Nuchal translucency results - need advice/insight

wedgirl853 · November 2015

Hello ladies,

I am due around June 9th, 2016 with my first (I am about 11 1/2 - 12 weeks along). This morning I had a nuchal translucency done to screen for Downs Syndrome. My measurement was 2.4, the doctor said anything below 3 is considered normal, but when he programmed my odds of having a baby with DS based on my age alone (I am 34), he gave me odds of 1 in 50. That sounds extremely high to be considering a normal result (I know 2.4 is on the higher side of normal) and my age of 34. They did not do blood work previously, but took blood this morning and will send it for the panorama test. The doctor tells me the panorama test with give a yes or no result for Downs and other abnormal chromosome abnormalities and is 99% effective. The result of that will come back in 10-14 days. I am very worried about the 1 in 50

I asked the doctor exactly how they got to that number, but he just told me they punch the information into a computer. He also said he would not all be worried with a 2.4 NT if I were 20 years old.

Does anyone have any insight on this? How do I keep sane for the next 2-3 weeks while I wait for the results? I have Grave's disease (hyperactive thyroid) and stress makes that condition much worse, so i know I just need to relax until I get more definitive results, but I'm naturally a worrier, so it's hard.

Has anyone else had this test done yet? Anyone have similar NT results?

Thanks

Atlast111 · November 2015

I wouldn't worry at all about this. Your doctor has told to you that the scan result was normal so that's very reassuring! 2% is very low. Look at at it this way, if you entered a lottery with a 2% chance of winning, you wouldn't expect to see a prize from it! Or if you were trying to conceive and a doctor told you you had a 2% chance of pregnancy you would be bummed at such a low chance! For my pregnancy, I have decided not to worry about things I have no control over. If a problem crops up, I will deal with it if it happens. As you said, stress is more damaging than anything else.

PressLove · November 2015

I had my NT scan this morning, so I understand your anxiety. As PP mentioned, your doctor did tell you that you're in the normal range. That's something to smile about. Also, 2% is extremely low. Generally, I don't fall into 2% of anything.

As far as keeping your mind clear, I'd focus on the great sonogram pics you just received. Also, all the movement you saw during the scan. You probably won't get another scan for a while. Finally, 10-14 days includes holidays. You'll get results quicker thn you think.

catherinekate · November 2015

That's a long time to wait and I hope you get your results fast. But chances are, your baby is just fine -- there is a 49/50 chance, in fact. Hang in there.

june2016baby · November 2015

We're there any other soft makers for downs?

wedgirl853 · November 2015

I'm not sure about other soft markers. What does that mean? The doctor did not mention anything else. I asked him how they got to those results and he told me 1) the NT result and 2) my age. I feel like I should have more information than this to determine a result, but I don't know.

Atlast111 · November 2015

Lol...wrote a long note on soft markers and stupid app wouldn't post! Soft marker is another physical sign of Downs eg shorter femur. It is called a soft marker as it can be an indication but does not mean that Downs is definite. I imagine the would only look for additional soft markers later on if they thought you were high risk.
Here is a link;
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/ask-heidi/down-syndrome-markers.aspx&ved=0ahUKEwjzkaax86nJAhVJQBQKHSVpBMYQFgghMAI&usg=AFQjCNFpVt4ANZAYdRfTVesDdAh7Z6RJBQ

Atlast111 · November 2015

The nuchal fold and blood test should be sufficient to place your in low or high risk. With this combined test, if you come back high risk you would then go on to have an amniocentesis or CVS which will give you a definite answer.

goldie987 · November 2015

Atlast111 said:
Lol...wrote a long note on soft markers and stupid app wouldn't post! Soft marker is another physical sign of Downs eg shorter femur. It is called a soft marker as it can be an indication but does not mean that Downs is definite. I imagine the would only look for additional soft markers later on if they thought you were high risk.
Here is a link;
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/ask-heidi/down-syndrome-markers.aspx&ved=0ahUKEwjzkaax86nJAhVJQBQKHSVpBMYQFgghMAI&usg=AFQjCNFpVt4ANZAYdRfTVesDdAh7Z6RJBQ

