Decided to NOT get the NT scan

childof007 · July 2009

I was all over the place with this one. Had an appointment for next week and everything. The more I thought about it more I kept thinking "what if the results are not what I want to hear, how will this affect the rest of my pregnancy"...I talked with my husband and we both agreed that this is the best thing for us to do. I mean the reason for the test in my opinion is to opt to terminate if you found out you were at risk, then you get a amino or cvs to confirm. I know other reasons are to be prepared for a special needs child but I also think the main one is to terminate. I just don't think I could and I don't want to be put in that position. I know this is a very personal decision and I think regardless of the outcome, I'm glad I changed my mind.

Anyone else not getting it done? What are your thoughts about it?

Kie310 · July 2009

I'm not getting it done. If they did find something you need to be willing to take it to the next level of testing (amnio) and I'm not willing to do that -- so there is no point in it for me!

Autumn_bride2b · July 2009

We didn't get it done either.

jillianjigs7 · July 2009

We are having it done in a few weeks. I would never abort the baby if something was found, I would just like to be prepared. However, I wouldn't proceed if something was found and get an amnio.

MrsStu · July 2009

I am not getting it done. There is no way I could terminate a pregnancy and live with myself. I am not willing to get an amnio or CVS, either, so there is really no point in stressing out about it.

jksweets · July 2009

I am pretty sure we are not going to get it done. We would never terminate the pregnancy and I wouldn't want to do the amnio. I think it would cast a dark cloud over a otherwise happy pregnancy.

Hulahoop1234 · July 2009

This post is made every day, but I still have to strongly disagree that the "main reason" to have the NT scan would be to decide to terminate.

a_gurski · July 2009

I didn't do it. I passed up some other kind of test they offered at 20 weeks. Don't remember what it's called. My dr. said a lot of false positives came back on those tests. Meaning, the test says there is a chance that something is wrong when there really isn't. Why go through that stress for the rest of the pregnancy?? Even if something really is wrong, they can't really do anything for the baby. I would never terminate either. Yes, some people say they want to be prepared, but I don't think you can ever fully prepare for something like having a child with special needs. I understand other's points of view, but I am with you on this one.

childof007 · July 2009

Hulahoop1234:
This post is made every day, but I still have to strongly disagree that the "main reason" to have the NT scan would be to decide to terminate.

I did also mention being prepared, are there any other reasons? Those are the only two I could think of.

ocho2002 · July 2009

I'm having one and have no plan on terminating. I don't know anyone who had that plan either. If you're going to be a parent, you should be thinking about your baby and not yourselves. I don't want to hear that there is something wrong either, but its the responsible, mature thing to do. If there is something wrong, I have a responsibility to my child to be ready to deal with any problems that are likely to exist at the earliest possible time. Assuring yourselves 9 months of *bliss* with your head in the sand is just selfish in my opinion.

12bailey18 · July 2009

I'm not getting it done, never thought twice about it. My doctor didn't seem to care whether or not we did it either.?

getnmarried910 · July 2009

I haven't ever done it. There is such a high false positive rate that we didn't want to even go there. It's your choice.

heather_09_15_07 · July 2009

a_gurski:
I didn't do it. I passed up some other kind of test they offered at 20 weeks. Don't remember what it's called. My dr. said a lot of false positives came back on those tests. Meaning, the test says there is a chance that something is wrong when there really isn't. Why go through that stress for the rest of the pregnancy?? Even if something really is wrong, they can't really do anything for the baby. I would never terminate either. Yes, some people say they want to be prepared, but I don't think you can ever fully prepare for something like having a child with special needs. I understand other's points of view, but I am with you on this one.

Not true. If your baby is found to have SB, it really should be delivered by c/s. Also, I'd want to be mentally prepared for the possibility that my baby would need an extended time in the hospital.

childof007 · July 2009

ocho2002:

I'm having one and have no plan on terminating. I don't know anyone who had that plan either. If you're going to be a parent, you should be thinking about your baby and not yourselves. I don't want to hear that there is something wrong either, but its the responsible, mature thing to do. If there is something wrong, I have a responsibility to my child to be ready to deal with any problems that are likely to exist at the earliest possible time. Assuring yourselves 9 months of *bliss* with your head in the sand is just selfish in my opinion.

Agree to an extent, that is initially why I was going to do it. I'm not assuming the rest of the pregnancy will be blissful based on not having this done, and I don't think I'm being selfish either. I just think everyone has their reasons for doing and not doing it. Just because the technology is available doesn't mean you have to partake it in.

It sounds like to me you think everyone should do it?

Hulahoop1234 · July 2009

childof007:
Hulahoop1234:
This post is made every day, but I still have to strongly disagree that the "main reason" to have the NT scan would be to decide to terminate.
I did also mention being prepared, are there any other reasons? Those are the only two I could think of.

