Anyone NOT doing the NT scan?

TamponMary · January 2012

Ruthy77:
TamponMary:

majorwife:
Ruthy77:
We are not doing it.. I just don't know what I would I do if results came back positive.. My SIL has Spina Bifida (form of neural tube defect--which is believed to be from not enough folic acid in your diet during PG) but we are still not doing it.. So if the results came up positive for something what would I do w/ that? I'd rather not know--and I know I will be 35 when this LO comes along but I just would rather not know.......
have you ever asked your MIL if she would have wanted to know?

Yeah because preparing for a child with special needs is too much of jolt to your fragile emotional state of mind. Best to live in a bubble, right?

Are you people for real?!?!

Yes I am for real.. I am surrounded by friends by friends whose children have special needs and I know if I need the support I will have it to help me prepare.. I am also a worry wort who already worries about everything.. I personally would rather NOT KNOW. I have never asked my MIL if she would have wanted to know.. It's a mute point since my SIL is 32 and that kind of testing wasn't available then.

Why are you clearly so offended that I would rather not know? Seriously.

Sometimes all I can do is shake my head in amazement.

Jaylea · January 2012

jlthompson19:

My doctor never really asked. It's standard procedure at his office to have an u/s around 10-12 weeks, so they did the "scan" part there, but no bloodwork was ever involved. We have 2 anatomy scans, one in the first trimester and then one at 32 weeks. The 20 week u/s is purely optional, it's just for the sex, and it costs me $50 b/c they don't even bill insurance for it.

He did ask if I wanted another type of test done, and I originally said no, but changed my mind. But it's more for the 14-18 week window, so I'm assuming this is the CVS? I don't know yet what it entails, but I'll find out Tuesday.

I'm kind of baffled here.

The 20 week is a standard anatomical scan in which they take TONS of measurements to ensure the baby is developing properly. Sex doesn't factor in. They might tell you for fun, but it is surely not the reason for the scan.

CVS is not done as a matter of course and is far more invasive. Perhaps you're thinking of the quad screen or AFP - both of which are bloodwork.

jlthompson19 · January 2012

Jaylea:
jlthompson19:

My doctor never really asked. It's standard procedure at his office to have an u/s around 10-12 weeks, so they did the "scan" part there, but no bloodwork was ever involved. We have 2 anatomy scans, one in the first trimester and then one at 32 weeks. The 20 week u/s is purely optional, it's just for the sex, and it costs me $50 b/c they don't even bill insurance for it.

He did ask if I wanted another type of test done, and I originally said no, but changed my mind. But it's more for the 14-18 week window, so I'm assuming this is the CVS? I don't know yet what it entails, but I'll find out Tuesday.

I'm kind of baffled here.

The 20 week is a standard anatomical scan in which they take TONS of measurements to ensure the baby is developing properly. Sex doesn't factor in. They might tell you for fun, but it is surely not the reason for the scan.

CVS is not done as a matter of course and is far more invasive. Perhaps you're thinking of the quad screen or AFP - both of which are bloodwork.

No, it's not. They did a lot of measuring at my 12 week scan and they will at my 32 week scan. I will be at my 20 week scan for less than 10 minutes. I promise you, I've done this before. I don't even have to have it if I don't want, it's purely for the sex. I realize it's strange and my doctor is the only one in bumpland that does it like this, but it is what it is.

You're probably right about the quad or AFP. When he originally asked if I wanted it done at my 12 week apt, he said the name, but I said no I didn't want it. Then I thought about it more and since I wasn't planning this pregnancy I never took folic acid and haven't taken a lot of prenatals b/c of my m/s so I called back and asked for "that test he offered and I declined". The nurse said it'd be perfectly fine to do at my next appt. I never asked her what the name of it was or what it entailed.

Mofongo · January 2012

mtnmama712:
TamponMary:
For those of you whose doctors never mentioned having an NT scan, what kind of docs do you go to? Backwoods docs operating out of their trailer? Isn't this standard procedure? It should at least be offered. If your doc hasn't talked to you about testing and NT scans, then you should find another doctor.