In my experience if the app does that, copy what you wrote and refresh and it'll usually work after one or two refreshes. Super annoying but if I've worked on a response for awhile I want it posted dammit!

candicek15 · November 2015

I would try and focus on the fact that you have a 49/50 chance of the baby being fine. I would bet on those odds. This kind of thing helps to reassure me. I had a MMC this summer so I have been freaked out about miscarriage. I have had 2 good ultrasounds so I keep reminding myself that gives me a 98% chance of not miscarrying. I repeat to myself, "You are the rule, NOT the exception!" I've had to say that a lot, lol. FX for good results for you!

Atlast111 · November 2015

candicek15 said:
I would try and focus on the fact that you have a 49/50 chance of the baby being fine. I would bet on those odds. This kind of thing helps to reassure me. I had a MMC this summer so I have been freaked out about miscarriage. I have had 2 good ultrasounds so I keep reminding myself that gives me a 98% chance of not miscarrying. I repeat to myself, "You are the rule, NOT the exception!" I've had to say that a lot, lol. FX for good results for you!

This is so true, some days I look at the board and feel that all of the women's fears are carrying them away. We need to stop worrying! Otherwise it drives you freaking crazy. It's a never-ending line of what ifs! What if my baby is breach?...What if it ends up being a conjoined twin?.....etc...etc. It's tiring. I'm not going to do it anymore!

wedgirl853 · November 2015

Thanks everyone, I'm trying not to worry and I know 98% of it being OK are still good odds. I just had my regular ultrasound with my OB last night and everything looked perfect, so feel like I got excited and was starting to get happy/relaxed about the pregnancy until this morning. I also suffered a MC in June of this year and I was devastated. I actually haven't really been able to relax much in this pregnancy yet due to the previous MC, my thyroid issue and this now information does not help

The "what ifs" definitely drive me nuts but i will try to relax and not think about it until I get the blood results back and we will go from there.

HBamama2B · November 2015

Based on your age alone (I'm 34 and I looked it up last night since I'm having my nipt test today and NT scan on the 8th), you're between 1 in 450 and 1 in 350. I'm really surprised a scan in the normal range would put you at that much higher risk range (although as op said still low in absolute terms). Please don't stress for two weeks. Email the dr and tell him about your concerns and ask for a highly detailed explanation.

Atlast111 · November 2015

wedgirl853 said:
Thanks everyone, I'm trying not to worry and I know 98% of it being OK are still good odds. I just had my regular ultrasound with my OB last night and everything looked perfect, so feel like I got excited and was starting to get happy/relaxed about the pregnancy until this morning. I also suffered a MC in June of this year and I was devastated. I actually haven't really been able to relax much in this pregnancy yet due to the previous MC, my thyroid issue and this now information does not help

The "what ifs" definitely drive me nuts but i will try to relax and not think about it until I get the blood results back and we will go from there.

Sorry to hear about your miscarriage! I definitely think it's a good idea to try and relax and not worry so much. The results the doctor gave you were actually good from what I understand. Sure everything will be just fine.

PressLove · November 2015

@wedgirl853- PGAL definitely puts you on edge. It makes you feel as if you're super high risk or more prone to something going wrong.

I'm a strong proponent of prayer and positive thinking. Remind yourself that this is your time and this is your baby at the end of the rainbow. It helps to not worry thoughout your whole pregnancy.

MrsQ18 · November 2015

Once your blood work comes back hopefully that will put your mind at ease. I had my NT yesterday also. Before factoring in the blood work my risk for DS was 1 in 800, once they factored in the bloodwork it dropped significantly to 1 in 4,400. My risk was lower to begin with but such a dramatic drop with the blood work is really encouraging. I definitely understand your worry having had two miscarriages in the last 12 months myself. Each appt I get so much anxiety but so far so good this time. Hang in there, mama!

Meglit89 · November 2015

Interesting. I didn't get the measurement at mine, or odds. They just told me I'd hear back in a week.

PP, I'm sure everything will be okay.

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