NT scan or not?

dollface777 · October 2013

I know its an optional test and a personal decision to do the NT scan or not. I did it with my daughter and got great results back. I'm not sure if I should do it for this one or not. I was wondering why you decided to do the NT scan or not?

dragossoul84 · October 2013

I'm skipping the NT this time because I'm doing the blood test but my thinking on it is if my child has any kind of special need I can prepare for to make myself a better parent why not especially when its invasive?

sweetky_06 · October 2013

Knowledge is power.

That's why I'm getting the scan.

busterbeagle · October 2013

I will be doing it. With my last pregnancy, it was amazing reassurance that everything was okay after having a missed m/c discovered at that GA with my first pregnancy. I also agree with PP who said knowledge is power.

danabsd · October 2013

See my response here.

typeset · October 2013

We're doing it. I like information. Information good. We have a kid with special needs and there's already a chance no. 2 will have some kind of developmental issue. I'd want to know to plan financially, mentally, the works.

IBackBevo · October 2013

We are getting it even though we are having to pay OOP. I agree with pp.

Crazijewel · October 2013

I dd it with my first and am doing it again. My first showed exceptioaly high hcg which then we watched for possible complications (which didn't happen) but my sis in law found a major heart problem with her baby and they corrected it as soon as she was born. I want to be informed if there is anything that needs attention so I will be getting it again.

kramja01 · October 2013

I asked the OB about the NT scan today at my appointment, and his response was that they do not offer it to women under 35 unless they are high risk. Everybody is offered the Quad 4 blood screening, though. Is this a strange position for the OB to have? It seems like on the TB everyone gets (or at least has the option) for the NT scan.

Cynthia6206 · October 2013

I'm on the fence about it.... My ob said I'm not high risk because of my age n there's nothing that runs in my family.... She also said this test can produce false negatives but as you ladies put it would be nice to have all the info possible.... Hmm what to do what to do

sweetky_06 · October 2013

Cynthia6206 said:

I'm on the fence about it.... My ob said I'm not high risk because of my age n there's nothing that runs in my family.... She also said this test can produce false negatives but as you ladies put it would be nice to have all the info possible.... Hmm what to do what to do

There is no such thing as a false negative on an NT scan. It is a scan, not a diagnostic tool. The results give you information to base whether or not you want to take the risks of pursuing diagnostic testing, such as CVS or amnio. And things like Downs and Trisonomy13 don't "run" in families - they are happenstance chromosomal abnormalities that do increase in chance as you age, but can happen to anyone.

Cynthia6206 · October 2013

sweetky_06 said:

Cynthia6206 said:

I'm on the fence about it.... My ob said I'm not high risk because of my age n there's nothing that runs in my family.... She also said this test can produce false negatives but as you ladies put it would be nice to have all the info possible.... Hmm what to do what to do

There is no such thing as a false negative on an NT scan. It is a scan, not a diagnostic tool. The results give you information to base whether or not you want to take the risks of pursuing diagnostic testing, such as CVS or amnio. And things like Downs and Trisonomy13 don't "run" in families - they are happenstance chromosomal abnormalities that do increase in chance as you age, but can happen to anyone.

Thank you got further breaking it down for me.... There's so much info out there n when it comes time to ask my on questions I always forget to ask more details

talkthewholetime · October 2013

I think I'm going to do the scan but skip the blood work. I don't like all the false positives with the bloodwork.

sweetky_06 · October 2013

megangehr said:

I think I'm going to do the scan but skip the blood work. I don't like all the false positives with the bloodwork.

As was previously stated, it's not a positive/negative thing.

https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/prenatal-testing/nuchal-translucency.aspx

"NT screening can be combined with blood tests for more definitive results. For example, your first trimester blood test measures free beta-hCG (a certain type of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone) pregnancy protein called PAPP-A (pregnancy associated plasma protein A). Low levels of PAPP-A early in pregnancy indicate increased risk of genetic abnormalities, heart problems, and preterm birth. The results of these two blood tests plus the NT screening, known as the first trimester combined screening, can be combined into one number that represents the likelihood of having a child with a genetic abnormality."

honey740 · October 2013

I had a false positive that led to me having to do a cvs which I would never had agreed to now knowing what I know now about why there was a large NT measurement. I am doing the cell free dna testing.

honey740 · October 2013

sweetky_06 said:

megangehr said:

I think I'm going to do the scan but skip the blood work. I don't like all the false positives with the bloodwork.

