NT Scan?

JSB814 · April 2013

Did anyone here opt NOT to do the NT scan?

We decided to do the 1st and 2nd trimester screenings. Comparing the two, there isn't a huge difference in the probability of finding any defects and as I understand it, we'd just be informed sooner than later of any with the addition of the NT scan ::am I right?:: I'm under 30 ::hubby was 33 at time of conception:: and we don't have a family history of birth defects which is why we didn't really think to have it done and our NP suggested the 1st and 2nd tri screenings only based on that...

JSB814 · April 2013

Also sorry if this topic was posted earlier...I'm a mobile bumper

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Marinewife47 · April 2013

I opted out of the NT scan at first but then changed my mind. I'm 20 and DH was only 18 at time on conception. We don't have any family history or birth defects but we changed our mind to do the scan anyways to see our LO our first ultrasound was at 7 weeks and all we saw was a blob so we wanna see it!

Marinewife47 · April 2013

Geez! Sorry about my spelling mistakes! Guess I wasn't paying attention until after I posted it and read it again.

JSB814 · April 2013

Marinewife47:
I opted out of the NT scan at first but then changed my mind. I'm 20 and DH was only 18 at time on conception. We don't have any family history or birth defects but we changed our mind to do the scan anyways to see our LO our first ultrasound was at 7 weeks and all we saw was a blob so we wanna see it!

That's one of the reasons I'm thinking of doing it but we had a scan at 8 and 11 weeks and will have the next one at 16 weeks...I can see why you decided to...that's a long time to wait to see LO! I just don't want to worry if I don't need to. Hopefully your scan went well!

hollowway · April 2013

Its not rouitine at the office I go to and my insurance doesnt cover it. The results wouldnt change our mind about the baby. So we arent doing it. I do bave a regular u/s on Monday at 11w6d so I will still get a peak at LO before our a/s at 18 to 20 weeks.

DebateThis · April 2013

For what it's worth, the defects that are being scanned for w/ the NT scan aren't due to genetics so your "no family history" part really shouldn't play a part in your decision making process. It checks for chromosomal abnormalities, which are genetic flukes. It's true that chromosomal abnormalities are more likely in older women, but they do happen to younger women too. I happened to be one of them w/ my first pregnancy at 27.

Also, I'm pretty sure the "1st Tri" scan IS the NT scan are the same thing, unless your OB has a different plan? It involves an ultrasound and some bloodwork.

https://www.babycenter.com/0_nuchal-translucency-screening_118.bc

My NT was quick (because baby was chilling on his/her back and it made the scan go fast) and the bloodwork was done via finger prick. I'm a big fan of knowledge is power, so it was a no brainer for us.

JSB814 · April 2013

DebateThis:
For what it's worth, the defects that are being scanned for w/ the NT scan aren't due to genetics so your "no family history" part really shouldn't play a part in your decision making process. It checks for chromosomal abnormalities, which are genetic flukes. It's true that chromosomal abnormalities are more likely in older women, but they do happen to younger women too. I happened to be one of them w/ my first pregnancy at 27.Also, I'm pretty sure the "1st Tri" scan IS the NT scan are the same thing, unless your OB has a different plan? It involves an ultrasound and some bloodwork.nbsp; https://www.babycenter.com/0_nuchaltranslucencyscreening_118.bcMy NT was quick because baby was chilling on his/her back and it made the scan go fast and the bloodwork was done via finger prick. I'm a big fan of knowledge is power, so it was a no brainer for us. nbsp;

I was reading the paperwork the dr office gave us and the difference in the test we're doing and the one that includes the NT scan is the ultrasound. With the test we're doing, it's strictly blood draws though we'll also have the anatomy scan at 20 weeks ::which wouldn't be our 1st tri anymore::

