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Original poster

High NT Measurement

26 replies

Rachey28 · 05/02/2022 12:58

Don't really know the point of this post but I'm finding it hard to talk to family/friends about what is happening.
My partner and I have a healthy, happy amazing 5 year old girl. But I have had fertility issues before and after her birth. I'm currently on my 15th pregnancy which was conceived via IVF. All the others have been natural pregnancies which, except for my little girl, have ended in miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies.
I had my 12 week scan yesterday and the babies NT measurement was high at 3.7mm this had increased from 3.2mm a week earlier. I'm waiting for a scan with the specialist who will also have our blood results on Tuesday and then the CVS test done at a bigger hospital some day next week.
I feel broken, inside I just know the baby is unwell in some way and i'm prepping myself for the worst. I feel guilty for doing the tests and wanting to know, lots of friends and family have never had the edwards, downs screening etc as it wouldn't matter to them but to me I just need to know what we are facing.
After all of the issues we have had and to finally get another little baby to stick and survive and grow to then get this news it just feels so unfair and cruel.

OP posts:
Jupiter92 · 05/02/2022 14:19

Hi, I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through, it sounds like you’ve had a truly difficult time.

My 12 week scan 3 weeks ago showed 3.6mm and the NIPT thorough test came back clear for all chromosome issues. I hope this helps to put your mind at ease a bit because it’s a very similar measurement.

I did a lot of reading on this forum in the weeks waiting for results and measurements can fluctuate on different days and with different people measuring.

Just try and be kind to yourself while you’re waiting xxxx

sunsshineshowerss · 05/02/2022 14:52

Don't give up a positive attitude I know it's hard.
My babies NT was higher than this, I had a cvs test it was all clear and he's almost 3 now, healthy and thriving!

BabyOnBoard90 · 05/02/2022 23:30

3.7 is not significantly above the the threshold.

I've heard of babies with higher measurements being completely normal. I'd say try not to panic until you have CVS results. Easier said than done, I know from exp.

Best of luck

Original poster
Rachey28 · 06/02/2022 11:26

Thank you everyone. I just feel like we are in limbo until we have some results from the test

How was the CVS to anyone that's had it? How were you recovery wise? Also what should I do with work. I work in a really busy school office, just don't feel like i can face seeing people at the moment.

OP posts:
BabyOnBoard90 · 06/02/2022 18:28

@Rachey28

Thank you everyone. I just feel like we are in limbo until we have some results from the test

How was the CVS to anyone that's had it? How were you recovery wise? Also what should I do with work. I work in a really busy school office, just don't feel like i can face seeing people at the moment.

They numb the area so it's not painful but it is uncomfortable. Amniocentesis caused more discomfort as there wasn't any local anaesthetic used.

Some cramping afterwards but you're pretty much fine by next day. It has left a needle dot scar on tbf belly. Not ideal but not incredibly noticeable.

IsabelHerna · 07/02/2022 11:34

I am so sorry for what you've been and still going through and you're stress and worries are very normal! Anyone would have those worries, and would have any tests there are available to them. Wish you all the best of luck x

JoeyLin · 07/02/2022 13:39

@Rachey28 - Hi, you've mentioned your NT measurement, but did they not take your bloods and give what I think they called a 'combined' result for Downs and others?

They offered this to me during my 12 week scan and got a result a week later.

I think they combine the NT measurement with results of certain hormones, your age, weight, etc. and they run it through a computer.

I was anxious when waiting for my result and did a lot of research... the NT measurement is only one part of it. I've heard of low NT measurements (

Tig2010 · 16/02/2022 15:39

Hello @Rachey28 - this happened to us (4.2mm) and all was well with our little man. The wait for the CVS results was hell - I really hope your results are all clear and am here if you have any questions.

emma1103 · 16/02/2022 15:48

My story sadly didn't end well (not because of the CVS), but my babies NT was significantly higher at 9.9

I just wanted to reassure you that the CVS isn't as bad as you think it will be. It was slightly uncomfortable, a very strange feeling when they are doing it. Walking back to the car it almost felt like mild contractions, i just rested for the day, but was absolutely fine. Get someone else to drive you. Xx

Ladybug06 · 18/04/2022 07:15

Hi, I came across this thread as I find myself sick with worry. I had my 12 week scan last week (thought I was 11+5 via online calculator but was told 12+5). NT was 2.9 which I know is within the normal range but I received a phone call to tell me my risk rating is 1 in 9 for Downs or 1 in 30 for Edwards/Patau. I’m panicked as I’ve no idea whether something was detected in the scan or blood work or both - I’m 43 so I know that elevates my risk but I’m highly anxious as it’s been such a journey to get pregnant again after my last pregnancy ended over 2 years ago due to Edwards (the NT then was 6 & my risk was 1 in 2).
Have a harmony test booked for Weds.

Pixie79 · 18/04/2022 12:18

@Ladybug06

Hi, I just wanted to say good luck for Wednesday. It's a horrible situation to be in, all of the waiting and unknown.

I also had the dreaded phone call around 2.5 weeks ago and my risk is 1 in 11 for DS. Im 42 so I knew I'd be high risk but naively never expected it to be that high.
NT was 2.5, low Papp of 0.59 and HCG 1.96
I can't have the NIPT test as sadly was pregnant with twins and lost one at 8 weeks.
I went in 2 weeks ago for a CVS, whilst scanning they noticed my placenta was low and and the back, also my bowl was in the way so the decided it was unsafe to do. I had no sort markers which should be reassuring but I'm still worried sick.
I'm now booked in for a amnio on Friday which I'm petrified about.

I've googled so much and I know there are so positive stories but also some really sad ones too.