As was previously stated, it's not a positive/negative thing.

https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/prenatal-testing/nuchal-translucency.aspx

"NT screening can be combined with blood tests for more definitive results. For example, your first trimester blood test measures free beta-hCG (a certain type of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone) pregnancy protein called PAPP-A (pregnancy associated plasma protein A). Low levels of PAPP-A early in pregnancy indicate increased risk of genetic abnormalities, heart problems, and preterm birth. The results of these two blood tests plus the NT screening, known as the first trimester combined screening, can be combined into one number that represents the likelihood of having a child with a genetic abnormality."

not exactly true. If the U/S shows an NT measurement of over 4.0- they will tell the family to do a CVS because it is a significant measurement. Sometimes is does signify a genetic disorder but sometimes it's nothing.

Soupy84 · October 2013

I am on the fence. I am a huge worrier. I would want to know if something is wrong, but not if something is potentially wrong. I need clear and correct information. I have at least 5 people in mind as I write this, who were given potential issues in their NT scan. They spent the remainder of their pregnancies worrying themselves sick, only to have perfectly healthy babies.

I know I would be stressing out if I got less than perfectly healthy feedback which would be detrimental to the health of my growing child. On the other side, I would want to be prepared financially & mentally.

I think I will get it, even though I know what it will do to me and the baby if the news is not good. You only get one shot at this test in a limited window during your pregnancy. I think I will regret not having the test.

sweetky_06 · October 2013

honey740 said:

sweetky_06 said:

megangehr said:

I think I'm going to do the scan but skip the blood work. I don't like all the false positives with the bloodwork.

As was previously stated, it's not a positive/negative thing.

https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/prenatal-testing/nuchal-translucency.aspx

"NT screening can be combined with blood tests for more definitive results. For example, your first trimester blood test measures free beta-hCG (a certain type of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone) pregnancy protein called PAPP-A (pregnancy associated plasma protein A). Low levels of PAPP-A early in pregnancy indicate increased risk of genetic abnormalities, heart problems, and preterm birth. The results of these two blood tests plus the NT screening, known as the first trimester combined screening, can be combined into one number that represents the likelihood of having a child with a genetic abnormality."

not exactly true. If the U/S shows an NT measurement of over 4.0- they will tell the family to do a CVS because it is a significant measurement. Sometimes is does signify a genetic disorder but sometimes it's nothing.

I think that's exactly what it was saying - the NT scan measures for some indicators. Those indicators do not necessarily mean there is an abnormality but it means there is a greater likelihood of an abnormality, which is why they would then suggest the CVS or amnio. Combining the scan with bloodwork gives you even more precise likelihoods.

But to everyone who is saying it's positive or negative - the NT scan is not diagnostic. There is no positive or negative. It does not definitely say there is an issue - only the CVS or amnio or other advanced testing can do that.

MinaE01 · October 2013

Last time, I went back and forth for weeks about this test. I ended up doing it at the last minute, and everything was great. The amount of relief that I felt was immense! I will absolutely be doing it again (with hopefully the same results). If anything is wrong, the sooner I know and the more I can educate myself, the better.

Empireceo · October 2013

I didn't do the NT scan the first time and I don't remember why. I will probably just wait for the a/s to see if there's anything to be concerned about.

glowworm0166 · October 2013

No, it is not a strange position for your Dr to take. My understanding is that it is rare for an insurance company to be willing to pay for the NT scan for a woman who is under 35 unless they are considered high risk. I would think that your Dr could still make testing available to you if you want to pay out of pocket. I think the test is about $2k though so it is a bit pricey. I'll be 33 at delivery so my insurance won't pay for the NT scan. With my first pregnancy I only had the quad scan. However, my Dr is now suggesting materniT21 testing as an alternative to the NT scan. I think I'm going to still do the quad scan but will also do the materniT21 blood test (which is different, and less accurate, than the NT scan but is much more accurate than the quad scan). This will probably be out of pocket as well but is more reasonable at about $250. I think the materniT21 also provides early gender results...

