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Can i ask what the CVS is??? I have to get a NT scan done in a few weeks time....DR's idea as i had some slight spotting only for one day a couple of weeks ago and she seems to think it would be a good idea to get the scan done. Obviously if my result come back high i would need to go into it further just wondering what all the other tests are....i won't do an amnio though...too risky!
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The NT (nuchal translucency) scan measures the amount of fluid at the back of baby's neck. High measurements can indicate a higher chance that the baby has a chromosomal variation such as Down syndrome or Trisomy 18. It is not definitive, it just gives a higher risk.
If there is a high NT results, and you want to investigate further, your options are CVS or amnio.
CVS (chorionic villus sampling) is usually performed between 11 to 13 weeks. A needle is put into the Mum's stomach and takes a sample of the placenta. The cells taken are grown up in the lab and they can have a look at baby's chromosomes. There is a stated1/100 risk of the pregnancy not surviving with CVS.
Amnio is usually performed between 14 to 16 weeks. A needle is put into the Mum's stomach and takes a sample of the fluid surrounding the baby. The cells taken are grown up in the lab and they can have a look at baby's chromosomes. There is a stated1/200 risk of the pregnancy not surviving with amnio.
If you are not interested in having amnio or CVS (CVS can be performed earlier but has a higher chance of miscarriage), you should have a think about whether you want to have the NT scan. How will it impact you if the result is high? Will you act any differently? A high risk does not mean that your baby has a chromosomal variation, there a heaps of stories here from Mums that had high NT, with healthy babies. A low risk also does not mean that your baby won't have a chromosomal variation, just that the risk is low.
It is your choice whether to have the NT scan or not, just as it is your choice whether to have further testing or not.
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THank you Kate for that info!
I wasn't even going to have it done but then i had some spotting basically due to having sex the day before and i had a little bit of spotting the next day. I was told by the DR at the hospital that my cervix was fully shut and wasn't coming from where peanut is, but my GP has kinda insisted that i do the NT scan as sometimes spotting is due to abnomalities, i guess she is just doing her job! At least i get to see peanut again before my 19wk scan!
Dannim, if you are worried get the NT scan done and then based on the results decide whether to go with further testing. I think your GP is going a bit over the top, but obviously concerned for you and your baby.
FYI - I had 2 lots of red spotting with DD1 and all was ok, I had 6 weeks of continuous bleeding (not spotting) with DD2 and she had a fatal chromosomal abnormality.
CSAB - glad to hear your appointment went well, now stop worrying (easier said than done I know) and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy x
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Danni - Hope all is well.
Clare - Thanks hun, am trying but it is always at the back of your mind. So sorry about DD2.
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