To state that the "main reason" would be to terminate is just ignorant. Without a doubt most people's reasoning is to be prepared. For example, there are many things that can be found at both the NT scan and anatomy scans that could give reason for you to be delivered at a different hospital, with a higher level NICU and surgeons experienced in specific life threatening conditions.

childof007 · July 2009

Hulahoop1234:
childof007:

Hulahoop1234:
This post is made every day, but I still have to strongly disagree that the "main reason" to have the NT scan would be to decide to terminate.

I did also mention being prepared, are there any other reasons? Those are the only two I could think of.

To state that the "main reason" would be to terminate is just ignorant. Without a doubt most people's reasoning is to be prepared. For example, there are many things that can be found at both the NT scan and anatomy scans that could give reason for you to be delivered at a different hospital, with a higher level NICU and surgeons experienced in specific life threatening conditions.

It's just my opinion. I don't think it is ignorant to state that. I think there are a lot of people who feel that way as well.

bannedmonkey · July 2009

I had one done and I can't tell you how amazing it was. The baby looked great and it was so special for us to be able to see her and bond with her. We were SO relieved when everything came back great.

We chose to do one because I'm at a higher risk and we wanted to be prepared for a special needs child OR to treat the baby inutero or to schedule a c/s if neccessary. I"ve always believed that knowledge is power.

That being said, I think testing is a VERY personal decision.

Lola'sDogMom · July 2009

My opinion on it is this:

It's a screening test, not a diagnostic. The very definition of a screening test is that if the results come back unfavorable, it is imperative to follow up with diagnostic tests to see if something is actually wrong. If you're not willing to do the diagnostic (amnio and CVS) then the screening test is pointless.

The terminating thing is not the main point but I understand why people say use that as a reason.

I also think it's a waste of medical resources for people to do it "just to see the baby again".

Doozieanne · July 2009

ocho2002:
I'm having one and have no plan on terminating. I don't know anyone who had that plan either. If you're going to be a parent, you should be thinking about your baby and not yourselves. I don't want to hear that there is something wrong either, but its the responsible, mature thing to do. If there is something wrong, I have a responsibility to my child to be ready to deal with any problems that are likely to exist at the earliest possible time. Assuring yourselves 9 months of *bliss* with your head in the sand is just selfish in my opinion.

This is the most stupid comment I have heard since I've been pregnant. My friend had the NT scan and was told her daughter would almost def. have Down's Syndrome. She worried herself to the point of being ill and "prepared" herself by knowing all she could about it, etc. She went to great lengths to prepare and when the baby was born...PERFECT! She was so upset that she had gotten so sick and worried over something that was very very wrong. How horribly stupid of you to call people out who have decided not to have it done and say they are not "responsible" and have their "head in the sand". And like some of the pp's said, there are a lot of false positives. There is no "9 months of bliss" when you are pregnant. There are lot of things that could go wrong. I have no problem with people who have it done...or don't. But I would never insult someone that decides to skip it.

lrkernick · July 2009

I am choosing to have it done. I would never terminate the pregnancy either but my doctor said she strongly suggests it becasue there are a lot of things that can be found and action can be taken while your still pregnant to correct or improve problems found. I would not choose to do it otherwise. I think the best thing for our baby is for us to be knowlegable of everything that is going on so we can begin making the best choices for him or her.

liv97 · July 2009

I did it, got good results, still did the CVS anyway, and now know that everything (chromosomal) is fine. (and found out at 13 weeks that we're having a girl).

If something was wrong, we would have considered not continuing. But mainly I needed to know for my sanity. Didn't want to spend 9 months worrying about it every second.

childof007 · July 2009

Doozieanne:
ocho2002:

I'm having one and have no plan on terminating. I don't know anyone who had that plan either. If you're going to be a parent, you should be thinking about your baby and not yourselves. I don't want to hear that there is something wrong either, but its the responsible, mature thing to do. If there is something wrong, I have a responsibility to my child to be ready to deal with any problems that are likely to exist at the earliest possible time. Assuring yourselves 9 months of *bliss* with your head in the sand is just selfish in my opinion.

This is the most stupid comment I have heard since I've been pregnant. My friend had the NT scan and was told her daughter would almost def. have Down's Syndrome. She worried herself to the point of being ill and "prepared" herself by knowing all she could about it, etc. She went to great lengths to prepare and when the baby was born...PERFECT! She was so upset that she had gotten so sick and worried over something that was very very wrong. How horribly stupid of you to call people out who have decided not to have it done and say they are not "responsible" and have their "head in the sand". And like some of the pp's said, there are a lot of false positives. There is no "9 months of bliss" when you are pregnant. There are lot of things that could go wrong. I have no problem with people who have it done...or don't. But I would never insult someone that decides to skip it.