My GF's first baby had many genetic abnormalities that were found after her first blood draw ::they didn't do the NT scan:: that were lethal if the baby was carried full term. They were purely genetic flukes and nothing in their family histories...they are opting for the NT scan with this pregnancy. My other GF had miscarriage very early on and they opted for the NT scan with her now 3 month old daughter...they both recently asked if we were doing it which is why I'm on the fence. I don't know if I want the stress if it won't change our decision with the baby either way ::uncertain face::

missesru · April 2013

JSB814:
DebateThis:
For what it's worth, the defects that are being scanned for w/ the NT scan aren't due to genetics so your "no family history" part really shouldn't play a part in your decision making process. It checks for chromosomal abnormalities, which are genetic flukes. It's true that chromosomal abnormalities are more likely in older women, but they do happen to younger women too. I happened to be one of them w/ my first pregnancy at 27.Also, I'm pretty sure the "1st Tri" scan IS the NT scan are the same thing, unless your OB has a different plan? It involves an ultrasound and some bloodwork.nbsp; https://www.babycenter.com/0_nuchaltranslucencyscreening_118.bcMy NT was quick because baby was chilling on his/her back and it made the scan go fast and the bloodwork was done via finger prick. I'm a big fan of knowledge is power, so it was a no brainer for us. nbsp;

I was reading the paperwork the dr office gave us and the difference in the test we're doing and the one that includes the NT scan is the ultrasound. With the test we're doing, it's strictly blood draws though we'll also have the anatomy scan at 20 weeks ::which wouldn't be our 1st tri anymore::

My GF's first baby had many genetic abnormalities that were found after her first blood draw ::they didn't do the NT scan:: that were lethal if the baby was carried full term. They were purely genetic flukes and nothing in their family histories...they are opting for the NT scan with this pregnancy. My other GF had miscarriage very early on and they opted for the NT scan with her now 3 month old daughter...they both recently asked if we were doing it which is why I'm on the fence. I don't know if I want the stress if it won't change our decision with the baby either way ::uncertain face::

I don't understand what people mean when they say "wouldn't change our decision with the baby". If there were something seriously wrong that required specialists or treatment in a hospital that was well prepared for the condition I would want to ensure I changed my plans to be there. If there would be additional costs and/or govt plans to deal with I would organize cash flow and get everything in order.

I respect the right to choose to have the tests done or not but it bothers me when the argument is "wouldn't change anything".

hollowway · April 2013

missesru:
JSB814:
DebateThis:
For what it's worth, the defects that are being scanned for w/ the NT scan aren't due to genetics so your "no family history" part really shouldn't play a part in your decision making process. It checks for chromosomal abnormalities, which are genetic flukes. It's true that chromosomal abnormalities are more likely in older women, but they do happen to younger women too. I happened to be one of them w/ my first pregnancy at 27.Also, I'm pretty sure the "1st Tri" scan IS the NT scan are the same thing, unless your OB has a different plan? It involves an ultrasound and some bloodwork.nbsp; https://www.babycenter.com/0_nuchaltranslucencyscreening_118.bcMy NT was quick because baby was chilling on his/her back and it made the scan go fast and the bloodwork was done via finger prick. I'm a big fan of knowledge is power, so it was a no brainer for us. nbsp;

I was reading the paperwork the dr office gave us and the difference in the test we're doing and the one that includes the NT scan is the ultrasound. With the test we're doing, it's strictly blood draws though we'll also have the anatomy scan at 20 weeks ::which wouldn't be our 1st tri anymore::

My GF's first baby had many genetic abnormalities that were found after her first blood draw ::they didn't do the NT scan:: that were lethal if the baby was carried full term. They were purely genetic flukes and nothing in their family histories...they are opting for the NT scan with this pregnancy. My other GF had miscarriage very early on and they opted for the NT scan with her now 3 month old daughter...they both recently asked if we were doing it which is why I'm on the fence. I don't know if I want the stress if it won't change our decision with the baby either way ::uncertain face::

I don't understand what people mean when they say "wouldn't change our decision with the baby". If there were something seriously wrong that required specialists or treatment in a hospital that was well prepared for the condition I would want to ensure I changed my plans to be there. If there would be additional costs and/or govt plans to deal with I would organize cash flow and get everything in order.

