Nuchal translucency scan

[Happy1]

I am 37. We had baby no 1 in 2008 (when I was 33) and I had the nuchal scan done and everything was fine. We had baby number 2 in 2010 (aged35) and elected not to have nuchal scan done as even if it showed really bad odds for any chromosomal abnormalities we wouldn't ever terminate.
This time I'm starting to really rack my brain about what I think we should do. I still don't believe I could ever terminate but perhaps now (aged 37) I would be able to mentally prepare if I knew there might be a potential chromosomal abnormality to adjust to....
Any helpful thoughts/ advice/ experience?
Thanks.


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[~Kim~]

My risk for DS came back as 1:200. Like you the results meant nothing except perhaps preparation. This time I wanted it done for the same reason. Preparation. Not for me but DH.

Hope you find peace with your decision.

[LuluHB]

I'm 41 so it was a big thing on my mind. In all honesty, I don't know what I would have done if I were in that terrible position. I began this pregnancy saying I would more than likely terminate for a number of reasons, but by the time I got to 13 weeks I was nowhere near as sure of what I would do. Either way I wanted to know what I was looking at - good news and I'm stress-free (at least for that!) for the next almost 30 weeks. Bad news and I can start preparing.

I'm a bit obsessive-compulsive and need to always be in control and know what's coming, so I would always opt for the informed road. We're all different though, so whatever you feel is right for you and your DH may be different.

[JennaJayen]

I'm 24, but because I've had a previous pregnancy with abnormalities detected very early my GP's try to push me into having the blood test and scan regardless every pregnancy even though the risk is really low for me and the pregnancy with issues wasn't genetic or chromosomal according to the lab reports, it was just most likely a developmental problem due to a faulty egg or sperm.
I refuse the blood test, but I do have the scan, with my history every day I make it past the 8 week mark is a blessing and I'll take advantage of every opportunity to see my baby kicking and moving and hear his/her heartbeat.

In the end the choice is up to you, no one can force you to d something that you really want to do. If it would help to stay informed and stress/worry free then do what you can to make things easier for yourself xxx good luck!

[Happy1]

Thanks everyone. After a discussion with DH we have decided to go ahead and get the scan done, we think that forewarned is forearmed and we and our close family will benefit from knowing if there is a high chance of a chromosomal
abnormality.
Happy new year to all
X


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[RainbowBrite]

I felt the same way you did, I would not terminate but would like to be forewarned if there was an abnormality.
I did not get it done for my first 4 as I was under 28 but my last three I was 34, 35 and 36 so i had the blood tests and scan they all came back low risk which was reassuring.
And it was great seeing bub again

[Three Graces]

Good luck with the scan - hope all goes well and it sounds like it's both your decision to test (and not others pushing you to have the scan).
I did the 12 week scan with my first two sons (not sure why I didn't do the blood test/s? Probably b/c I just wanted to see bubs on the scan) - when I was 30 & 32 yrs old. This pregnancy (35 yrs old) I did the scan again and was told to do the later blood test at 14 weeks as I'd missed the 10 week scan. I went from having a 1:1800 chance with the scan to a 1:24 risk after the 2nd trimester bloods were done. I know that I wouldn't terminate the pregnancy and was quite shocked when the blood test results came back.

What I have found is a lot of pressure to do an amnio (which I've refused due to the small risk of miscarriage), knowing that I wouldn't change anything, anyway. Most friends say that they couldn't go through the rest of the pregnancy not knowing, however the 16 week and 20 week scans which look at the soft markers for down's have been really good. I figure that we're going to love our baby regardless and my gut feeling is there's nothing wrong, so why risk the amnio.

From what I've now learnt - the blood test and 12 wk scan are just screening tests. They won't pick up on 100% of abnormalities and can also provide false positive results. The CVS and Amnio are diagnostic tests that will give a yes/no result, but have associated risks. Hopefully you won't have to consider the later two and that everything will be fine with your baby.

[HotI]

Yep the NT scan and blood tests are only screening tests. your age and the results are combined to give you the risk figure.

Happy1, if results did come back with an increased risk, that would only apply to your current pregnancy and wouldn't affect yours or family members' other pregnancies.

[Kirley64]

For me it is always a no. If you know you wouldn't terminate and you don't want the pressure of doctors saying it's an option if the scan comes back 'high risk' then don't do it.
I know plenty of ppl that their babies have come out fine after being told there is a problem. I think too much knowledge is sometimes more problem and hassle than it is worth.

[TeniBear]

I'm never having the blood test again - even if I have the scan. I'd never not go through with the pregnancy, and I would like to be forewarned if there was a problem, but the cost of that stupid blood test is ridiculous... Can you tell I'm still annoyed I wasn't told I had to pay for it?


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[OceanPrincess]

... the cost of that stupid blood test is ridiculous... Can you tell I'm still annoyed I wasn't told I had to pay for it?

Ya know I didn't realise you had to pay either... I've had it three times now and I must have just paid it for the first two without really paying attention ("oh another medical bill, righto") but when it came for the third pregnancy ( ) I got really angry and upset when I actually noticed what it was. Ah well.

[Ahurani]

The cost of the bloods isn't too bad after the rebate

[OceanPrincess]

Ooh I need to go to Medicare

[Ahurani]

Yes you do! lol