Did you do the NT scan? Opinions wanted...

[pep23]

Hi all,
I just scheduled my first trimester screening and I have mixed emotions about it. I'm excited that I will get to have an ultrasound and see the little one again. Especially since otherwise I would have to wait 2 months until my 20 week appt. But I have had a lot of friends say they opted to not do it because there are so many false positives.

When I called the specialist we went through they said that actually the false positives are more associated with tests done between 15-18 weeks and actually the first trimester screen has a very low chance of false positives. I was curious to know what your thoughts were and for those of you who did/didn't do the screen why you made the decision you did...

XO

Steph

[meg12]

My dh and I really agonized over whether to do it or not and for it came down to a couple of factors. #1) Neither of us have a family history of genetic diseases and #2) We wouldn't terminate the pregnancy. Because of that, we decided to skip the scan--It was a relief, actually and so far (knock on wood) we are both very healthy!

[deepa100]

hi,
We decided to do it mainly because of my age. Please don't forget that if you are over 35, the chances of chromosomal defects is higher. It is very non-invasive, so why not?

[meg12]

Oh, and another reason we didn't do it is that we don't have insurance and it would have been another $700 or so....Money definetly wasn't the only factor, but there it is!

[rae76]

We did the scan plus a blood screen and didn't have to think twice. I know there are people who don't do any screening tests because they would keep the baby no matter what and I completely understand that, but I'm looking the matter from another perspective and giving a high priority to the fact that some problems can be treated already in the womb or at least the doctors will be prepared, so we wanted to see how things were going. Also, as we decided to combine the nuchal translucency u/s with the sequential blood screen (at 13 wks and at 17 weeks), the percentage of false positives is very, very low when they have figured all that in.

But ultimately everyone has to decide for themselves - whatever feels the least stressful option for you is probably what might work best in your case. Good luck for your scan, hon!!!

[kholtan]

I'm a planner and had to at least have some idea if we were going to be facing challenges beyond having twins. We wouldn't have terminated regardless but it also eased my fears and let me see them for an hour. For me, I had a hard time believing I was pg for so long because it seemed surreal and I had no weight gain and didn't start growing until recently. It helped me feel closer to them everytime I got to see them.

There is no right or wrong here so do what you feel is best for you. Either way, good luck and I hope your pregnancy continues to sail smoothly along.
Take care~
Kimberly

[Xrayem]

We had the nuchal done as I work with ultrasound and it cost me nothing. We had already decided that we wouldn't terminate if there was something wrong and just took it as a chance to look at our beautiful babies. Its non-invasive and risk free and so we thought why not.

As it was, we had a great outcome and so we are happy for the peace of mind it has already given us.

Em

[jean86]

I thought I'd share my experience with the Nuchal Scan. I had an IVF/ICSI early feb and had weekly ultra sounds up until my 12th week. Every scan was great, I loved seeing the progress of my baby except the last scan showed a slight nuchal thickening of about 2mm. My Dr was not concerned and said this is typical and usually turns out to be nothing, however, I had a choice whether to pursue it and have the nuchal transparency test. After discussing with my OB we decided to have peace of mind and have the test. I was not really worried, I thought for sure it would be fine. But come the day of the test the high risk Dr had the image of the baby on a big screen and showed me the nucahl thickening and hydrops (fluid buildup in the chest). She said what I had not expected to hear,"this baby will not make it to term". She did a CVS test which confirmed downs syndrome. It's easy to say you would not terminate, but when it happens to you it is the most difficult decision ever. Dh and I took off work for several days and cried. Even, if by a miracle this baby does make it to term the baby would most likely not survive but a few days or will need many major surgeries and will never be well...which is more humane.

[mdterry]

My NT scan is this Thursday and I'm not nervous about it. There are no genetic problems on either side of our families so I feel confident about the test. The main reason I'm having it is because I have type I diabetes and I'm over 35, so with those two combinations alone I may have a slightly higher risk but I'm believing in my prayers that everything will turn out alright.

[kholtan]

Jean86~ I am so sorry for what you are going through. There aren't words to make you feel better. I will be praying for you and DH.
It is something I have seen upclose with a personal friend. Her baby had hydrops and was born about 8 weeks early. During her emergency C-section, both mother and baby were at high risk and their baby had to undergo so many needles and painful attempts to help her fragile body. After 9 days baby Morgan past away and hers was the saddest funeral I have ever attended. It did seem cruel to know her entire life was spent fighting and being poked. She wasn't able to be held until they knew it was the end because of all the machines.
It is easier to say you would never terminate until you know what you are truly up against. I hope you know that whatever you decided, we are all here for you and no one is here to judge.
Take care,
Kimberly

[jean86]

kholtan- Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I appreciate the support and understanding. That's a very sad and difficult time for your friend, I'm so sorry.

Hopefully I'll see you all on this board with postive news soon. I have an appt Friday to talk with the Dr about our next step. I have 6 frozen embies all of good quality and hope to start next cycle in July.