this, it's just so frustrating that they say things like "I'm sorry" when they don't even know anything for sure? That just really irks me. How much longer til your blood work comes back? I'll praying you through the weekend, it'll be a long one but you will get through it! 

DPandMB

I don't have any advice. Just creepy internet hugs. Fingers crossed for a positive outcome.  Keep faith for good bloodwork.

sarahufl

No experience, just hoping you get good news.

juliebeannn

Nothing to add but to give huge hugs.  Hoping for good Panorama results!

Texafornian

@lap018 they said the Panorama takes about 7 days to get back...I think including the weekend. So sometime between this Tues through Fri. 

mrs_tacos

No other markers is good! I know one baby with Downs, and she had several markers early on. I know each case is different, but at least you have reasons to hold on to hope. The waiting game is the worst. I'll be praying for strength for you and your DH this weekend, and hopefully the results will come in earlier rather than later.

mercury94

I have seen a few people on TB talk about how they were told at NT that there was a high chance of downs, but the baby was completely healthy. Wish I could remember exactly where I saw it. 

Sugargirl1019

So many hugs to you. My friend had an abnormal NT scan and did not do any further testing; she just spent the whole pregnancy thinking baby had downs syndrome. But baby girl was born completely healthy. praying for you.

jillibean0871

Praying for you and hope you hear good news soon...

latershrader

Nothing but good thoughts and prayers for your little one @Texafornian! All the research says that NT tests are not the end-all be-all. I'm going to think positive and consider your baby a-ok!

eeyorefan215

I had an NT scan about 2 weeks ago and it lasted about 30 minutes. I was so worried! The lady who did the scan didn't say much to me and my dr. was out. The photos from the scan were passed around the office to all the other drs and nurses on staff, but no one came to talk to me about the "results" of the scan. My OB had already asked me to get the genetic testing done because I only carry one X chromosome (instead of the normal 2 which should make it IMPOSSIBLE for me to get pregnant and this is my second pregnancy). Our test came back 100% normal.  Sending you positive vibes that your blood test comes back with good news!

toshandbabies

At my scan they diagnosed me with spontaneous chorioamniotic separation which is often linked to chromosomal disorders and other scary risks. They know nothing for certain, but also recommended genetic testing. We will opt out because regardless of the results it changes nothing.

lilpoots

I have a close friend who's NT scan came back with high numbers and she was told that the baby most likely had downs, but her daughter was born without chromosomal abnormalities. They should treat the results of this test properly and only use them as a risk predictor, because that's all they are. I hope your blood work comes back quickly.

Breath_Easy92

Well I don't have any experience in the area but my best friends older sister who just had a baby does. I'm going to try and sum up what she said But she said it much better than I ever could.  Her little girl has a very mild form of spinal bifida (she has one more surgery to get things corrected then no one will probably ever know) so she's done a lot of research on all these tests. She says don't worry yet until you get the blood work, then don't worry some more. (Easier said then done) but she said those ultrasounds aren't always really reliable because baby isn't always cooperative, it's not an end all be all test and they're still growing. Also, blood work/amnios while they can give you a positive or negative result do not tell you the situation of YOUR baby, everything is a sliding scale and there's no black and white.  plus both tests can give false negatives and positives. But she ended with listen to your gut, enjoy your pregnancy, and do something for yourself every day even if it's little. I wish I could convey her calm relaxness for you but she's a miracle worker for my anxiety.

BostonBaby1

As I said on the PGAL thread, I'm keeping everything crossed for an uneventful pregnancy and normal Panorama results.

msashley2010-2

Fingers crossed for you and baby!! 

Carebella

The waiting is awful, I'm so very sorry you can't get faster results. All the creepy internet hugs and FX for everything to turn out okay. 

Rhubarb7216

One of my close friends also had an abnormal nuchal measurement and her baby had some other abnormal markers as well. She followed up with a cell free DNA test and some other genetic tests, which all came back normal. Today she has a totally healthy 20 month old. There is hope, so try to stay positive!

kelseyrayay

Praying for you! Creepy internet hugs 

wyomama0427

No experience, just lots of hugs. I've been thinking about you, I'll probably be checking back all week to see what you find out. I'll be sending lots of prayers/good vibes/good juju your way!

GracefulStar

I'm in the opposite boat, they said my scan was good but one of my blood tests for Down syndrome put me right at the borderline. So far I've just been told it would require one extra ultrasound scan at 32 weeks. I'm only 14 weeks so that seems like forever. Regardless of the outcome though I can't wait to meet baby. Hang in there! Whatever baby is, we can't change that. Prayers for you though that it's all good news!

Texafornian

THANK YOU ladies...seriously, all of you...it really does help to hear encouraging words and to get some prayers going. I'm trying to keep the faith and it's difficult (aint gonna lie) but as each day goes by, I feel a little better and more at peace. So again, thank you for all of the kind words and optimism.

@eeyorefan215 that makes me so angry that they tugged you around like that and talked about your scan like you weren't there or mattered. I'm so sorry you went through that...did you ever find out the results of the scan? I'm SO glad that your blood work set your mind at ease and you GO GIRL!  Get on with your bad self procreating with that one X...miracles DO happen. 

@Breath_Easy92 please thank your friend for me for the kind and relaxed words. It truly is the most difficult thing in the world to stay calm so it's nice to get that perspective. It's truly shattering to hear such news...especially after I had a loss and a D&C this time last year AND this is my absolute last go around for a second LO. I did do some research and the stats on my NT # (5) put me in the 50%...50% of those within 4.5-5.4mm measurements end up with NO abnormalities at all. I found that reassuring...especially since two friends of mine had scans with 7's (which the stats only give 15% to) and they have PERFECT children now. I kind of wish they wouldn't tell you crap in terms of numbers...just test you and have the facts first! lol

@gracefulstar I'm sorry that you had freaky info as well but borderline is still FABULOUS, especially if your scan was awesome. I know they can tell A LOT at the 20w anatomy scan as well so it's not AS far as the 32 week one. I think by that point it's just an extra precaution. I have faith that all will be good with your LO. 

