NT Scan questions

flutterby918

Why did/didn't you decide to get it?

Right now my OB says my risk for the issues they scan for is super low and she does not recommend it for woman my age, plus she said the big u/s would catch any potential issues at that time.

I thought it would be nice to get it for the chance at an extra u/s, but she said as long as I am spotting she will scan me each time I come in to check on that.

Thoughts for and against?

Villo24

My OB recommends it for everyone regardless of the age. I had no spotting or other complications, so I was looking forward to another u/s.

LCB34

We did it because of all of my losses.  We were never able to test tissue (my first miscarriage was natural and I never passed the twins since I was still pregnant) so we didn't know if there were any genetic reasons I lost 3 babies.

With that said, we personally would not have terminated based on any genetic testing results.  We simply wanted to know what challenges we may be facing to best prepare ourselves if we were bringing a special needs child into this world.

flutterby918

LCB34:

We did it because of all of my losses.  We were never able to test tissue (my first miscarriage was natural and I never passed the twins since I was still pregnant) so we didn't know if there were any genetic reasons I lost 3 babies.

With that said, we personally would not have terminated based on any genetic testing results.  We simply wanted to know what challenges we may be facing to best prepare ourselves if we were bringing a special needs child into this world.

We would not terminate based on results either, so that is another reason for me to not do it. We have had chromosome testing done during IVF, and all came back normal, so that makes me feel better.

Also, I am not sure how I could "prepare" other than worry more (and maybe read a book or two I guess). I will discuss with MH more to see how he feels, but as of right now I am leaning against having it done.

lovemymonkey

We got it b/c we were high risk due to my age, but now I wish we hadn't. I figured it would just be a reassuring test for me, but instead our results came back abnormal and it's just been added worry.

Unless termination is an option should you get an abnormal result and subsequent positive diagnostic test (CVS), personally I wouldn't do this test again.

the anatomy scan in the 2nd trimester should catch any major issues or identify any additional soft markers if you wanted to know prior to birth (in order to be better prepared).

GL!

flutterby918

lovemymonkey:

We got it b/c we were high risk due to my age, but now I wish we hadn't. I figured it would just be a reassuring test for me, but instead our results came back abnormal and it's just been added worry.

Unless termination is an option should you get an abnormal result and subsequent positive diagnostic test (CVS), personally I wouldn't do this test again.

the anatomy scan in the 2nd trimester should catch any major issues or identify any additional soft markers if you wanted to know prior to birth (in order to be better prepared).

GL!

I am sorry it's be so hard on you, Rose. I do think this is why I am leaning away from it. After being IF for so long, I am already anxious about this pregnancy, I just don't think having one more thing to potentially worry about is going to help.

Kiki11

My OB left it up to us, although he recommended that we at least get the u/s portion of the scan because the first trimester was so shaky and the baby was measuring behind which could have been a sign of an abnormality.  Everything turned out fine though and it was definitely reassuring.  Good luck with the decision!

LTF525

My OB recommended that we not do it. Because I am only 28 he thought my risks were really low so there was no need to add extra anxiety into the mix. He said I could do it if I wanted, but he didn't recommend it for someone my age. I had always thought I'd push for it, but after talking to him I am ok with not having it. We wouldn't terminate so I figured its not worth stressing for the next 9 months over something I can't control.

laura&dan05

I've had an NT scan with 2 pregnancies and I'm pretty sure I'm skipping it this time. The first time around I did it even though I'm very low risk because I heard it was a fun u/s and it was great! We got to spend a lot of time watching dd wiggle around and do cute things. With my last pg the NT scan is where we learned out baby had birth defects (I wasn't considered high risk and my ob said it wasn't necessary). The thing that is making me not want it this time around is that even if we got devistating results again it doesn't change anything. We won't terminate the pregnancy so in a way the results don't matter to us. If this baby is meant to be things will be ok. Last time we spent weeks in agony at appointments with genetic counselors, mfm docs, u/s, cvs testing, and all to learn there was something very wrong with our baby and we couldn't do a thing about it. There was no amount of money or medical intervention that could fix our sweet boy. We spent weeks sobbing and being angry and feeling lost and then our baby died. I would have much rather spent those weeks enjoying my pregnancy. The results would have been the same either way. I know my point of view will probably differ from most responses but I've been through the best and worst outcomes so I have a different perspective. Good luck with whatever you decide!