NT Scan Question

rumna95

Hi-I had my 1st trimester NT scan this morning and the Dr said everything looked fine with the baby, but that the NT was a little thick.  He would like to see it below 2.5mm & it was about 2.3-2.4mm.  Although these #s are still below 2.5mm, he said combined with my age (39), the risk of Downs was increased.  If I was let's say in my 20s, the 2.3-2.4mm would not be concerning at all.  Just waiting on the bloodwork results in a week for the overall risk to be assessed, but wondering if anyone else had similar experiences & what the outcome was.

benoitfan

Just curious, but exactly how far along are you?  The NT measurement is only accurate if you have it done between 11w and 13w6d.  If you are measuring beyond 13w6d the measurement could be larger than it would be if you had the test done during the suggested timeframe.

Based on your measurement, I would request the IPS (Integrated Prenatal Screening). It combines the NT measurement with your age, a first tri blood test and another blood test at 14-16w.  It is more accurate than just the nt measurement/age/1st tri blood draw.  Approximately 2 - 3% of women taking this test will screen positive, but the majority of these women will NOT be carrying a pregnancy affected with Down syndrome (also known as a false positive result).

OR, you can skip it all together and just get the MaterniT21 test if it is available in your area.  The NT results and the IPS results are just probability tests, the MaterniT21 test is a non-invasive diagnostic test.  Amnio is also a diagnostic test, although it is invasive and has other risks.

rumna95

Thanks for the note! I am 12w3d.  I like your suggestion of the MaterniT21 test; once I see what the overall risk comes back as next week, I'll decide whether to have the test.

leffe1

My neck measurement was 1.8 but my bloodwork came back 1:41 odds for Down. They did tell me if I was in my 20's or early 30's the numbers wouldnn't even warrant additional testing. I am convinced that this is mostly based on age. I am now 40. I hope you get good blood results. I had an amnio and everything came back fine.

rumna95

Thank you so much for your feedback, leffe1.  Yeah, that was exactly what I heard re: my neck measurements--that these #s would not even warrant testing if I was younger.  You gave me some good perspective & a reason to still hope for the best, Thanks.

TTsmomma

I am 40 and my measurement was 3.5 and I just got my premlim results back from my CVS and they are fine so dont worry too much! As I learned the agonizing week between my NT scan and getting the prelim results there are many different reasons for a high measurement and most of the time it is nothing to worry about!!

rumna95

Thanks so much, TTsmomma!  That is the worst part--the waiting; the MFMs do not always deliver information in the most comforting way & this was what immediately caused me to go to the "worst case scenario".  Just the way the mind works when all you can do is wait for more information, I guess.  The only "humor" he provided was when he said "well, I can't do anything about your age. haha".  Pregnancy is a stressful enough situation, but when you are over 35, it adds another layer! Thank goodness for others like all of you who understand.  At least now I have hope, which I did not have after leaving the Dr's office.