Late Nuchal Translucency Test

curtissa73

I just called to make my appointment for my Nuchal Translucency test and I found out that it's kind of late to take it.  I have an appointment to take it tomorrow, but they said that tomorrow is the absolute last day that I can take it because tomorrow is the 1st day of the 14th week.  I was not clear on this or I would've been sure to schedule it earlier.

Now, I'm concerned.  I'm 36 years old and I really don't want to take the amniocentesis.  This is my first child and I'm really afraid of taking a test that is so invasive and risky.  I feel horrible right now.  I was told that ideally I should take the test between 12 and 14 weeks.  Has anyone else had this experience.  Is the test really not going to be accurate.  The last day of my first missed period was Feb 2, 2009.  The baby is due Nov 9, 2009.  Today is May 10 and I'm taking the test tomorrow.

 Please share any thought or insight you have.  Thanks!!!

barefootbride2008

 Are you sure that they aren't going to have you do the amnio or CVS anyway?  You might want to ask on the "Pregnant after 35" board, but I thought that they often didn't do the NT scan on women who would have an amnio or CVS regardless, and I thought an amnio and/or CVS were standard after 35.  I would assume, however, that if they are willing to do the test for you, they believe it will be accurate.  You'd really have to ask your doctor, though.   

Also, FYI, it's nuchal not nucleo.

Becky262

We had our NT scan done at 11 weeks.

Here's a page with great information about the NT scan:
https://www.babycenter.com/0_nuchal-translucency-screening_118.bc?showAll=true

There's also a test called a quad screen done in second tri.  It's similar to the NT scan (but without the u/s):
https://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/quadscreen.html

I would talk with your doctor about which testing is right for you.  Good luck!

iowagirl73

Congrats on the pg.  You are 1 day behind me.  The NT Scan is supposed to be down b/w 11-14wk (as in no more than 14wk).  They measure the amount of fluid on the baby's neck.  Apparently this is a time sensitive test and can only be done during the time specified.

I had mine done at 11wk,1d because I was moving out of the state and wanted to get it done while I still had a chance.  This was a military move and I wasn't sure if I'd be set up and have any appts where I currently am at in time.  I was worried that mine would be too early.  

Try not to worry too much.  You will more then likely need MFM and have genetic counseling done due to your age (I turn 36 on Wed).  Amnio may or may not be recommended but I would think it would be too early to have that recommendation now.

ETA: I see someone else mentioned the quad screen. It is a blood test but is also time sensitive.  I think it is done b/w 15-17wk (ask your doc).  Should be a voluntary test but if you are really worried about Down's and such you may want to think about having it done.  And MFM above (in case you aren't aware) is Maternal Fetal Medicine.  I have to see them due to my age.

someflower6

the bad news: it sucks that your dr scheduled you that close to the "end" time for NT and is making you worry.

the good news: you'll still get to see an ultrasound of the baby! AND with that u/s they can determine exactly how far along you are... just because your last period was feb 2nd doesn't mean you got pregnant exactly 14 days later-- you could be just a day or two later, and that may make a difference in which week you really are at.

 I know it's easy to worry about things like this, but there's really nothing you can do about it now... so go and have the test, enjoy seeing all that there is to see, and keep up the good work of baby making! 

Morena282

I had mine done yesterday, at 14w1d.  They warned me that they might not be able to do it since I was already in my 14th week, so they measured the baby from head to rump to see if he/she is still small enough to get accurate results.  My baby measured in at 13w6d so they were able to continue with the test.  Hope that helps...

heather_09_15_07

You don't have to get the amnio or cvs. They only make those recommendations based on the results of this screening. Even then, it's only a recommendation, not a requirement.

Ncaminiti

the issue is as the baby ages it becomes less translucent, thus making it harder for the fluid to be visualized and measured easily. The ideal age for it is within the 11th week. I'm getting mine fts done tomorrow i'll be 13w0d. just understand it's a screening tool and that if it's done late the values will not be as accurate. Depending on your situation they may recommend a CVS for more a true diagnosis.

mimijoseph

Try not to worry.  You're doing all you can do.  I wish you good luck.

Bluegrassbaby

I'm 37 and thinking about the Nuchal Lucency test, but will it tell us anything that will help us treat in utero or post-partum?...abortion is not a consideration for us.

Ncaminiti

Bluegrassbaby:

I'm 37 and thinking about the Nuchal Lucency test, but will it tell us anything that will help us treat in utero or post-partum?...abortion is not a consideration for us.

 

This tet the NT test is a SCREEN exam not DIAGNOSTIC. it's like ur sugar test, a routine annual, a routine mammo. It doesn't say yes or no it says a % of likely increase. It is much more accurate then the Triple or Quad Screening done around 16 weeks and is NON invasive. If your at an increase risk based off of your finger prick bloodwork, and nuchal measurements your dr. may recommend invasive testing which will a definiate answer because it looks at the actual CHROMSOMES.

If a child shows with any Trisomy ( 3 chromsomes) there is not treatment. If it's an NT defect then you may hear options of management and the extend of the defect possible. Depends where the NT is open in spina Bifida is how severe the impact. the lower the better.