NT Scan

gutsysneakers · October 2013

FTM here. So I've read a lot about this on different websites - I'm not sure if it's optional, but I'm definitely doing it. I've also read its best to do between 11-14 weeks and the best to do in your 11th week.

From the STMs, what was your experience like? What can I expect? When did you have it done? Did you get results right away? Please feel free to answer any questions I may have missed, but you think is important for a FTM to know. Thanks

MrsT2008 · October 2013

I had it done and will do it again this time.

My scan was at 11w6d. The u/s itself took maybe 45 minutes? Lots of measurements and if I remember correctly, the MFM doc did it herself (rather than a tech) so she was able to tell us as she went along how things were looking. It also included bloodwork and I had the results of that a few days later.

gutsysneakers · October 2013

@Blitz1712 - I thought the NT scan could only be done between 11-14 weeks. It's the one that screens for Trisomy 13, 18, 21 and congenital heart defects.

IBackBevo · October 2013

On another subject - Does anyone know how much the NT scan costs if you are cash pay?

My maternity does not kick in until January and by then I will be too far along for the NT scan.

IBackBevo · October 2013

Bliz1712 said:

My OB office does them around 20 weeks. For me it involved an u/s that lasted about 45 minutes. Lots of measurements and then they also reveal if a boy or girl if you chose.

I think that would be the anatomy scan as opposed to the NT Scan. I am pretty sure the NT scan has to be done before 14 weeks to be accurate.

ckandi007 · October 2013

The first time, I had mine done at the last possible day at 13d6d. Well, guess who was measuring a week ahead at 15w? So, we couldn't do it, but we ended up getting a lot of pictures and seeing our baby which was great.

This time, I'm scheduled at 11 1/2 weeks. When I called to make my appointment, they said that they encourage meeting between 11-12 weeks.

gutsysneakers · October 2013

I guess one of my questions in timing is: are they able to pinpoint right away IF there is something abnormal? Or do you have to wait a few days for it?

danabsd · October 2013

I had it around 12 weeks. It was optional, but I wanted to know.
Bonus, you get an extra u/s!

sweetky_06 · October 2013

Yes, the NT Scan is an option scan between 11-14 weeks. It involves blood work and the u/s. Some OBs will do it, and others will refer you to a perinatologist.

It is not a diagnostic test. It is there to assess your baby's risks of certain types of issues, from which you should use that information to determine if you want to do CVS or have an amnio.

rona118 · October 2013

I did not with DD because the time frame you needed it done, I was traveling for work. I won't do this time either as I am now advance maternal age and will do the Mat T21 test.

busterbeagle · October 2013

Jcrewgirl85 said:

I guess one of my questions in timing is: are they able to pinpoint right away IF there is something abnormal? Or do you have to wait a few days for it?

It is a screening test so you won't get a definitive answer or diagnosis from it. You will do an u/s and bloodwork. Based on the results, you will get a risk number, which does take a couple days. If your risk number is high, you can choose to do more invasive testing (CVS or amnio) to get or rule out a specific diagnosis. I did it with DD and will do it again. I need the extra reassurance and would want to be prepared with as much information as possible if something were to come up.

MinaE01 · October 2013

After struggling for weeks whether or not to do it, I finally decided to. I was 13w1d. I am so, so glad I did. It put my mind at ease. For my NT scan, I had to get my finger pricked for 5 different tests and then I had a thorough ultrasound. My OB called about a week later saying that everything was just fine. Our u/s tech was awesome and said that I shouldn't have anything to worry about, but most don't say a word.

kramja01 · October 2013

I asked about a NT scan on my first visit. My OB's office does not offer them to patients unless they are >35 or are high risk. Everyone has the option of getting the Q4 blood testing done, though, and I think they do that between 15-18 weeks.

miniray · October 2013

In Canada it's called IPS screening. It happens around 11-13 weeks. You go in for a first u/s and blood work. Then around 15w3d you go back for a second round of blood work. During the NT (IPS) u/s the tech measures the thickness of (here's where I'm not sure, something about the neck??). Anyway, when I went with DS the tech told me his measured 1.5mm and they normally don't get concerned unless it's 3+mm. After my second set of blood work my doctor called me and gave me a result out of 10,000. So the baby had something like 1/10000 chance of having a problem.

It was optional for me. The reason why I did it with DS and why I'll do it again this time is that I'd like to be as prepared as I can if something is wrong.

TrendyTina · October 2013

I had it done last time, but I will be skipping it this time. Unless you would consider aborting the baby, I don't see the point. It just made me worry unnecessarily when my score wasn't as "good" as others due at the same time.

Cynthia6206 · October 2013

I'm skipping it.... My ob said not high risk and under 35 and this test can give false positives....

sthomas1222 · October 2013

sweetky_06 said:
Yes, the NT Scan is an option scan between 11-14 weeks. It involves blood work and the u/s. Some OBs will do it, and others will refer you to a perinatologist.

It is not a diagnostic test. It is there to assess your baby's risks of certain types of issues, from which you should use that information to determine if you want to do CVS or have an amnio.

Yes there's 2 parts, scan + blood work. The only test that is diagnostic is a cvs or amnio. I opted out. Our risk for any of these things is very very low & idk if it would honestly make a difference for us.

flutepharm87 · October 2013

I did it with both prior pregnancies. My OB did the blood test a week before the u/s part so I could have full results that day, which was nice. I recommend it, I would totally want to know if something was wrong so I could prepare myself. I'd never abort, but knowledge is power, IMO!

blueberryfields · October 2013

My doctor's office recommends the NT at between 12 and 14 weeks. Just saw her today, so I'm going to get one scheduled for later this month. DH and I have no history on either side, so it's more informational than anything (plus it's 100% covered by insurance).

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