Junebug060609 · October 2013

The NT gives you odds (ie 1:5000) for a bunch of different trisomies. It also can pick up on issues like spina bifida, anencephaly (sp?), etc.

I was one of the "false positives" (hate that term) with my son. We were given 1:10 odds he would have T21. We did the amnio, and found out he didnt have it BUT those blood results (it was a ridic Low papp a that tanked my results) clued my doc into the fact that I was a higher risk to develop pre-e...which i did.

I will be getting the NT again if insurance covers it still. The timing lines up perfect to give me reassurance with my missed mc last time, and having one kid with developmental delays i know i would want to know if i had another coming. I will, however, wait until the amnio results were in to freak the eff out.

dollface777 · October 2013

So what can the NT scan tell you that the anatomy scan at 20 weeks can not tell you? Why not just wait for the anatomy scan if you're not high risk or advanced maternal age?

sweetky_06 · October 2013

dollface777 said:

So what can the NT scan tell you that the anatomy scan at 20 weeks can not tell you? Why not just wait for the anatomy scan if you're not high risk or advanced maternal age?

So you have more time to gain more knowledge about what you might be facing. And if it's an option for you, you are in a better (although that's really not the word I'm looking for) place to terminate the pregnancy at 11 weeks than at 20 weeks.

dollface777 · October 2013

sweetky_06 said:

dollface777 said:

So what can the NT scan tell you that the anatomy scan at 20 weeks can not tell you? Why not just wait for the anatomy scan if you're not high risk or advanced maternal age?

So you have more time to gain more knowledge about what you might be facing. And if it's an option for you, you are in a better (although that's really not the word I'm looking for) place to terminate the pregnancy at 11 weeks than at 20 weeks.

Never never ever an option to terminate. Never. Not ever.

typeset · October 2013

dollface777 said:

So what can the NT scan tell you that the anatomy scan at 20 weeks can not tell you? Why not just wait for the anatomy scan if you're not high risk or advanced maternal age?

I'd want time to pursue the full range of testing, talk to a genetic counselor, etc., to be certain, but *I* would not want to carry longer or to full term if they found a complication incompatible with life.

Junebug060609 · October 2013

sweetky_06 said:

dollface777 said:

So what can the NT scan tell you that the anatomy scan at 20 weeks can not tell you? Why not just wait for the anatomy scan if you're not high risk or advanced maternal age?

So you have more time to gain more knowledge about what you might be facing. And if it's an option for you, you are in a better (although that's really not the word I'm looking for) place to terminate the pregnancy at 11 weeks than at 20 weeks. All of this. Plus there are some conditions that can be detected that are not compatible with life and/or your baby may be in pain from. The NT leaves more options and more time to decide when it comes to what you want to do with those results.

I want to be clear though, just bc somebody gets the NT doesnt mean they would terminate a pregnancy. For many, knowledge is power.

typeset · October 2013

Junebug060609 said:
I want to be clear though, just bc somebody gets the NT doesnt mean they would terminate a pregnancy. For many, knowledge is power.

This, too. I can't change anything about my kid's Dx, but I feel empowered the more I learn about it. I hate not knowing more than anything. I shake wrapped Christmas presents and Google spoilers.

mrspopsicle · October 2013

I'm probably in the minority here, but with this pregnancy and with my last my doctor did not present this as an optional test. She just said "We will schedule you for the Ultrascreen ultrasound around 12 weeks". I would have had it either way so it doesn't bother me at all. I also doubt she would argue if someone declined. I'm a nurse and like having the information, but I've never asked her if it's something she likes all her patients to do or if she just assumed I would want it.