And to the poster who said there's no reason to get a scan or test because there's nothing you could possibly find out that you couldn't prepare for at the time of birth. Seriously, I have no words for you. You might be the stupidest person I've ever come across on these boards and that's saying a lot.
I guess that's where the misunderstanding is. I'm not seeing a doctor. I'm under the care of a group of midwives, so I guess if you want to call that "backwoods..." However, that could start an entirely different debate!
I haven't had an ultrasound and won't until 20 weeks. I'm low risk, no family history of complications, and this is what is covered by insurance. This is all perfectly fine with me. Others however prefer to have early testing and ultrasounds, and that is perfectly fine, too!

My cousin was 'low risk', young, no family history and had a previous perfect pregnancy. Her 2nd child has SB. It was discovered early on and she entered a trial at Childrens Hosp. in Philadelphia. It took months for her to prepare for this baby and all of the care she would need, including the surgery the baby had 24hrs after birth. These are the types of surgeries and preparations that cannot be handled at just any hospital or by any doctor. Specialists are needed as well as plans.

mandalinn25 · January 2012

majorwife:
and to everyone that said that termination is not an option for you - up to 98% of babies with down syndrome are aborted and I can't believe the 2% that wouldn't are the sole population of the bump

Up to? That is an odd thing to say. Well I can honestly say that isn't something we would terminate for. Only if the child was incompatible with life. But to each their own. I really wouldn't judge someone for terminating for Down, it is not easy to deal with emotionally, physically or monetarily.

Hi725 · January 2012

Just for the hell of it, here is a link to an article summarizing a medical study on the benefits of surgeries performed on babies with spina bifida while still in utero. Their outcomes and risk factors were much more favorable than babies who had the surgery after birth. There are huge benefits to prenatal testing, that's why the tests are offered.

https://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/02/09/surgery.spina.bifada/index.html

Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and opinions, but you should at least make an effort to learn about the reasons behind the procedures before dismissing them.

Mofongo · January 2012

Hi725:
Just for the hell of it, here is a link to an article summarizing a medical study on the benefits of surgeries performed on babies with spina bifida while still in utero. Their outcomes and risk factors were much more favorable than babies who had the surgery after birth. There are huge benefits to prenatal testing, that's why the tests are offered.
Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and opinions, but you should at least make an effort to learn about the reasons behind the procedures before dismissing them.

For the trial my cousin was in, each family was randomly selected for either in-utero surgery or surgery immediately after birth. She was selected for the after birth group. So, there is definitely a lot of research still being done on SB.

FollyOne · January 2012

I didn't do it.

DruidPrincess · January 2012

I'm posting the excerpt below because I was given a 1 in 80 chance of our baby girl having both Trisomy 13 and 18. Scary as sh!t, and when we looked up what it might mean, we absolutely put a termination on the table. Because you know what? Part of being a parent is protecting your child when you can - and if you can protect them from extreme pain for every moment of their short little life, I think that's something worth considering. It's NOT just about you and your peace of mind FFS.

What are trisomy 18 and trisomy 13?

Trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 are genetic disorders that include a combination of birth defects including severe mental retardation, as well as health problems involving nearly every organ system in the body. Unfortunately, 90 percent of babies born with trisomy 18 or 13 die by age 1. It is important to note that 5 to 10 percent of babies with trisomy 18 or 13 do survive the first year of life. Therefore, these disorders are not universally fatal and, in the absence of any immediate life-threatening problems, accurate predictions of life expectancy are difficult to make. There are a few reports of babies with trisomy 18 or 13 surviving to their teens, however, this is unusual.

Trisomy 18 is also called "Edwards syndrome," named after the physician who first described the disorder. Trisomy 13 is called "Patau syndrome," in honor of the physician who first described it.

