What is a normal nuchal fold measurement?

[bassingtonffrench]

Baby measured at 1.5mm today.

I'm assuming that is good news but they don't give results without the bloods which I have to wait for.

Does anyone know what the normal range is?

It varies from centre to centre, but less than 3mm is often considered "normal". 1.5mm is excellent, bit will need to be taken in conjunction with your blood tests and the rest of the scan to give you an idea of your risk factors for chromosomal problems.

Thanks. I have been given the paperwork for the scan and all it says is 'single viable fetus' and the measurement. I am a bit anxious because of my age (38) and a previous miscarriage.

DH wants to start telling people like we did after our previous scans/children, but i am hesitant.

Is this the 12 week scan? Single viable fetus is a bit on the stingy side, they normally give a bit more detail about things than that!

If it helps in any small way, all 3 of my pregnancies have been later in life! Every day and week you pass is a huge achievement

yes it is 12 weeks. the paperwork did seem a little lame. he was a locum which might have been the reason.

I did feel a little elderly in the waiting room! Good to know I'm not the only one though!

That measurement is fine. Low, even! As had been said, anything under 3mm is not concerned alarming, and anything under 2-2.5mm is considered low risk depending on where you fall in the 11-14 week window.

All the same if you want to feel "safe" with an announcement, wait for the bloodwork. I had a similar low reading for DC3 and then was shocked a few days later when my bloodwork had me at 1 in 34.. it would have been even worse had the nuchal not been so good! He turned out to have typical chromosomes in the end but we ended up not telling most people about the pregnancy as we didn't do invasive testing until it was "safe" at 32 weeks.

On the other hand, during my 20 week wait I spent a lot of time on forums and found that most people who had an issue with their baby had a raised nuchal in some form as well as bad bloodwork - I think I only saw one who had a bloodwork-only chromosomal issue.

So I'd say it's very, very likely all is well but if you want to make extra sure, just give it a few more days if it matters that much about announcing!

PS I'll be nearly 38 when this one is born so I hear you on the "older" mother thing!!

Thanks Crispy. Yes I am waiting for the bloodwork. but the system in our area is that if you get a high risk result you get a call (or a personal visit!) but if it is low risk you get a letter in two weeks.

So if i haven't heard anything in a week I think that means low risk.

"nearly 38" counts as 37 in my book which is a spring chicken! I will be 39 when baby is born

Yes, it was the same with my old PCT as well. I had the NT screening on the Friday and got called on the Tuesday with the high risk result. I think waiting a week would probably put you in the clear! Nothing to stop you ringing up and asking after a week though I guess!! I am sure they are used to anxious parents

I just got a result of 1 in 940. in case anyone is interested or in a similar boat.

That's excellent! You can relax a bit now!!

Thanks crispy. We can start telling people now. starting with our children.
gulp..!

i had my 12 week scan this morning and haven't really been told anything at all. I haven't been given a NT measurement, it just says single live intrauterine fetus. there are some numbers and letters down the side of my scan photo but I don't know what they mean.

I tried to ask the sonographer about downs testing and she just said that the midwife should have discussed it with me. so I guess I just have to wait for my midwife appointment in a couple of weeks and ask her then. a bit frustrating really.

Sorry to hear your scan wasn't illuminating- such a shame at what should be an exciting milestone. If you're able to post a photo of your scan (without your name obviously!) I'm happy to have a look for you? I work in X-ray x

thebestnameshavegone - Did they take any blood? Some hospitals just do the scan, in which case they have the results ready at the same time. Might be worth giving the hospital a call (or even your midwife) and ask what is going on!!

You have to give your permission in advance to receive a nuchal fold measurement. I don't think the sonographer can do it on the spot if it has not been discussed beforehand. I had to sign a form at booking in.

Down's syndrome testing is not routine. I did not request the test in my first two pregnancies because I was younger.

hope that makes things clearer

thanks for the replies everyone. I specifically requested downs screening at my booking in appointment because of my age (36).

I had blood taken at my booking in and have had results back saying I'm clear of hiv/hepatitis etc but I don't know if they are testing for anything else.

there is a note on my scan report saying (paraphrase) if down's screening has been requested it can be done between x date and y date (when I would be roughly 15 - 19 weeks) but this presumably not a nuchal fold test as it will be too late.

i'm just a bit confused really - I had just assumed that they would do the test at the scan yesterday and now I'm kicking myself for not making the sonographer explain more to me

That sounds like a cock up to me. You need to call your midwife before your next appt. If it hasn't been requested your sonographer is unlikely to have taken an Nuchal measurement. A nuchal measurement needs to be taken before 13.6 weeks. they can do tests after then but it will based on bloods only. booking bloods are separate and go to a different place.

disclaimer - i am not a medic, this is just what I was told!

also, in my experiences sonographers don't really get into chats, they just do the technical stuff.

hope you get it sorted

bassington is right- the nuchal testing isn't done after 14 weeks. It is only one part of the equation, but if you specifically want it and requested it, then you should jolly well have it! Please ring either your midwife or the X-ray department and make a bit of a fuss.

You're still in the window for nuchal screening, but not for much longer. Do not be fobbed off!

well, it turns out that my local nhs trust don't offer NT scanning at all and that's why I didn't get it! although apparently they are starting to offer it in april.
so I went for a private scan today and got a measurement of 1.4mm which is good, so I'm very relieved. just waiting on blood results, which was a bit of a circus in itself! I have rubbish veins and every blood test I've ever been for has been a struggle to find a vein and actually get any blood. 3 different people (2 doctors and 1 nurse) tried today with no success and I ended up passing out! so after an hour lying down and many cups of tea, an anesthetist (sp?) came and did it!! but i'm very glad I got it done