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Antenatal tests

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Original poster

Nuchal fold 4.3 mm :-(

13 replies

Linn · 27/11/2011 10:01

I had a very bad result on my CUB ultrasound a few days ago in week 12.
I have had a bad feeling from the start about this pregnancy, I really felt that something was wrong. The midwife had barely started before she got very quiet and even I could see that the fetus did not look normal.. Behind the neck the NF really stood out and contined a bit down on the upper back. I got a 1:2 risk for abnormalities.
The next day I did a CVS. I said to the doctor that a 1:2 risk did not feel to promising and he looked away and said that "he had experienced cases where a NF bigger than this turned out to be nothing"... But he did not sound to convincing.
Hopefully I will get my test results for the most common chromosomal abnormalities now on mon or tues.
But what about other abnormalities that can cause a large NF like serious heart or kidney defects? Apparently I would have to wait until week 19 for them to see that. The thought of having a termination that late terrifies me.
So my question for you others who have been in this situation, how did you cope? Can a baby with a NF like this ever be completely healthy?
:-(

OP posts:
manitz · 27/11/2011 10:10

hi linn. I'm afraid my pregnancy with a similar nf (but higher) was due to T21 and it ended in a termination but there was a poster called peelprincess who had a higher nf and cystic hygroma who had a happy ending. i have also had a pregnancy with a severe heart problem and now have a cardiac scan in every pregnancy. I had it at 17 weeks at one point so if your chromosone test comes back with no problems then push for an early cardiac scan. It really depends on the hospital.

there are heart problems and heart problems. Mine was a single ventricle heart which can only have palliative care and for that reason we terminated also. However many heart problems which I would have previously thought were severe can be properly mended for example reversed aorta and pulmonary vein etc.

If you get to the point where sadly you decide that a termination is the best option there is a support thread here which really helps. It is useful to be prepared for the experience. I hope you have good results though. I am sorry that you are in this situation, I found waiting for results and making a decision very difficult.
x

Original poster
Linn · 27/11/2011 10:20

Hi Manitz. Thank you for your quick answer. Yes the waiting is horrible.
When I had the ultrasound I also thought that the fetus or should I say baby was laying very still, just a couple of small movements.
When I was pregnant with my DS (who is healthy) I remember lots of movement when I had an early ultrasound, the legs kicking and hands moving. I can't stop googling and worrying and from what I've found a lively fetus is one sign that it is healthy..
I will look for the support thread.

OP posts:
Breadrollsbuns · 28/11/2011 17:06

Hi Linn, I had a nuchal reading of 4.9mm in August and was also given a 50/50 chance of serious chromosomal abnormality or heart defect. I had a CVS, which came back clear and then waited the agonizing 7 weeks for the detailed heart scan etc, which also came back clear. I am now 28 weeks and have been told that my risk of having a baby with a serious issue is only minutely above that of everybody else.
I won't lie to you, it was the worst 8 weeks of my life, but your initial result does NOT mean that there is definitely something wrong with your baby. I know how difficult it is, but try and take each step at a time. Please let us know how you get on, I will be thinking about you

manitz · 28/11/2011 20:51

hi linn, dont worry about the not moving. I've now had 6 pregnancies (4 with a healthy outcome). Sometimes the baby is just asleep. The 2 that ended in terminations for medical reasons were not particularly sleepy. Just try and distract yourself as much as you can. What will be will be and you will be able to deal with it although it seems you can't. I hope its all good news for you. Take care and I hope you find support.
x

Helyantha · 30/11/2011 14:35

Hello. I'm so sorry that you're worried.

I just wanted to say that a complex cardiac condition does not necessarily mean a terrible outcome. I completely understand and support Manitz's decision to end her heart pregnancy, but my son has a complicated, single ventricle condition and is very well. He is 15. He's had a series of surgeries and it's been tough along the way, but I didn't want you to think that a 'scrambled' heart leads always to, at best, a poor quality of life.

Best of luck

LadyBeckenham · 30/11/2011 15:39

I had a NF bigger than yours which turned out to be nothing. I had a 1 in 3 and a clear amnio. I don't want to give you false hope, but my DS is 6 months now and fine.

Hope you have heard some good news.

LB xx

Original poster
Linn · 01/12/2011 17:21

Hi

Thank you all for your kind posts. Sadly there was something very wrong.
The fetus (I can't write my baby or I'll start crying again) has a very rare chromosomal defect which affect the person who has it in many ways
such as infertility and behavioural problems, extreme adhd and damp. IQ is also always affected to some degree.
I will have an abortion on monday.
The only light in the tunnel is that it is definitely not because of any genetic fault with me or my husband, but a complete coincidence.
The specialist said that it is unheard of that it would occur again in a future pregnancy for a couple, it is that rare and coincidental.

Linn

OP posts:
thousandDenierStocking · 01/12/2011 17:34

Linn I'm so sorry to hear your news. Wishing you much strength for Monday.

whostolemyname · 01/12/2011 17:35

So sorry to read this. What a difficult time for you. I hope you get the support you need. Antenatal Results and Choices are a helpful charity that can offer you support too. I hope everything goes as smoothly as possible for you on monday x

Helyantha · 01/12/2011 19:48

So sorry to hear of your news. I second the recommendation of ARC.

I wish you gentle days x

shakemyhead · 02/12/2011 12:14

So sorry for the bad ending. It is so horrible to go through what you are experiencing.
Have a look on the mc thread if you go down the medical management route - I'm not sure if it is but I think it is the same process. Lots of info about what to expect on there.
I understand about the language of baby/ fetus. Hcp seem to use baby but for me it made it more real.
Take it easy and everything you feel is normal and same but different for everybody.
Things will get better but it's a long and bumpy road xxx

manitz · 04/12/2011 21:21

hi linn i am really sorry to read your news. I hope tomorrow is not too terrible for you and that you can find some relief. x

Breadrollsbuns · 05/12/2011 14:00

Hi Linn, I'm so sorry to hear your news. Will be thinking of you today x

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