NT scan/1st tri screening and twins question

j&j508

I know this is a personal decision, but we're going back and forth and need to make a decision.  We see plenty of reasons why to do the testing, and also lots of reasons not to.

As a MoM, what else do I need to consider?  Nothing I read about it addresses any difference for twins.  My Dr. said that the tests are harder to read with multiples, and we know for sure we would not want to do an amnio if we got less than favorable results. 

Did you do the screening and if so why?

Temp159135562506975

we did the screening with both pregnancies because it's non-invasive, no risk to the babies, and it's one more chance to see them inside... it's a GREAT time - because it's the first time they really look like full babies - it's amazing.

if we had a high risk we would not have done an amnio - but we were comforted by the low risk results we got both times.

 

janjag

What's the downside?  It's not invasive, so I was happy to do it.  It is a LONG appt (with twins), but really cool to see the babies in action!  Our tech got all the measurements they needed, just takes time/skill.  DH and I decided we would not have an amnio, but still wanted the NT. 

Oh, I guess the reason I did it was b/c of my advanced maternal age

April320

We just had ours last week.  We didn't see any downside to it - it's non-invasive and doesn't pose any risks for the babies.  We probably wouldn't have done an amnio if we had negative results from the screening, but fortunately our results were great.  Our doctor said the only difficulty in interpreting the results for multiples is that the bloodwork part of it is averaged for both babies, so you only get one odds-ratio as the final result, and that's an average for both.

And I totally second what PP said - DH and I loved it because we got to see the babies actually looking like babies for the first time!  Amazing.  And it's a pretty long ultrasound, so you get lots of time to see them.

SaraK1

I agree with the PP's. I had my initial appt with my MFM at 13 weeks (we had just moved here) and they were doing an u/s anyways to check on the babies after us moving across the country.  The tech just automatically started taking measurements and then asked us if we wanted her to continue.  We said sure, since we got to see the babies for longer. I was unable to do the bloodwork portion since our results would have been skewed from starting with a quadruple pregnancy that naturally reduced to twins.

blossomtg85

A lot of people on my month board were doing it just to see the babies. With twins I see the babies all the time, but even I was excited at another chance to see them!! And like PP said, it was the first time they really looked like babies, it was amazing!

nikinikinine

Goldie_Locks_5:

we did the screening with both pregnancies because it's non-invasive, no risk to the babies, and it's one more chance to see them inside... it's a GREAT time - because it's the first time they really look like full babies - it's amazing. 

this.

We came up with one high risk indicator (choroid plexus cysts), decided not to pursue and amnio and found out today they cysts resolved themselves.

It's nice to know your babies are healthy and regarding the other things the tests look for that are more serious than say Downs (trisomy 18, omphaloceles, heart problems, etc.), we were happy to know that they were ruled out.  

caitdana

I was against it at first and my husband was all for it. So, I discussed it with my dr. I knew no matter the results, we would not end the pregnancy. So I didnt understand why to do it. My dr told me (ask yours because they may have totally different views) that she recommended it with me (I am 25 and no family hx of gene abnormalities) but she said with twins you have a lot going on and of course they would be measured and watched more carefully but if there was a problem it is better to catch it early and moniter it. She said the test help decide who I need to see (like specialist wise) and if I need special drs in the delivery room. Also because I worry more than most, it would help put my mind at ease. I had to go back twice to have it done because my girls were very squirmy. Good luck!

j&j508

Okay, you guys totally convinced me.  I called today to schedule the appointment, and was actually able to get in this afternoon.  The u/s tech said they both look great, measurements are good, etc.  They were wiggling around and she got tons of great shots and measurements- all on target.

YAY!