You don't HAVE to get an amnio - we were able to get 3D perinatal U/S scans that helped them eventually determine our risk had not resulted in an actual occurrence, and whammo - we now have a healthy 3-yr old who really digs Tangled. I'm very thankful, but also glad we had the information to do what was best for her - not for us.

God. Welcome to the freakin' 21st century. Stay a while.

mtnmama712 · January 2012

Mofongo:
mtnmama712:
TamponMary:
For those of you whose doctors never mentioned having an NT scan, what kind of docs do you go to? Backwoods docs operating out of their trailer? Isn't this standard procedure? It should at least be offered. If your doc hasn't talked to you about testing and NT scans, then you should find another doctor.

And to the poster who said there's no reason to get a scan or test because there's nothing you could possibly find out that you couldn't prepare for at the time of birth. Seriously, I have no words for you. You might be the stupidest person I've ever come across on these boards and that's saying a lot.
I guess that's where the misunderstanding is. I'm not seeing a doctor. I'm under the care of a group of midwives, so I guess if you want to call that "backwoods..." However, that could start an entirely different debate!
I haven't had an ultrasound and won't until 20 weeks. I'm low risk, no family history of complications, and this is what is covered by insurance. This is all perfectly fine with me. Others however prefer to have early testing and ultrasounds, and that is perfectly fine, too!

My cousin was 'low risk', young, no family history and had a previous perfect pregnancy. Her 2nd child has SB. It was discovered early on and she entered a trial at Childrens Hosp. in Philadelphia. It took months for her to prepare for this baby and all of the care she would need, including the surgery the baby had 24hrs after birth. These are the types of surgeries and preparations that cannot be handled at just any hospital or by any doctor. Specialists are needed as well as plans.

I'm very sorry for your cousin. However, this doesn't change my decision to see a midwife associated with a medical center or to follow the path for a low risk individual. I know there are many others who also won't have an u/s until 20 weeks. This isn't uncommon or as "backwoods" as some of you may think.

I support the decision others make, as I have mentioned twice. The respect should go both ways...

avanmil · January 2012

I'm not doing it. I also have no inherent risks for needing the scan, nor am I at an age where they say you could be at higher risk of having a child with birth defects. For that reason, I see no need to get the test done, especially with all of the false positives out there. I would be a worry wart for the rest of the pregnancy if my risks were increased.

mandalinn25 · January 2012

For the record, I don't care if someone has or doesn't have the testing. I am just sick of the misinformation spread about those that do. We aren't all out to abort our babies. Information is power.

missusbee · January 2012

mtnmama712:
I support the decision others make, as I have mentioned twice. The respect should go both ways...

I respect any woman who makes an informed decision. Get tests, don't get tests. Doesn't matter to me. I'm not an advocate for NT Scans.

I do not, and will not respect a woman who continues to conflate NT Scans with an interest in abortion. People don't get NT Scans because they plan on terminating babies with chromosomal abnormalities. To perpetuate this myth is ignorant at best and offensive at worst.

And quite frankly, after discussing this every week for the last 7 weeks, if you can't understand this, you're dumb as rocks.

Hi725 · January 2012

mandalinn25:
For the record, I don't care if someone has or doesn't have the testing. I am just sick of the misinformation spread about those that do. We aren't all out to abort our babies. Information is power.

This was my original point. It makes it very hard for me to respect someone's decision not to have the testing when they say things like "Well *I* would never terminate, so it doesn't matter <judgmental side eye aimed at all those who have gotten the test because obviously you are all obviously heartless bltches who would run to the nearest abortion clinic if you got a "false positive"> and puppies and rainbows for all!"

missusbee · January 2012

mandalinn25:
For the record, I don't care if someone has or doesn't have the testing. I am just sick of the misinformation spread about those that do. We aren't all out to abort our babies. Information is power.