Texafornian

@toshandbaby i'm sorry for your results as well...I often here mom's say that results of tests won't change anything. For me, I would just want to know in case my LO needs extra medical attention at birth...I'd like to make sure he or she has the best people there to administer care. BUT, that's just me. I totally get not wanting to do further testing though... Prayers that the diagnosis of spontaneous chorioamniotic separation means absolutely DIDDLY in the long run and that your LO ends up safe in your arms.
Edited to say...more I think about it though...I suppose if you forgo any of the early testing that the later ultrasounds would diagnose anything that really required extra medical attention at birth. 

bassoondiva

@Texafornian my prayers and thoughts are certainly with you.  I do not have the same experience you have but I felt compelled to say something.  It is human to worry but just don't make it your home.  God has taught me that He won't put more on you than you can handle.  I certainly understand your desire to be prepared.  whatever the outcome,and we are certainly hoping for a great one, out of everyone in the world you were chosen to be this little ones mom and you're gonna kick butt doing it!!!!!! Please don't let your period of waiting steal the joy of pregnancy. I know waiting is crap!!!  just know you have your message board family praying for you and keeping you in our thoughts!

jena333-2

The geneticist I saw today said the NT scan is really only about 50% useful, because the results can just go either way.

baileylove22

I had something similar happen to me during my last pregnancy although it wasn't at the NT scan. They found a marker on Baby B's heart during a later ultrasound. There was also something with too much amniotic fluid being present meaning her kidneys were not functioning properly. I had not done any of the other blood testing or anything up to that point and the NT scan I had at 12 weeks was fine. I worried myself to death. I was also in the hospital for a short cervix and preeclampsia as well so we were worried they were coming super early too. We did some extra monitoring, but did not do any further testing. In the end she was 100% ok. Sending prayers your way!

Texafornian

jena333 said:

The geneticist I saw today said the NT scan is really only about 50% useful, because the results can just go either way.

I'm glad you wowed him with your Wiki knowledge too 

Edited to say...thank you for that!

Inanigloo

We had a blood screening come back for a higher risk of T18 and T13 a couple pregnancies ago despite a good ultrasound. We ended up miscarrying but had the harmony testing done before and it came back completely normal. I almost didn't do it this pregnancy because of the stress it caused before, but being prepared incase is important too. 

Prayers and good vibes being sent out to you. 

OmSweetOm

I did not have any issues with the NT scan but, I did get blood test done at my scan 9 years ago with DS and was shocked when I came back with a high risk ratio for Downs. I was only 23 at the time so, I was shocked to say the least. Wound up getting the CVS and had to wait for 2 of the longest week of my life for the results. My son ended up being 100% healthy. I go on Tuesday for my NT scan with this little one with a lot of anxiety because of my experience. These tests are really both a blessing and a curse. Praying you get your results soon and find out your little babe is healthy as can be and just getting a super early head start on stressing mama out. 

NicoleRN1979

@Texafornian sending lots of prayers for you for good Panorama results and a healthy baby!  When I had my NT scan last week, my MFM did the ultrasound himself. He was awesome at explaining everything and he showed me how easy it is to get an abnormal result if the baby isn't in the exact perfect position while doing the measurements. So, hopefully your little one was maybe just being squirmy that day and he measurements are off. Also, I learned that you can get your Panorama results on mynatera.com just in case it takes a little while for your doctor's office to call you with the results. It took about 10 days to get my results. Keep us posted!

Texafornian

@OmSweetOm I'm glad your results turned out in your favor and you now have a healthy child! Thank you for the positivity!

@NicoleRN1979 yea, hoping he or she was just squirmy and that my radiologist sucked lol. I already tried mynatera.com but you need to enter the test number which I don't have sooo it's still a waiting game.

zetega

@Texafornian FYI, you can call Natera to get the "case ID" or test kit number that will enable you to set up an account and view your results online. They just need your name/DOB/OB's name and will give it to you over the phone. However, I think the doctor can ask them to delay releasing the results online-- I got a call from my doctor with the Panorama results four days before the online portal said that processing was done and would show me the report. I read somewhere that the doctor can have Natera hold results until after he/she discusses with you. 

Anyway, I am thinking of you and hoping you get good news fast. 

Sugargirl1019

Oh... now I'm doing this website. Thanks a lot guys!

Texafornian

I just got a call...genetics showed positive for Trisomy 21.
Now waiting for the high risk office to call and schedule appts for further in depth ultrasounds and a CVS...
I didn't ask the sex as I'm kind of in shock...

Sugargirl1019

@Texafornian All the hugs, love. It's not official yet. Hugs hugs hugs. I can't imagine what you're thinking and feeling.

wyomama0427

@Texafornian I have two friends whose tests both showed positive for that as well and they were false positives. I am so so sorry you didn't get the news you were wanting to hear, I am sending you some unbelievably giant squishy hugs right now. Huuuuge hugs. 

mrsmarygs

@Texafornian Sending prayers and hugs to you!

HollyGolightly09

((Hugs)) so many prayers and positive thoughts for you! 

Try to breathe. 

Hopefully you wont have to wait long for your next appointment. 

latershrader

All the hugs @Texafornian. Praying for the future tests to come back clear.