NT scan tomorrow - what can I expect?

camdenfaithful

My NT scan is tomorrow at 3pm and I'm just a total ball of nerves.  For the most part I've been good about staying positive, but in the back of my mind I'm still just kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I was hoping you ladies could tell me a little about what to expect tomorrow.  It's an abdominal u/s right?  Do most places share the NT fold measurement with you?  I realize that the test is in combination of the scan and the b/w, but do they give you your odds there based on the scan?  And kind of random but will they let you get up and pee during the scan?  I have to drink a bunch of water before my scan and I know there is no way I'll be able to hold my bladder the entire time.

Scout05

Ab. u/s, where they will measure the NT itself, check femur length and the development of nasal bones. Our tech was able to say that the baby looked good and that there were not obvious issues, and then the OB told us the actual measurements.

No, you need a full bladder for the scan. They may let you relieve a little bit if you really have too, but for the most part you need to just hold out. My whole scan was 15 minutes or so, so it wasn't hard.

Then it's b/w. We were not given risk factors until the blood work came back, but they did tell us what the NT measurement was, which is a good indicator in of itself.

damabo80

They actually had me empty my bladder before the scan.

Whether or not they let you see/tell you what they see, will depend on the practice.

We did the NT scan at the dr's office, so the tech told us what she was looking at and the measurements during the scan. It was also projected onto a screen for us to see.

However, it does go by quickly. The scan was so fast, and it's not like she rests the probe on your belly and you can just watch the baby move. I  couldn't even tell if the baby was alive until I asked her. Rather, she took still photos and then measured those.

Another thing I was not prepared for was how hard the tech will press on your belly. It hurts! I don't know why in all the movies the mom to be is sitting there smiling and relaxed during the u/s. My face registered more of a painful grimace.

After the scan, they took blood (got the result a few days later), and I met with the dr for a quick chat.

Good luck!

elisbu

I didn't have one, but wanted to wish you Good Luck!

slgbreeden

I was also very nervous but excited for the NT scan. I definitely didn't sleep much the night before. First we met with the genetics councilor who went over what the appt would cover and what they were looking for. They then did an abdominal u/s for about 10 minutes b/c LO was cooperating they were able to get everything they needed right away. I had to pee so bad but they wouldn't let me go during the scan, fortunately I was able to forget once I got to see LO on the screen. After that, I had to give 1 vial of blood and they would call me back with the results in about a week. I didn't get any results while I was there nor during the scan. I know all this will vary from place to place but that was my experience. Good luck tomorrow!

camdenfaithful

Thanks so much ladies!

And thanks for the heads up on the pressure they use with the wand!  When they did a doppler check at my last appt I was really surprised at how hard the OB pressed on my stomach.  I wasn't really expecting that at all.

ravenorchid

I haven't had an NT scan, but my official u/s before my CVS last time required a full bladder and they actually told me that my bladder was too full. They had me empty my bladder and just drink 1 glass of water. It was an abdominal ultrasound (done at 12 weeks). GL tomorrow! I hope all goes perfectly!

Gummybear

The tech told me the measurement, and since it was "not ideal" the peri. came in after and explained exactly "how bad" it was, and the associated risks. I got my bw a couple days later and was told my odds.

With DD and DS, since I had good readings, the tech told me the number and off I went.

Kira98

My bladder was so full they let me go and pee.  

The tech gave me the measurement as she was doing it & told me things looked good.  I got the odds several days later, since it takes time to process the b/w.

Good luck! 

Ryan&Kristin062009

camdenfaithful:

My NT scan is tomorrow at 3pm and I'm just a total ball of nerves.  For the most part I've been good about staying positive, but in the back of my mind I'm still just kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I was hoping you ladies could tell me a little about what to expect tomorrow.  It's an abdominal u/s right?  Do most places share the NT fold measurement with you?  I realize that the test is in combination of the scan and the b/w, but do they give you your odds there based on the scan?  And kind of random but will they let you get up and pee during the scan?  I have to drink a bunch of water before my scan and I know there is no way I'll be able to hold my bladder the entire time.

I just had mine on Friday. Yes it was an abdominal U/S. The tech didn't offer up the measurement, only that everything looked great (though i did see on the screen it was 1.21, anything under 3 is good as far as I am aware). They didn't give us odds based on the scan, they said it was based on the scan, and the 2 b/w results. I don't know about getting up to pee, our scan wasn't too long at all, maybe 15 minutes or so? And I wasn't asked to drink any water beforehand. GL I know how nerve wracking it is! I am starting to get nervous about the the first of the 2 b/w results.. I should hear this week!