Jessie_dc22 · January 2012

We aren't and didn't last time either. Our insurance doesn't cover it and I've had too many friends with messed up results that caused a lot of worry for nothing. I just don't think they've got the process down right. I def didn't want to pay $650 to learn they guessed wrong on some pretty scary information.

ral1985 · January 2012

avanmil:
I'm not doing it. I also have no inherent risks for needing the scan, nor am I at an age where they say you could be at higher risk of having a child with birth defects. For that reason, I see no need to get the test done, especially with all of the false positives out there. I would be a worry wart for the rest of the pregnancy if my risks were increased.

Lol. Did you even bother to read any of the previous posts?

mom2babyvitz · January 2012

We are not getting it done. Smile

I don't need any extra worries. If my baby has some medical issues than we will take care of it then.

maykious · January 2012

TamponMary:
For those of you whose doctors never mentioned having an NT scan, what kind of docs do you go to? Backwoods docs operating out of their trailer? Isn't this standard procedure? It should at least be offered. If your doc hasn't talked to you about testing and NT scans, then you should find another doctor.

I brought it up to my doctor at my first appointment, when I was about 5 weeks along. I don't know if he'd have brought it up later. However, it's not standard procedure (at least for him) for someone he considers to have a very low risk for chromosomal defects. He has also said that there is nothing that we would find at 12 weeks that wouldn't also be found at 18. And no, he doesn't operate out of a trailer.

I share your frustrations with the idea that there's nothing you can do to prepare for a special needs child. You can absolutely prepare for a special needs child. Read up, learn about what kind of attention and care this kid will need, find out what to expect and how to deal with it. Look for ways to help the child be as functional as possible from birth to adulthood.

carlab44 · January 2012

There are various types of screenings that utilize the NT scan, but in general it is incorrect to say they are inaccurate and have high "false positive" rates (false positive in quotes since as I'm assuming everyone knows it isn't a diagnostic test). For down syndrome detection the first trimester screen (blood draw in the first trimester plus the NT scan) has an accuracy rate of 85%, and the integrated screen (blood draw in the first and second trimester plus the NT scan) has an accuracy rate of 87%. And these have "false positive rates" of 6% and 1%, respectively.

For Trisomy 18 accuracy is 80-90% and the "false positive" rates are generally <1%.

This may still be too much uncertainty for some and each couple needs to decide what they are comfortable with, but I see so many people claiming these tests are highly inaccurate and have high rates of false positives. Neither of which is true.

DruidPrincess · January 2012

mom2babyvitz:
We are not getting it done. I don't need any extra worries. If my baby has some medical issues than we will take care of it then.

Tralalala, I live in a world of rainbows and pink ponies.

It is, after all, all about what you need - not what your unborn fetus might be experiencing. But whatev.

I can't. Me thinks the mothers of these women could have benefited from some NT scans.

doggie mama · January 2012

I'm not doing it multiple reasons. I've weighed the pros and cons. That is my decision after consulting with my doctor.

lcg81 · January 2012

I had VERY mixed feelings about doing it because I'm trying to avoid having lots of ultrasounds. However, I can't tell you how much more confident I felt about everything being okay once I went through the scan with the tech. He was able to see the heart chambers, aural passages, the nasal bone (obviously), etc etc. I'm really glad that I won't have to spend the next two months worrying about some of the things I was worrying about (specifically spina bifida). (Now on to new worries!)

missusbee · January 2012

Where's Herbie? Its her cue to call me a meanie and tell us that these boards are for support.

DruidPrincess · January 2012

mtnmama712 · January 2012

Agreed that an NT scan discussion shouldn't lead to a discussion about abortion! Don't lump me in with that!

Mofongo · January 2012

mtnmama712:
Mofongo:
mtnmama712:
TamponMary:
For those of you whose doctors never mentioned having an NT scan, what kind of docs do you go to? Backwoods docs operating out of their trailer? Isn't this standard procedure? It should at least be offered. If your doc hasn't talked to you about testing and NT scans, then you should find another doctor.