Thank you! You had the balls to say what I couldn't. I try to stay nice and neutral on these things cause I don't want to get all riled up over people who don't know me.

NiniJ55 · July 2009

I plan to get it done - but I also have zero intention to terminate. I will not do an amnio - whether something is found to be wrong or not. The NT scan can tell you much more than simply if the child has down syndrome or some other chromosomal abnormality.

One bumpie on here mentioned that during her NT scan - they found the baby has an enlarged bladder. Now she is being watched more closely through out her pregnancy.

AmandaToo · July 2009

ocho2002:

I'm having one and have no plan on terminating. I don't know anyone who had that plan either. If you're going to be a parent, you should be thinking about your baby and not yourselves. I don't want to hear that there is something wrong either, but its the responsible, mature thing to do. If there is something wrong, I have a responsibility to my child to be ready to deal with any problems that are likely to exist at the earliest possible time. Assuring yourselves 9 months of *bliss* with your head in the sand is just selfish in my opinion.

I agree with this, even though I wouldn't quite have said it's selfish not to. Also, do you think 100% people who do end up terminating go into these tests with plans to do so? It's a very hard decision.

Doozieanne · July 2009

The "NT scan" is an ultrasound where they measure the nuchal translucency, so if you don't get it done at 13 weeks or whenever it is, they can still find other abnormalities at the 20 week ultrasound.

Gracey_Manor Maid · July 2009

Im not getting it done but DH and I talked a lot about it before we made the choice. I don't think it is selfish at all as pp said it isn't a definite diagnosis. But it is a personal choice.

eklecticpisces · July 2009

DITTO. Wow what a subject.

They way it was presented to me by my OB was this "if you were told your baby has DS would you continue your PG?". My answer immediately was Yes. In conjunction to that statement he asked if I wanted testing to rule of DS or other Defects and my answer was No. I don't think it's selfish to want or not want the testing. Its just a personal choice. As for the main reason being termination, that too was my immediate thought since that is how it was presented to me by my OB. I opted not have the NT with my DS. If there is something wrong we will deal with that hurtle if/when it comes.

Good luck to all you soon-2-be mommies!

beblankster · July 2009

A NT scan was not offered for my first pregnancy. My daughter died a dayb after she was born after an emergency c-section at 29 weeks. IF the scan did pick up her illness, there are plenty of things that could have been done in utero that could possibly have saved her life.

MrsStu · July 2009

ocho2002:
I'm having one and have no plan on terminating. I don't know anyone who had that plan either. If you're going to be a parent, you should be thinking about your baby and not yourselves. I don't want to hear that there is something wrong either, but its the responsible, mature thing to do. If there is something wrong, I have a responsibility to my child to be ready to deal with any problems that are likely to exist at the earliest possible time. Assuring yourselves 9 months of *bliss* with your head in the sand is just selfish in my opinion.

Ok, Judgey McJudgerson.

Pixiestx · July 2009

I'll have it done because I would want to know and I know that if there was something seriously wrong like trisomy 18, I would not want to have to continue with the pregnancy.

gwenypher7 · July 2009

My results came back 1:4 for spina bifida. The doctor did a detailed level II u/s to check - he never suggested an amnio or termination. Had the u/s shown spina bifida, we would have had the option for an in-utero surgery to improve the baby's quality of life. Also, we would have known we needed a c/s.

Also, because of the high ratio, I am getting u/s every other week to check on her growth. The NT scan quite possibly could save your baby's life if you have a high chance of IUGR. Do your research.

LadyHollywood · July 2009

There are other things that can be found during the scan. A friend of mine discovered a kidney issue during it. If it weren't for the scan, it would have gone on undetected, and at birth, the baby most likely would not have made it. Since it was detected, the baby was treated prior to birth, and the result was a healthy baby girl.

I strongly suggest getting one. At one point, I also thought "why get one? I won't terminate." until I found out that the scan can be a benifit in catching other issues that are treatable.

childof007 · July 2009

LadyHollywood:

There are other things that can be found during the scan. A friend of mine discovered a kidney issue during it. If it weren't for the scan, it would have gone on undetected, and at birth, the baby most likely would not have made it. Since it was detected, the baby was treated prior to birth, and the result was a healthy baby girl.

I strongly suggest getting one. At one point, I also thought "why get one? I won't terminate." until I found out that the scan can be a benifit in catching other issues that are treatable.

Couldn't they find this out in the anatomy scan? or no?

tisk*notme · July 2009

I have also heard that heart issues can be found through the NT scan. ?I think it is very important to be able to deal with treatable issues.

Please do all the research you can before making your decision. ?Doctor's often give advice based on insurance and business reasons. ?You need to be your own advocate.

Good Luck!?