I respect the right to choose to have the tests done or not but it bothers me when the argument is "wouldn't change anything".

hollowway · April 2013

missesru:
JSB814:
DebateThis:
For what it's worth, the defects that are being scanned for w/ the NT scan aren't due to genetics so your "no family history" part really shouldn't play a part in your decision making process. It checks for chromosomal abnormalities, which are genetic flukes. It's true that chromosomal abnormalities are more likely in older women, but they do happen to younger women too. I happened to be one of them w/ my first pregnancy at 27.Also, I'm pretty sure the "1st Tri" scan IS the NT scan are the same thing, unless your OB has a different plan? It involves an ultrasound and some bloodwork.nbsp; https://www.babycenter.com/0_nuchaltranslucencyscreening_118.bcMy NT was quick because baby was chilling on his/her back and it made the scan go fast and the bloodwork was done via finger prick. I'm a big fan of knowledge is power, so it was a no brainer for us. nbsp;

I was reading the paperwork the dr office gave us and the difference in the test we're doing and the one that includes the NT scan is the ultrasound. With the test we're doing, it's strictly blood draws though we'll also have the anatomy scan at 20 weeks ::which wouldn't be our 1st tri anymore::

My GF's first baby had many genetic abnormalities that were found after her first blood draw ::they didn't do the NT scan:: that were lethal if the baby was carried full term. They were purely genetic flukes and nothing in their family histories...they are opting for the NT scan with this pregnancy. My other GF had miscarriage very early on and they opted for the NT scan with her now 3 month old daughter...they both recently asked if we were doing it which is why I'm on the fence. I don't know if I want the stress if it won't change our decision with the baby either way ::uncertain face::

I don't understand what people mean when they say "wouldn't change our decision with the baby". If there were something seriously wrong that required specialists or treatment in a hospital that was well prepared for the condition I would want to ensure I changed my plans to be there. If there would be additional costs and/or govt plans to deal with I would organize cash flow and get everything in order.

I respect the right to choose to have the tests done or not but it bothers me when the argument is "wouldn't change
anything".

When we say it wouldnt change anyrig, we mwan that we will want and love the baby anyways. A condition like downs syndrome wouldnt cause us to terminate. A lot of people would choose tk end the pregnancy and try to have a "normal" baby,but for us, it wouldnt matter.

missesru · April 2013

equibabe611:

When we say it wouldnt change anyrig, we mwan that we will want and love the baby anyways. A condition like downs syndrome wouldnt cause us to terminate. A lot of people would choose tk end the pregnancy and try to have a "normal" baby,but for us, it wouldnt matter.

See that's where it sounds like you have not done your research on what is being tested. Many of the trisomies are much much more severe than Downs and are not compatible with life. There have been many people and many on the bump that have had to deal with the difficult decisions around finding out their child had a condition that would result in certain, painful death.

It has absolutely nothing to do with loving or wanting your child. And certainly has nothing to do with some quest for a "normal" baby. Wow.

YouMe&Bax · April 2013

We opted out for several reasons - mainly, as a PP stated it wouldn't change anything (i.e. for the other PP meaning we wouldn't terminate). Second, with twins, there is higher chance of false positives with the blood work - and without comparing the blood work and u/s then we wouldn't have conclusive results (according to our OB). This was a discussion that took a lot of talking between DH and I before we made, but we are happy with it and feel like it's the right one for us.

hollowway · April 2013

I know people who have lost babies because of conditions that were not compatable with life outside the womb and I have also known people who were told their baby would have downs and they decided to terminate so, in their words, they could have "normal" babies.

My insurance does not cover NT sans and my provider doesnt do them regularily without sending out a referral to a specialist and thats only if you are paying out of pocket or your insurance will cover it. Like I posted above, I have an ultrasound on Monday at 11w6d anyway bwcause my pregnancy is high risk because of a uterine abnormality, so if anything abnormal is seen, I am sure the tech will bring it to my midwifes attention. I will also be getting bloodwork done that day as well.

caitblum · April 2013

We opted out. I didn't want to worry over a possibility of any trouble.

Plus, at our appointment this week we got a bonus peek at our babe and everything looked good. Now I feel more confident in our decision to skip further testing.

ETA also, I will deliver at a hospital with a level 3 NICU, heaven forbid anything is wrong.