And to the poster who said there's no reason to get a scan or test because there's nothing you could possibly find out that you couldn't prepare for at the time of birth. Seriously, I have no words for you. You might be the stupidest person I've ever come across on these boards and that's saying a lot.
I guess that's where the misunderstanding is. I'm not seeing a doctor. I'm under the care of a group of midwives, so I guess if you want to call that "backwoods..." However, that could start an entirely different debate!
I haven't had an ultrasound and won't until 20 weeks. I'm low risk, no family history of complications, and this is what is covered by insurance. This is all perfectly fine with me. Others however prefer to have early testing and ultrasounds, and that is perfectly fine, too!

My cousin was 'low risk', young, no family history and had a previous perfect pregnancy. Her 2nd child has SB. It was discovered early on and she entered a trial at Childrens Hosp. in Philadelphia. It took months for her to prepare for this baby and all of the care she would need, including the surgery the baby had 24hrs after birth. These are the types of surgeries and preparations that cannot be handled at just any hospital or by any doctor. Specialists are needed as well as plans.
I'm very sorry for your cousin. However, this doesn't change my decision to see a midwife associated with a medical center or to follow the path for a low risk individual. I know there are many others who also won't have an u/s until 20 weeks. This isn't uncommon or as "backwoods" as some of you may think.
I support the decision others make, as I have mentioned twice. The respect should go both ways...

I in no way disrespected you. lol, relax

msmerymac · January 2012

Ruthy77:
We are not doing it.. I just don't know what I would I do if results came back positive.. My SIL has Spina Bifida (form of neural tube defect--which is believed to be from not enough folic acid in your diet during PG) but we are still not doing it.. So if the results came up positive for something what would I do w/ that? I'd rather not know--and I know I will be 35 when this LO comes along but I just would rather not know.......

- research if you need to deliver at a certain hospital or with a certain specialist

- research your child's condition

- apply for social services if needed

- modify your home if needed

- obtain special equipment if needed

- research surgery options in-utero

- look into alternative child care - which might mean one parent has to stay home, you have to hire a home healthcare professional, you need a private nanny with special training, etc.

- obtain a different mode of transportation if needed

- inform your employer you will need extended time off, or that you will need to quit your job

A woman who regularly posts on the nest has a 3 year old who needed to be whisked into heart surgery with a neonatal cardiologist immediately after birth. Thankfully, they knew this, and she delivered at a hospital with an excellent NICU AND a cardiologist on staff who knew exactly what to do.

uppereastgal · January 2012

missusbee:
mtnmama712:
I support the decision others make, as I have mentioned twice. The respect should go both ways...
I respect any woman who makes an informed decision. Get tests, don't get tests. Doesn't matter to me. I'm not an advocate for NT Scans.
I do not, and will not respect a woman who continues to conflate NT Scans with an interest in abortion. People don't get NT Scans because they plan on terminating babies with chromosomal abnormalities. To perpetuate this myth is ignorant at best and offensive at worst.
And quite frankly, after discussing this every week for the last 7 weeks, if you can't understand this, you're dumb as rocks.

THANK. YOU.

I feel like I'm watching Fox News, the NT edition.

mom2babyvitz · January 2012

DruidPrincess:

mom2babyvitz:
We are not getting it done. I don't need any extra worries. If my baby has some medical issues than we will take care of it then.

Tralalala, I live in a world of rainbows and pink ponies.

It is, after all, all about what you need - not what your unborn fetus might be experiencing. But whatev.

I can't. Me thinks the mothers of these women could have benefited from some NT scans.

I honestly haven't even heard of a NT Scan until I read it on here. My midwife doesn't offer them. I didn't have one with DS and apparently won't be having one with this one.

ali&jonbaby · January 2012

Didnt do it with dd and not doing it with LO. At the anatomy scan, we'll see if anything is abnormal and then do research on how to prepare at that point.

mom2babyvitz · January 2012

ali&jonbaby:
Didnt do it with dd and not doing it with LO. At the anatomy scan, we'll see if anything is abnormal and then do research on how to prepare at that point.