Anna&Matt · July 2009

I am getting it done. I do not plan to terminate but I do want to know with plenty of time to research developmental differences of Down's babies and whatever else might come out of the test. I want to have all of the right specialists lined up from the moment the baby comes into the world and if the problem means that it's safer to deliver the baby via c/s then I want to be sure to do that as well. We may or may not do amnio/cvs depending on what the results show - I lean towards no right now but I may change my mind if we get unfavorable odds.

I think anyone who thinks the main point of doing this test is to terminate is greatly misinformed.

Paige's Mommy · July 2009

I wouldn't even consider not having one... once your baby is born are you planning on not taking him/her to check up appointments with the doctor? Isnt' it the same thing? NT Scan are preventative medicine, it's ALWAYS better to be pro-active then re-active.

pnarmenta · July 2009

childof007:
Doozieanne:
ocho2002:

I'm having one and have no plan on terminating. I don't know anyone who had that plan either. If you're going to be a parent, you should be thinking about your baby and not yourselves. I don't want to hear that there is something wrong either, but its the responsible, mature thing to do. If there is something wrong, I have a responsibility to my child to be ready to deal with any problems that are likely to exist at the earliest possible time. Assuring yourselves 9 months of *bliss* with your head in the sand is just selfish in my opinion.

This is the most stupid comment I have heard since I've been pregnant. My friend had the NT scan and was told her daughter would almost def. have Down's Syndrome. She worried herself to the point of being ill and "prepared" herself by knowing all she could about it, etc. She went to great lengths to prepare and when the baby was born...PERFECT! She was so upset that she had gotten so sick and worried over something that was very very wrong. How horribly stupid of you to call people out who have decided not to have it done and say they are not "responsible" and have their "head in the sand". And like some of the pp's said, there are a lot of false positives. There is no "9 months of bliss" when you are pregnant. There are lot of things that could go wrong. I have no problem with people who have it done...or don't. But I would never insult someone that decides to skip it.

Thank you! You had the balls to say what I couldn't. I try to stay nice and neutral on these things cause I don't want to get all riled up over people who don't know me.

I was thinking the EXACT SAME thing!!!

And...I am also not going to get all the tests done, like others said it a personal choice would never "terminate" and would not go on with further testing...

childof007 · July 2009

Paige's Mommy:
I wouldn't even consider not having one... once your baby is born are you planning on not taking him/her to check up appointments with the doctor? Isnt' it the same thing? NT Scan are preventative medicine, it's ALWAYS better to be pro-active then re-active.

Really, why would you ask a question like that? Do you know me? Do you understand what a difficult, personal decision this is?

Don't judge me for changing my mind. My anatomy scan at 20 weeks will tell me what I need to know. I just have decided to opt out of the genetic testing. Sue my why don't you.

Argh, I'm in shock, really I can't believe you would suggest I wouldn't take my child to dr's appt.

Lola'sDogMom · July 2009

childof007:
LadyHollywood:

There are other things that can be found during the scan. A friend of mine discovered a kidney issue during it. If it weren't for the scan, it would have gone on undetected, and at birth, the baby most likely would not have made it. Since it was detected, the baby was treated prior to birth, and the result was a healthy baby girl.

I strongly suggest getting one. At one point, I also thought "why get one? I won't terminate." until I found out that the scan can be a benifit in catching other issues that are treatable.

Couldn't they find this out in the anatomy scan? or no?

YES YES YES they would find this at the anatomy scan. The anatomy scan is a Level II ultrasound which measures MORE than just the nuchal translucency. So your doctor will find it then which in most cases is enough time to do the treatment of these treatable conditions. The NT scan is done early so you can do Amnio and CVS (can't be done later on in pregnancy) or yes, terminate, which also can't be done after a certain point. Again, if you won't do the amnio, CVS, or terminate, then the NT scan doesn't really need to be done.

beblankster · July 2009

Just know that the 20 week anatomy can be too late to do early intervention.

nightingayle · July 2009

I'm a no-go as well. And I'm not planning on living 9 months of bliss either...I'm educating myself on all possible outcomes and staying connected to my mind and body as much as possible. Regardless of whether or not I have the screening, I'm still very capable of preparing myself. And so are you. Period.

And so I don't think you are being selfish or making any claims as to the "main reason" this gets done. It's your personal opinion, your child, and so, your decision. I applaud you for starting this post because it is tough to put your decisions out there and receive the kind of feedback you have. Some people are just sensitive because they have made THEIR decision, and it happens to be different from yours.

Sheesh, I asked a question about insurance and addressed the homebirth mommies out there, and actually got a comment saying I shouldn't be doing homebirth just because it's cheaper. lol uuummmm....Never even said that! They are everywhere, just stick to your feelings, based on your own research, and good luck

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