Also, I'm under 35 and not high risk and my insurance covered it. The total was nowhere near $2000 before insurance. I believe it was about $500-$550 for the scan and lab work.

sweetky_06 · October 2013

dollface777 said:

dollface777 said:

So what can the NT scan tell you that the anatomy scan at 20 weeks can not tell you? Why not just wait for the anatomy scan if you're not high risk or advanced maternal age?

So you have more time to gain more knowledge about what you might be facing. And if it's an option for you, you are in a better (although that's really not the word I'm looking for) place to terminate the pregnancy at 11 weeks than at 20 weeks.
Never never ever an option to terminate. Never. Not ever.

Then in your case, it would be 2 more months to conduct further tests and to learn everything you could about what you would be facing after birth.

runningyogimama · October 2013

My OB doesn't present it as an option for under 35, either, so, no, I didn't do it last time and won't this time.

CallMeMrsChaos · October 2013

For me, I am doing the NT scan just to have an ultrasound. Without it, we would not have an ultrasound until our a/s. I also agree with the camp that knowledge is power and although I am a worrier by nature, i would like to be able to prepare fully for anything that the results may present down the road.

Empireceo · October 2013

dollface777 said:

dollface777 said:

So what can the NT scan tell you that the anatomy scan at 20 weeks can not tell you? Why not just wait for the anatomy scan if you're not high risk or advanced maternal age?

So you have more time to gain more knowledge about what you might be facing. And if it's an option for you, you are in a better (although that's really not the word I'm looking for) place to terminate the pregnancy at 11 weeks than at 20 weeks.
Never never ever an option to terminate. Never. Not ever.

That's cool. Some women feel differently and depending what state you live in, it can be hard to find an abortion provider at 20 weeks. I had a friend whose scan revealed that her baby had an extremely low chance of making it to term and if it did, had a life expectancy of a few days. (I can't remember the name...one of the Trisomy ones?) This was a very loved and wanted child but she just didn't feel like it would be fair to the children she already had to do that to them. Being able to have D&C at 11 weeks was much less emotionally painful than one at 20 weeks would have been, though it was still a devastating loss for her and her husband.

rebecca1198 · October 2013

sweetky_06 said:

dollface777 said:

So what can the NT scan tell you that the anatomy scan at 20 weeks can not tell you? Why not just wait for the anatomy scan if you're not high risk or advanced maternal age?

So you have more time to gain more knowledge about what you might be facing. And if it's an option for you, you are in a better (although that's really not the word I'm looking for) place to terminate the pregnancy at 11 weeks than at 20 weeks.

I don't actually think this is true. The ultrasound is done between 11-14 wks because it's the optimal time when the base of the neck is transparent so the nuchal fold can be measured. I don't think the fold can be measured at 20 weeks because the neck is no longer transparent. It has nothing to do with timing of planning and/or termination.

sweetky_06 · October 2013

rebecca1198 said:

sweetky_06 said:

dollface777 said:

So what can the NT scan tell you that the anatomy scan at 20 weeks can not tell you? Why not just wait for the anatomy scan if you're not high risk or advanced maternal age?

So you have more time to gain more knowledge about what you might be facing. And if it's an option for you, you are in a better (although that's really not the word I'm looking for) place to terminate the pregnancy at 11 weeks than at 20 weeks.

I don't actually think this is true. The ultrasound is done between 11-14 wks because it's the optimal time when the base of the neck is transparent so the nuchal fold can be measured. I don't think the fold can be measured at 20 weeks because the neck is no longer transparent. It has nothing to do with timing of planning and/or termination.

You are right about measuring the fold (my bad) - that's why the cutoff is just before 14 weeks.

I think some people might just go for the quad screen, which is another way to screen for Down's, Trisonomy 18, Spina Bifida, and other defects. Providers typically offer this around the time of the anatomy scan (18-22 weeks). At that point, CVS would not longer be a diagnostic option - only an amnio.

Junebug060609 · October 2013

@veganlady We are so twinsies. I have worked some pretty spectacular release sites as well.

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