NC 3.5mm on the dot

[Lloydy88]

Hi all,
Just after a bit of advice.
We had our 12 week scan last week - I was 11wks+5days.
The NC measured 3.5mm which is just on the cusp of normal.
We have been sent to Cardiff to the clinic but haven't heard a thing yet from them as to when they want to see us.
First screening test results due tomorrow and if we aren't given option for NIPT, we are going private this week for that.
Its crazy really, my sis in law had exactly the same with a 3.7mm but all is ok with them now.
Is it something they are really focsued on at the moment? Seems a lot more people are getting called about it.
Also, after some positive stories if possible, need to feel comforted
Many thanks :)

@Mads12345 thank you for sharing your story. I’ve had a measurement of 3.6mm at 13 weeks but the NHS won’t refer me for the 16 week checks, only the 20 week checks, because they didn’t take that measurement (it was done privately) and they couldn’t get it themselves as baby reached 14 weeks too soon. What they have however done is take the time to really scare us to the point where my DH and I are worried sick. He’s saying he wants amniocentesis which after 3 miscarriages is terrifying for me and not what I want.
But in your circumstances if you haven’t had that and they’ve whittled it down to 4%, that really helps and reassures me that we could hopefully be quietly confident of having a very low risk without amniocentesis.
Thank you.

@Somedayivf I felt exactly the same, a little pressured to get the amnio but I really didn't want it due to the risk of miscarriage. But I did have a lovely lady at the fetal medicine unit who was super reassuring and said that the measurement of 3.6 is only a tiny bit out of the safe zone and to not stress too much. I'm feeling a lot better about it all since my morph scan but it's always in the back of my mind because I didn't do the amnio which is a horrible feeling. Unfortunately the blood test (NIPT) I had done is great at picking up Down's syndrome but a lot less likely to pick up a more rare chromosomal issue. Good luck and please update me with how you go if you don't mind x

@Mads12345 thank you. I think it’s great that they’ve given you actual percentages - surely a 4% chance of problems is similar to a couple who haven’t had a raised NT as it’s so low? I know it’s impossible to eradicate the worry totally from your mind though. I would feel exactly the same.
I will let you know how I get on - very kind of you to ask. Happily I spoke to a consultant today who felt quite strongly that I should be referred at 16 weeks as anyone else would so hopefully I’ll start to follow the same pathway as you x

@Somedayivf - I hope they manage to sort a 16 week appointment for you! - Keep us all updated! - At the 20week scan, the neck measurement was still a little prominent but we've had our NIPT test results which was low so we didn't have the amnio either. I just couldnt face it! Have you had NIPT test as of yet? X

@Somedayivf they only offered me the 20 week scan initially as well and I pushed for an earlier scan and they gave it to me so if you need to push them a bit do it because it's so worth it, the peace of mind couldn't have come quick enough. Sending everyone positive vibes. Good luck!! X

@Lloydy88 @Mads12345 I THINK I’ve managed to get a referral - had a routine consultant appointment yesterday and while I was there I got quite upset. Told them how I was feeling etc and the consultant was very sympathetic and said she thought it was wrong of them to totally ignore the results of a private test so said she was going to push for it. Fingers crossed.

In the meantime I had a call with a head of midwifery who I know and she said she feels that amniocentesis isn’t always necessary. Said that the majority of the chromosomal problems it tests for will have associated problems which will become visible on scans etc. Said they’re called syndromes because they’re a collection of things not just one. She advised against amnio in my because case the readings are so minimally over the threshold and I’ve already had NIPT which has found 0.01% chance, and hopefully the foetal echocardiogram and the scans will pick up anything.
I thought that was quite reassuring so thought I’d share in case it helps you!