DebateThis · April 2013

shanbp:
OMFG how many NT scan posts does one BMB need? OP, mobile or not you can scroll back and see that this is asked every other day. There are no false positives. We ALL love our babies. Even the people who choose to get the NT scan. It doesn't mean we just can't wait to find a reason to terminate. Some people prefer to have a little thing called knowledge. I'd even venture to say that the women who are in the god awful position of choosing to terminate in order to save their babies from a brief life of nothing but pain love their babies the most. I cannot wait until we are past 14 weeks and these posts end! Sorry for the rant, but as someone who found out her baby had a 5 percent chance of surviving at a NT scan these posts piss me off!

Thank you. There's a woman on PgAL right now who is currently, at 16 weeks, facing every mother's worst nightmare of a baby whose multiple diagnoses are incompatible with life and actually causing the baby to suffer. She's starting the process to induce labor today. And I can assure you, as someone who's IF, PgAL, and has watched friends suffer with some unfathomable diagnoses, "it wouldn't change the outcome for us" is incredibly naive.

If your baby is in the womb gasping for every breath because of omphalocele (abdominal organs outside the body), a heart and lungs that are being compressed by organ deformations or being (literally) torn limb from limb by amniotic band syndrome, it's not so simple as a trite comment that you'd love the baby no matter what - and it's incredibly offensive that those who elect to TFMR somehow DON'T love their babies as much as anyone else.

Fetal diagnostics don't exist so people who "don't love their babies" can terminate a pregnancy on a whim. They exist because, unfortunately, poor fetal diagnoses DO exist, and the earlier you find out some of them, the better.

DebateThis · April 2013

((Hugs)) and strength to you too, Shan. You'll be in my thoughts - please keep us updated.

JSB814 · April 2013

DebateThis:
shanbp:
OMFG how many NT scan posts does one BMB need? OP, mobile or not you can scroll back and see that this is asked every other day.

There are no false positives. We ALL love our babies.

Even the people who choose to get the NT scan. It doesn't mean we just can't wait to find a reason to terminate. Some people prefer to have a little thing called knowledge.

I'd even venture to say that the women who are in the god awful position of choosing to terminate in order to save their babies from a brief life of nothing but pain love their babies the most.

I cannot wait until we are past 14 weeks and these posts end!

Sorry for the rant, but as someone who found out her baby had a 5 percent chance of surviving at a NT scan these posts piss me off!
Thank you. There's a woman on PgAL right now who is currently, at 16 weeks, facing every mother's worst nightmare of a baby whose multiple diagnoses are incompatible with life and actually causing the baby to suffer. She's starting the process to induce labor today. And I can assure you, as someone who's IF, PgAL, and has watched friends suffer with some unfathomable diagnoses, "it wouldn't change the outcome for us" is incredibly naive.
If your baby is in the womb gasping for every breath because of omphalocele (abdominal organs outside the body), a heart and lungs that are being compressed by organ deformations or being (literally) torn limb from limb by amniotic band syndrome, it's not so simple as a trite comment that you'd love the baby no matter what - and it's incredibly offensive that those who elect to TFMR somehow DON'T love their babies as much as anyone else.
Fetal diagnostics don't exist so people who "don't love their babies" can terminate a pregnancy on a whim. They exist because, unfortunately, poor fetal diagnoses DO exist, and the earlier you find out some of them, the better. 

My comment about not changing our decision about our baby did not include such cases as you mentioned as my best girlfriends first pregnancy was her baby's organs were outside of the body and his spine was at a 90 degree angle. They decided to terminate the pregnancy because if the baby made it to full term he would have suffered. It was a very hard decision as I can only imagine it is for any family going through it. Her baby's diagnosis came without an NT scan and was found via blood tests only and subsequent ultrasounds after knowing something was wrong. This was at 16 weeks for her.

I'm very sorry if it came off as insensitive as that was not or ever is my intent with my questions and responses.