Yes Exactly what we are doing

malibu5880 · January 2012

We did it, for no other reason really than insurance covered it, and it was the only ultrasound I got until the anatomy scan.

NuggetBrain · January 2012

I'm assuming that none of the people who "just don't want to know" don't go in for mammograms either. Because who would want to know if they possibly have cancer? Or annual wellness visits, because who would want to know if they have diabetes or high blood pressure? Or...well, anything really.

Bexi · January 2012

J.Johnson-Smith · January 2012

NuggetBrain:
I'm assuming that none of the people who "just don't want to know" don't go in for mammograms either. Because who would want to know if they possibly have cancer? Or annual wellness visits, because who would want to know if they have diabetes or high blood pressure? Or...well, anything really.

I hardly find this the same. There are TONS of false positives for NT scans, someone not wanting to put themselves through that is not being a neglectful unprepared parent. Most of us on this board aren't old enough for mammograms either fyi, but I get your point, but everyone is obviously a little over sensitive about this topic. We all have our reasons for why we do or don't do it. Let's not offend each other for the sake of feeling like you've "won"....it's obvious no one ever wins on these battles.

apollonia10 · January 2012

Late to post, but I wanted to throw my hat in in the "Got the NT scan because my baby's needs are more important than my worry" ring. Like others have said, we would only terminate if the baby would be born into a short, agonizing existence. Getting my betas and progesterone drawn all the time made me worry like crazy, but it was important to know that my baby was growing well.

tartaruga · January 2012

J.Johnson-Smith:
NuggetBrain:
I'm assuming that none of the people who "just don't want to know" don't go in for mammograms either. Because who would want to know if they possibly have cancer? Or annual wellness visits, because who would want to know if they have diabetes or high blood pressure? Or...well, anything really.
I hardly find this the same. There are TONS of false positives for NT scans, someone not wanting to put themselves through that is not being a neglectful unprepared parent. Most of us on this board aren't old enough for mammograms either fyi, but I get your point, but everyone is obviously a little over sensitive about this topic. We all have our reasons for why we do or don't do it. Let's not offend each other for the sake of feeling like you've "won"....it's obvious no one ever wins on these battles.

There are tons of false positives for mammograms too - actually, statistically, there are FAR more false positives for mammograms than for NT scans.

The false positive rate for NT scans (which isn't even accurate to say because it's a ratio, not a positive/negative test) is actually very low.

sarah.scholz · January 2012

It's interesting that some doctors/midwives don't mention the NT scan or genetic testing. It was one of the first packets of information I was handed, and in fact since I live in California it is actually carried out by the state. Maybe that's why everybody's mentioned it to me. Perhaps there is some sort of law that requires CA OB's to at least mention it and give the information out so a woman can make her choice either way.

I'm in the pro-NT scan camp b/c I've said it before, I can't get enough of those cute little U/S photos. In fact, the NT scan was the first one where my husband saw the baby move and it's the first time he got emotional, so I'm very glad I did it. It was also fascinating to compare the massive growth that happened b/w my 8, 11 and 14 week u/s's (the 14 week being the NT scan). My mom and MIL are both getting emails every 3-4 weeks with the pics attached and I just know those are going into scrapbooks!

I would do it again in a heartbeat.

flyer23 · January 2012

For everyone who said that their OB/midwife didn't mention it so you didn't know about it... well, now you know about it. YOU can always ask to have it done, even if it's not their standard practice.

My OB told me about it with DD, so that's how I found out about it. I saw a midwife with DS and a (different) midwife with this pregnancy, and neither of them told me about it. But since I knew about it, I asked, and neither midwife had any problem with me getting it done.

Just hurry, because it has to be done before 14 weeks, so time is running out for July mamas.

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Anyone NOT doing the NT scan?

Re: Anyone NOT doing the NT scan?

What are trisomy 18 and trisomy 13?

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