Nuchal measurement advice

[Shandette]

I have just had my 12 week scan on Monday and they gave us a Nuchal measurement of 5mm. I really had no idea how to guage this, but then when we spoke to the midwife my world seemed to turn upside down as she painted a very grim picture for us. They said that they wouldn't even bother taking the blood tests as i am in a way too high category and have referred me to another Hospital for a further scan and CVS - this I am having tomorrow. To say I am worried, petrified, devastated and confused is an understatement. I have just been sick with worry these last two days. Has anyone got any advice/similar experiences?

[japhrimel]

I'm sorry to hear that. I found the following info helpful when learning about the test.

www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/antenatalhealth/scans/nuchalscan/

[Shandette]

Thanks japhrimel, I'll take a look now

[vmcd28]

best of luck at your appointment tomorrow.

[AbiAbi]

Hi Shandette- I had fairly bad odds given after the combined test, so I do understand how you feel.

Are you just meeting the consultant tomorrow to ask questions, or have you decided to have the CVS already? You don't HAVE to had CVS, it's your choice x

[Shandette]

Thanks all. I did decide to have the CVS today, which all in all was not really that bad experience. It didn't hurt at all, just felt strange. However they then gave us the odds of 1:3, so just now waiting until the results come back on Monday. The waiting is the worst and we are fearing the worst.
AbiAbi - what were your odds and the outcome?

[AbiAbi]

Hi Shandette, hope you're okay after the CVS, put your feet up this afternoon

I was given odds of 1:65, and decided against diagnostic testing, for very personal reasons. As we aren't having CVS or Amnio we'll have a really detailled scan at 21 weeks to look for soft markers and take it from there.

Why did they increase your odds to 1:3, if you don't mind me asking? Did they scan you again?

[Shandette]

Hi AbiAbi.
Yes not too bad after the CVS, no pain at all, just a headache from all the crying since receiving the odds. I was never given any odds in the first place, I had my first scan at my local hospital and they referred me based on the size of the fold. It was when I had the second scan and based on other factors such as size of baby and of course size of the fold, they gav me the 1:3 odds. I didn't have my blood done so it doesn't include that, and the baby was facing downwards on the second scan so we don't know if it has nasal tissue/bone or not. I've been awake since 3am this morning just worrying and thinking. I have t say I really admire your attitude, its really inspiring to hear from you. from what you say I am sure you have nothing to worry about. x x

[AbiAbi]

Oh god I'm the least inspiring person ever, trust me! I just know how you feel, or at least can emphasise. I sobbed for hours when the MW told me our odds.

If I was you I would cling to the fact that they haven't done your bloods, and they don't seem to have done a full nuchal scan? They didn't for me either, grrr! When will you have your results?

2:3 chance of a perfectly healthy baby is still pretty good odds, but I know how shit that sounds when you hear other people saying their odds are 1:13200 or somesuch.

Have you seen the 'antenatal tests / choices' board on MumsNet? It's really good, non judgemental and women with all types of experiences have posted there. I'm on facebook too if you want to talk some more, xx

[addie81]

I was given bad odds after combined test, like you I worried myself into a state of total devastation, but amnio results came back clear. Hopefully you will be just as lucky as we were. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

[Chynah]

Shandette - I had odds of 1:12 after combned test and had a CVS. It came back all clear and I now have a lovely 10 week old girl. Good luck.

[Shandette]

Thank you all for sharing your stories, it fills me with so much hope when I hear such success stories. I know there is still a 2:3 chance it will all be ok and so I'm clinging onto that thought. Thanks for telling me about the antenatal tests area of the site, I'll take a look at that now, just hearing about other peoples experiences really does help rather than all the medical stats and jargon we are getting. Just a long weekend to wait for the results, I'll keep you posted. Oh, and huge congrats on your baby girl Chynah, I bet she is gorgeous. x

[AbiAbi]

Fingers crossed for you