Original poster
Rachey28 · 18/04/2022 12:41

Hi, just wanted to update the thread. We are now 22 weeks pregnant and having a little girl.
I had the CVS done which was a horrible experience but purely due to seeing an awful doctor. The actual procedure was uncomfortable but manageable. The sample they took was contaminated unfortunately so we waited for three weeks to then be told they couldn't give us any results. Nightmare!!
I booked for an amino at my local hospital the following week and it was much better. The procedure was slightly uncomfortable but not as much as the CVS. We had our short results and full results within 2 weeks and they found no abnormalities.
I've had a anomaly and a heart scan now which have both been fine and the cystic hygroma (high NT measurement) has now gone completely.
I have a final heart scan in a fortnight but things are looking positive and we can't believe how lucky we are.
During these last 10 weeks i read so many posts and just couldn't imagine we would be one of the lucky ones where things worked out well but it looks like we may be. The last few months have been the hardest of my life and we have been through hell and back as a couple. Keep strong, keep talking to your support network whoever that may be and try and think realistically but positively. Wishing you lots of luck on this journey, please just ask if you have any questions at all xxx

OP posts:
Pixie79 · 19/04/2022 22:05

@Rachey28

I just thought I'd say congratulations on your good news. It seems like you've been on a horrible journey.
Hopefully now you should be able to relax and enjoy the rest of the pregnancy.

I'm having my amnio on Friday and I'm feeling really anxious and scared. I'm not so worried about the procedure, it's what they might find.
My DP is trying to stay positive and saying the odds are on our side. I on the other hand is just thinking the worst.
I feel like since receiving my results I've
stoped all the excitement of being pregnant. I haven't been looking at clothes, cribs or anything.
It's almost like I'm on hold until we get the amnio results.

Also apart from telling my parents I haven't told anyone about the pregnancy.
I was planning on telling everyone after our 12 week scan, but as we got bad news I now can't.
Im now really showing and finding hard to hide it. I really don't want to have to explain myself to anyone.

BeautifulBirds · 05/08/2022 14:41

Hi Rachey28,

How did your pregnancy progress?

Thanks

Original poster
Rachey28 · 05/08/2022 16:49

So we've had multiple more heart scans which have all come back fine and as a precautionary measure she will be referred for a heart check up with a specialist when she is born BUT everything seems to be fine!
All tests came back fine, scans all normal and the cystic hygroma hasn't come back. She's due in 2 weeks and we just cannot wait to meet her now. (And also never be pregnant ever again....talk about stress!!!!)

OP posts:
BeautifulBirds · 05/08/2022 18:19

I bet its been a stressful time.

We found out on Wednesday (13.2 wks) that our NT is 11mm, which is huge.

These appointments seem like an age away!

I'm so glad your story is a happy one.

Ladybug06 · 08/08/2022 09:47

@Pixie79 wanted to check how you are & hoping everything went well.

@Rachey28 So pleased to hear your good news.

I am pleased to say my NIPT results came back low risk and subsequent scans have appeared fine (nasal bone present and heart chambers all fine). I'm now 29+4 weeks and just hoping everything continues going well.

@BeautifulBirds Sorry to hear you're going through the worry and anxiety, wishing you all the very best x

Pixie79 · 08/08/2022 12:24

@Ladybug06

That's fantastic news really happy for you that all the results came back clear.

I'm now 31 weeks pregnant with a little girl and our amnio came back clear.
We have a scan at 32 & 36 weeks but it's just routine because of my age I guess🙄

Mimi2022 · 13/10/2022 10:05

I’m glad your results ended up improving @Rachey28

@BeautifulBirds how are you doing? I hope yours is similar to @Rachey28 and things have improved in time. It’s hard knowing what to do when waiting for appointments. Had my cvs yesterday and now just waiting. I’m here looking for some positivity.

Original poster
Rachey28 · 13/10/2022 10:25

@Mimi2022 how did you find the cvs test? Hope it wasn't too bad for you.
The waiting is awful but try and keep as busy and occupied as you can!

OP posts:
BeautifulBirds · 13/10/2022 10:56

@Mimi2022 sadly our story didn't end well. Baby's heart had stopped by the time we got to see the specialist, 5 days afterour scan. Baby was delivered a week later with medical intervention. We got to spend some time with them, I was 14 weeks pregnant, and we are now waiting for the results of the genetic tests.

The specialist said (at the scan) that baby had a space suit oedema, which meant that the swelling was all over.

I really hope that anyone going through the same has a positive outcome.

Much love.

Mimi2022 · 13/10/2022 10:56

It was weird when they were putting in the needles. Definitely not painful just weird feeling. It went very well just home resting lots now. I’ll find out results next week. My mind keeps drifting to this even when I start to do something and I get teary. I’ll try watching some tv or bits and bobs around the house to occupy myself. Going back to work next week.

how are you doing now?

Mimi2022 · 13/10/2022 10:58

@Rachey28

Mimi2022 · 13/10/2022 11:01

@BeautifulBirds i am really really sorry to hear about your baby. Honestly I hope you heal physically mentally and emotionally in your best way. I don’t even know what to say 😔 I’m so sorry.

BeautifulBirds · 13/10/2022 11:07

@Mimi2022 thank you. It is a painful process to go through.

However, our baby had a massive issue(s). Which was evident when we had our time with him. I reconcile our loss with the reasoning that if he hadn't passed he would have had a life of problems, barriers and potentially pain.

I may sound harsh, but it wouldn't be what I wanted for my child.

It's a very difficult time, all the waiting and such. All I can say is to look after yourself and seek support, in whatever form that takes.