Got my NT scan blood results back... XP

Juicy71

 XP from PAIF

And we have an elevated risk of Down's.  My blood indicated a 1 in 89 risk.  They said that my risk is lower than what is indicated by my age, which would be 1 in 55, but higher than that of the general public, so they are sending me in for additional testing at a specialist.

My NT scan itself had gone really well and all the measurements looked good at the time - my NT measurement was only 1.6 and they said anything under 3 is normal and the nasal bone looked fine, so the doctor said they are sending me for a level 2 ultrasound to look for any other markers.  And then we'll probably do the Mat21 test.

I know the odds are still really good that the baby won't have Down's, but it still just freaked me out.  So, please share any good stories with me and let me know if you've done any "2nd level" ultrasound screening and let me know what it's like.

TIA!!

 

danieleandwayne

This is why I did the MaterniT21 test. It's 99% accurate for Downs, whereas the NT scan is not anywhere close to that accurate and requires follow-up.

I would recommend doing the MaterniT21 (there are similar tests that go by other names, but my pregnancy brain is blanking on them at the moment). There's none of this false worrying like with NT scans and blood work.

Hang in there-- until you get some more conclusive data, I wouldn't give up hope yet. (Not to mention that 1 in 89 is still only slightly over 1% chance. Which is only slightly more than any person of any age's risk.)

msualum96

When I was pg w/ DS (age 37), I wasn't sure when my LMP was, so I estimated and was WAY off.  Long story short, I was further along than I thought, found that out when we went for the NT scan and they dated the pg at 14.5 weeks.  So we went ahead with just the bloodwork results, since they don't want to use the NT results after like 12 weeks or so.  Just on the 2nd tri bloodwork, my risk of Down's was 1 in 69.  I was freaked out.  They sent me for the level 2 US at 17 weeks, and there were ZERO soft markers for Downs.  He looked wonderful.  But I had to decide, at that moment, if I wanted an amnio or not (this was before Mat21 was available).  So we went ahead with the amnio, and had the reassurance that DS was OK (and, in fact, a DS LOL). 

With DD, my NT (1.6 also) + bloodwork had a lower than expected (for my age, 39) Downs risk, and I still weighed having the Mat21.  The Level 2 US for her had no soft markers either.  It was a stressful time trying to make that decision, but ultimately I declined, and DD is OK too.

The NT + bloodwork has a very high false positive rate.  VERY HIGH. The Level 2 US is just more detailed than the NT scan.  The baby is bigger, so they take a ton of measurements.  If your Level 2 US looks good, you have to basically decide what your comfort level is.  If you're a "need to know" person, then just have the Mat21 done.  It's safe for you and baby, and then you have all the info you need.

GL & H&H 9 months to you, I know it's scary!  Pregnancy is hard enough without all this added stress! 

Juicy71

Thanks ladies!!  I really appreciate your input.  It's so weird , intellectually, I know that the chances are slim that the baby has Down's but emotionally, that phone call just hit me hard.

msualum - what week were you when they did your Level 2 u/s?

dhreczuck

danieleandwayne:

This is why I did the MaterniT21 test. It's 99% accurate for Downs, whereas the NT scan is not anywhere close to that accurate and requires follow-up.

I would recommend doing the MaterniT21 (there are similar tests that go by other names, but my pregnancy brain is blanking on them at the moment). There's none of this false worrying like with NT scans and blood work.

Hang in there-- until you get some more conclusive data, I wouldn't give up hope yet. (Not to mention that 1 in 89 is still only slightly over 1% chance. Which is only slightly more than any person of any age's risk.)

I did not have a similar result however just wanted to follow up on danieleandwaynes post, there is another test called the Harmony that is very similar to the MaternT21, it just doesn't tell you the gender. I was told I could have that test done up to 18 weeks so you do have time to decide. Also Congrats, try not to worry too much!!!

 

Abeille

dhreczuck:

danieleandwayne:

This is why I did the MaterniT21 test. It's 99% accurate for Downs, whereas the NT scan is not anywhere close to that accurate and requires follow-up.

I would recommend doing the MaterniT21 (there are similar tests that go by other names, but my pregnancy brain is blanking on them at the moment). There's none of this false worrying like with NT scans and blood work.

Hang in there-- until you get some more conclusive data, I wouldn't give up hope yet. (Not to mention that 1 in 89 is still only slightly over 1% chance. Which is only slightly more than any person of any age's risk.)

I did not have a similar result however just wanted to follow up on danieleandwaynes post, there is another test called the Harmony that is very similar to the MaternT21, it just doesn't tell you the gender. I was told I could have that test done up to 18 weeks so you do have time to decide. Also Congrats, try not to worry too much!!!

 

Yep.  Harmony, MaterniT21 and Verifi are the brand names this test is available under.  Same tests, just depends on which lab is administering it.  I had the Harmony test.  I could have had gender determination for an extra $150 with the Harmony, but chose not to spend the money.  I highly recommend the test.  I'm sorry you didn't get definitive results and I hope you get some peace of mind soon.

Jenn5412

OP,

 I've never posted before but I wanted to share with you that my Quad testing came back 1 in 33 for Downs and I felt like someone kicked me in the stomach. 

I talked to my OB and she sent me for a level II u/s and I had the MaterniT21 test done.  My level II u/s went wonderfully; no markers for any chromosonal issues and the MaterniT21 blood work came back negative for chromosonal abnormailities. 

I conceived at 41, but will deliver at 42.  My EDD is 4.25.13. 

Juicy71

Jenn5412:

OP,

 I've never posted before but I wanted to share with you that my Quad testing came back 1 in 33 for Downs and I felt like someone kicked me in the stomach. 

I talked to my OB and she sent me for a level II u/s and I had the MaterniT21 test done.  My level II u/s went wonderfully; no markers for any chromosonal issues and the MaterniT21 blood work came back negative for chromosonal abnormailities. 

I conceived at 41, but will deliver at 42.  My EDD is 4.25.13. 

Thank you for sharing this and I'm glad everything turned out well for you   FX I have the same luck!!

msualum96

Juicy71:

Thanks ladies!!  I really appreciate your input.  It's so weird , intellectually, I know that the chances are slim that the baby has Down's but emotionally, that phone call just hit me hard.

msualum - what week were you when they did your Level 2 u/s?

I was almost 17 weeks when I had the Level 2.