NT results - could really use some advice please.

[MrsO1983]

• I'm totally new to this so please bear with me, don't know all the abbreviations yet I had my 12 week scan last week and the NT results were 3.9mm, so thats just above the 3.5mm limit they go to. I also had my bloods done so have been waiting for the results. They sent me to see a consultant yesterday, so that they could look at the NT again for me and to see what options we have for further testing etc if we want it. The lady yesterday spent about 30 mins measuring the NT and took around 30 pictures, whereas the first lady did a few measurements only and was very fast doing it in my opinion. The consultant yesterday came out with an average of 2.01mm. So pretty much half from last week. But after that she tells me that she's not accredited yet so they won't reduce the risk - whats the point in seeing a non accredited consultant? Also she said that her scan pictures weren't as clear. So today i get a call with my blood result when they test for Down's. They've given me 1 in 5. They won't base it on the result i got yesterday. Also they can't give me the amnio test yet because the placenta is on the back wall so too difficult to get too, so i have to wait till next friday. i'm going out of my mind and so is my husband, i don't know what to do with myself. I know my results can change due to age etc but I'm only just 30 and already have a very healthy 5 year old. Can anyone give me any advice at all please? Just to put my mind at rest. Really appreciate any help.

How confusing and stressful for you, the wait must be horrible.

Don't have experience of this but holding your hand. Can you ask for a further scan and NT measurement?

If money permits have you thought about the Harmony Test?

I am going through this at the moment, though in my case it was the bloods that are out of whack. I have amnio tomorrow.

I am a lot further along - 16 weeks by their dates. But if I was 12 weeks and had the money, I'd look at Harmony testing. Also bear in mind that there is a couple of weeks' wait for the result.

Is it CVS that they are saying they can't do now because of the placenta position (amnio is cells from the amniotic fluid and normally done after 15 weeks. CVS is cells from the placenta and done earlier)?

It might be worth finding out from someone (I couldn't get any sense out of the midwives, but the consultant should be able to explain) whether your bloods were normal, or contributed to the risk. If your bloods were normal I would be massively pushing for them to do the NT again, or thinking about a private one, given the massive difference in measurements.

It's horrible isn't it. Thinking of you. x

Hi there.

Sorry you are having a stressful time.

Firstly, with regards to your currently assessed risk; the NHS often won't reduce a risk in my (limited) experience. This doesn't change the fact that the second consultant getting lower measurements is a good sign.

We had an NHS scan with a measurement of 2.2mm or so, but high risk blood results (1:35) and went to the FMC clinic in London just over a week later for another scan. They measured 3.6mm, so things changed quite fast for us too. We had a re-assessed risk of 1:2 from the FMC, but thankfully the tests all came back clear.

Maybe try to find out specifically what your blood test results were. They will have measured two hormones and will give you measurements for how many times the average measurement (MoM) you are (for your stage of pregnancy). This will help you better understand the risks.

If you are keen to do something then as AndIFeedEmGunpowder said, you could consider the Harmony test. Will cost £400 from FMC and is 99.9% accurate. But the results take time, so if you are going for CVS/Amnio anyway then I'm not sure it will get you any more info any sooner.

Alternatively FMC could do CVS/Amnio (as PenguinsDontEatPancakes ti sounds like it is CVS they can't do currently) - this would cost you £400. Initial results (including DS) take 2-3 working days.

Or they could do another scan which would cost £180. They have great consultants and equipment. We phoned for one of these on a Weds and had the appointment 2 days later on the Friday (got initial results on Tuesday). If you're near London then it might be worth it just to get more info and maybe reassure you.

Lastly - remember that with the worse measurements they are giving you an assessment that everything is 80% ok. With the second measurements things would be even higher. Things are quite likely ok. Fingers crossed.

Let us know how you get on. I hope it all goes well.

Thinking of you too PenguinsDontEatPancakes.

Poor you. I was in your position this time last year. We could not wait and wanted the best and quickest testing so went to the FMC who re did the nuchal and did the new Harmony tests. Their nuchal measurements wee much better than the nhs and we trusted them as they are world renowned. We then got clear Harmony results. I cannot recommend the FMC highly enough if you can afford it and are in the SE.

Thanks DadTom. I don't mean to derail the thread, but based on the name are you male? Can I ask how it was for you during the procedure? We have decided that DH will not be in the room during the procedure as getting any childcare for DD2 would mean lying or telling someone else what was happening and we'd rather not. He'll be at the hospital though.

I wish we still lived in London. We'd have gone to the FMC in a heartbeat. Sadly, with distances, cost and a child in school it really isn't an option.

Hi PenguinsDontEatPancakes. I'll answer in you the thread you just started (here) so as not to MrsO1983's thread. :)

Thanks.

I was in This position exactly a year ago. 3.9 nuchal. Couldn't do CVS due to placenta on back wall. Has to wait three weeks for amino. Procedure was totally fine by the way. First results came back after three days all clear, full karotype after two weeks, all clear. Detailed heart scans all fine. Now currently have five month old on my boob, all is well. My odds were 1:12.
I know how hard it is. There were some really sad days. Sending you lots of strength and support.

Hi. Thank again for all your advice and kind comments. Well last Monday I managed to have the CVS. We paid for the Rapid Fish test and found out the day after that everything is completely fine. I completely broke down and cried with relief for about an hour. Also found out we are having a girl so I'm extra excited now. My heart goes out to anyone who has had these kind of issues. We couldn't afford the test realistically but the pain and stress of waiting was too much to cope with. Thanks again to you all.

That's great news.enjoy the rest of your pregnancy :)