Nasal bone absent at 11+5

[Elpis]

I know this post may seem overwrought to mothers who have been given a much higher risk of Down's, but I can't push this out of my mind.

The tests put my risk at 1:4092 (even lower for the other trisonomies). Since I'm 36 we weren't worried about that. But the sonographer couldn't find a nasal bone. She said this was unlikely to be significant because I was less than 12 weeks and didn't recommend an extra scan.

At my 20-wk scan the nasal bone was present and 5.7mm long - I think the average is 6.2mm, so on the low side but still within normal range. Everything else was normal - a 'perfect little boy', said the sonographer. So why am I anxious? Because I saw that lack of a nasal bone at 11-14 is a 'soft marker' for Down's. Some researchers think it is a stronger marker and ought to be part of the overall test. I know the testing doesn't always spot Down's. It seems 65%+ of Down's foetuses don't have a visible nasal bone at the nuchal scan, compared to 1-3% of normal foetuses.

I can't stop fretting about this now. I realise it's probably hormonal in part (I'm 22+3) but can't seem to stop. It's too late for the invasive tests which I might not have wanted anyway.

Why do we have to go through this? I'd never have thought about it if it weren't for the abundance of information so easily available. DH, a rationalist, isn't alarmed. I wish I could pull myself together.

[freshfruitsalad]

I love my little boy; more so I think as just so proud of him. Thanks for update elpis xx

[freshfruitsalad]

Oops forgot.... Congratulations xx :)

[Elpis]

Thanks freshfruitsalad! How's it going?

[freshfruitsalad]

Very well, his health is very good so we are lucky :) he is lively, strong and so well behaved, doesn't cry much at all! I have been counting my blessings

[Elpis]

So glad to hear that. He sounds lovely. DS is very good too and only seems to cry when hungry or in discomfort, which is marvellous.

[Secondsop]

Hi elphis congratulations on your son and thanks for the update. I found this thread really helpful so just wanted to update to say that my son was born on 29 November with no signs of abnormalities and a perfect little nose, but I would love him whatever happened. Thoughts to freshfruitsalad and thanks to you elphis and to everyone else who commented.

[Elpis]

Oh, wonderful. Happy new year, secondsop! DS is very plump and has just started teething.