Thickened Nuchal Fold

Elmarie5 · July 2011

I went in to see my GP (in Canada - GP isn't referring to OBGYN until around 22wks) to review the results from my A/S done last week at 20 wks. She told me that they measured the nuchal fold - which came back as abnormal (7.1mm) and that I'll be referred to an OBGYN for further consultation etc. Needless to say I'm not sure what to think and freaking out slightly as I've been doing some research. Nuchal thickness generally isn't measured at this stage in pregnancy - often only from 11-14wks - because that is the most accurate time frame... I know that normally they don't measure the NF during the A/S (my tech was training someone else so they measured everything). I'm sure I'm rambling right now - and apologize if I don't make any sense... I'm 28, healthy and neither my husband or I have any health concerns as far as chromosomal abnormalities as far as I know. Everything else on my A/S came back as normal.. I'm so confused and probably wont see an OBGYN for a few weeks. Has anyone had this happen? Any advice or info that you can share would be so appreciated!

jonnygurl76 · July 2011

i find it very odd that they would measure it at your A/S, it thought it could only be measured between the 11-16 weeks. not before and not after--this is what my OB explained to me. did you have any of the bloodwork done?

i would call and ask to speak to your Dr or ask to be referred sooner if possible so that you can have your questions answered.

Kflie83 · July 2011

My Dr doesn't even like to do the NT scans because there is so much room for error and false positives. He told me at my 12 week appt that 95% of the positives received at those tests are false and everything ends up just fine! Hopefully you can call the OB and get in ASAP. Good luck!!

nicoleb86 · July 2011

YES... you are not alone! I just had my anatomy scan done on Tuesday at 19w5d and they noted this abnormality on mine as well (measurement between 5.2-6.0 depending on the angle which is BORDERLINE abnormal). All other measurements and pictures are completely normal and right where they should be for baby's gestational age. My blood work from the 2nd trimester screen came back with the lowest numbers my OB has seen for chances of Downs (1/25,000). My doctor thinks that it is just the way baby is and isn't particularly concerned but to double check he referred me to a high risk OB/specialist in a few weeks to have a higher level ultrasound done by the specialist.

I wouldn't worry too much at this point. There honestly isn't anything you can do at this point. My husband and I are confident in our doctor's decision to refer us to double check and know that if her really was very concerned he would tell us.

Just know you are not alone with your feelings.

Elmarie5 · July 2011

My thoughts exactly.... I think they measured it because the tech was training someone and she was practicing her measurements.... My GP was not much help and they put in the referral to the OBGYN and will call me with an apptmt. I just hope it's soon as I'm going out of my mind. I've heard of so many false positives after 14 wks - and as far as I know, normally the NF isn't measured after that.. I didn't go for the NT scan or blood work during my first tri.

varkeyr · July 2011

I would relax until I had a level 2 ultrasound. As you said the NF measurement is more accurate between 11-14 weeks.I did not have this happen to me but...

When I was 20 weeks with my daughter the u/s tech thought she saw lesions on my daughter's brain. When I went in for the level 2 the doctor who performed it, told me what the other tech saw was actually the parts of the brain that control the fluid levels in the brain.

crystalw13 · July 2011

I went in for my NT scan yesterday. Baby was not cooperating, and they said that Friday, when I would be 14 weeks exactly, would bee too far along for the test. I ended up coming back that afternoon to have another ultrasound. I would question the measurement at 20 weeks, tell them your understanding was that this test needed to be done at a certain gestational age, and see what they say. I'm so sorry about this!

megmarissa · July 2011

First off take a few deep breaths. 20 weeks is way late to be doing this test. There is a reason it is considered a First Trimester screening. According to my aunt and cousin who are nurses these tests do more harm than good. They cause women to worry when there is no reason to. More than likely your baby is fine. But that being said I pose to you what I do to everyone who worries about these things.If you knew without a shadow of a doubt that your baby had DS would you abort the pregnancy? Will you love your baby any less? I know for myself and all women we want our babies to be born happy and healthy and perfect but if there was an "abnormality" would it change the way you feel about your baby. My guess is no. I have a sister who is mentally challenged and know many DS children and they are some of the sweetest most considerate people in the world.

So try not to worry I'm sure everything is fine and, if you do have a DS baby, maybe it will be more of a blessing than you think. Smile

Elmarie5 · July 2011

Regardless of the outcome it would never change our decision in having the baby

I just want to be prepared & educated... and right now there are so many conflicting opinions about measuring the nuchal fold after the first trimester.

megmarissa · July 2011

Thoughts and prayers that all will be well

kateanddj · July 2011

We had our first trimester screening after we told the DR we did not want to have it done. But they saw an abnormality in the Nuchal fold that was just above the normal range... after they did the screening it came back that I had a 1 and 58 chance of having a baby with Downs Syndrome. But after researching and looking at the ultrasound I was not as nervous. These tests are very inaccurate in most cases and after our last ultrasound they said the baby was exactly where she needed to be. Don't worry about this (easier said than done I know), it is really late to be having this screening. I would definitely try to get into your OBGYN or even into Perinatal so they can discuss these results further with you. Lots of prayers for you and your LO!

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