DebateThis · April 2013

JSB814:
DebateThis:
shanbp:
OMFG how many NT scan posts does one BMB need? OP, mobile or not you can scroll back and see that this is asked every other day. There are no false positives. We ALL love our babies. Even the people who choose to get the NT scan. It doesn't mean we just can't wait to find a reason to terminate. Some people prefer to have a little thing called knowledge. I'd even venture to say that the women who are in the god awful position of choosing to terminate in order to save their babies from a brief life of nothing but pain love their babies the most. I cannot wait until we are past 14 weeks and these posts end! Sorry for the rant, but as someone who found out her baby had a 5 percent chance of surviving at a NT scan these posts piss me off!
Thank you. There's a woman on PgAL right now who is currently, at 16 weeks, facing every mother's worst nightmare of a baby whose multiple diagnoses are incompatible with life and actually causing the baby to suffer. She's starting the process to induce labor today. And I can assure you, as someone who's IF, PgAL, and has watched friends suffer with some unfathomable diagnoses, "it wouldn't change the outcome for us" is incredibly naive.
If your baby is in the womb gasping for every breath because of omphalocele (abdominal organs outside the body), a heart and lungs that are being compressed by organ deformations or being (literally) torn limb from limb by amniotic band syndrome, it's not so simple as a trite comment that you'd love the baby no matter what - and it's incredibly offensive that those who elect to TFMR somehow DON'T love their babies as much as anyone else.
Fetal diagnostics don't exist so people who "don't love their babies" can terminate a pregnancy on a whim. They exist because, unfortunately, poor fetal diagnoses DO exist, and the earlier you find out some of them, the better.
My comment about not changing our decision about our baby did not include such cases as you mentioned as my best girlfriends first pregnancy was her baby's organs were outside of the body and his spine was at a 90 degree angle. They decided to terminate the pregnancy because if the baby made it to full term he would have suffered. It was a very hard decision as I can only imagine it is for any family going through it. Her baby's diagnosis came without an NT scan and was found via blood tests only and subsequent ultrasounds after knowing something was wrong. This was at 16 weeks for her. I'm very sorry if it came off as insensitive as that was not or ever is my intent with my questions and responses.

No worries. It's just a very, very hard subject for a lot of us. There's a LOT of naivete on this board (and many others, as well as in the general US media, etc) about exactly what the NT is for and what some of the real implications of poor fetal diagnosis can mean for families.

And, my intent is NOT to scare you. But god forbid you or anyone else here winds up with poor fetal diagnosis, it is always easier to terminate a pregnancy earlier rather than later. I HATE that it has to be that way, but for your (collective your - as in everyone who might read this) sake and your future fertility, knowing now vs 20+ weeks can make a huge difference.

AM522 · April 2013

With DD 4 it seemed like it was common practice for everyone to have the NT. That was in California. Now we live in Indiana and when I had my dating ultrasound on Thursday at 9w6d the ultrasound tech said she did not recommend it as she saw no markers and it wasn't routine for everyone.

artistgal · April 2013

shanbp:
OP, your question was not insensitive. When people respond and say they wouldn't get the test because "I love my baby no matter what" it implies that others don't, which isn't true. And just FYI, the problem with my daughter was only discovered through the ultrasound. All of the bloodwork and genetic testing we did came back 100 percent normal.

Actually I have to chime in about when people say the whole I love my baby no matter what. I don't think it implies *anything* other than exactly what they said. They'll love THEIR baby no matter what. They're not worrying about what others are choosing to do or not to do, they're making their own choice. Maybe they're just the type to not worry, maybe they don't want to know, maybe they don't want the extra stress if they are borderline or at risk.

The same exact thing goes for people who do choose the NT. Maybe they just want the extra U/S, maybe they are super concerned, maybe they want to be fore-warned if necessary and as informed as possible. They'll still love THEIR baby no matter what, but they want to know more.

Everyone needs to start recognizing that on both sides of the NT or not issue is that it is a PERSONAL decision, either way.

No one should be judging people either way. Sure, if someone asks, share your thoughts, but people are gonna do what they're gonna do.

To those of you who choose not to, I wish you the best and send good thoughts your way, to those of you who find out your babies are at risk I send you tons of hugs and well wishes, to those of you who have to make difficult decisions even more hugs, and to those of you who find out hopeful news congratulations!

Sidenote: We had the NT done since I'm over 35. If yours is covered, it is really nice to get an extra chance to see. I actually got two since baby didn't want to be in the right position the first time.

To the person who only had to do the pin prick---lucky! I had to do an entire vial. After the 10 or so vials I had to do a few weeks ago I feel like I was visited by a vampire!

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