High NT

[SJ456]

Hi

I’m relatively new around here so sorry if it’s in the wrong place! Had an early scan today (10+3) and whilst everything looked good, they told us at the end they were referring us to the hospital with a high NT measurement (3.2). We didn’t know they would be doing this test so obviously we’re very shocked and they didn’t even give us any info for what this actually means in English

I’ve tried to do some googling but most NHS trusts don’t do NT measurements until after 11 weeks so I’m not sure what this number even means (although from the info I can find it doesn’t look good)

Has anyone got any information/stories/help for a confused FTM to be who is currently in floods of tears! I’m sure the NHS won’t get back to us for a few days and I’m not sure who to ask

NT stands for Nuchal translucency and is a measurement of the fluid in the skin behind baby's neck- the 'nuchal fold'.
My second baby's NT measurement was 3.2 and she is perfectly healthy. The threshold for concern in most NHS trusts is 3.5mm anyway. They use this measurement in conjunction with your age and blood results from bloods that get taken at your 12 week scan to determine your risk score for downs, Edwards and pataus syndrome.

It is always worrying when you get tole anything in pregnancy but try not to panic. On Monday, contact your community midwife if you've got one and talk through your concerns but I'm sure they will reassure you that on its own the number is not concerning. I am surprised that a private scan facility even takes those measurements!

Really hope you get some clarity soon, take care x

I'm also surprised they took the measurement also.

Previous poster has explained it well.

I know this is frightening but there is a massive difference between a scan at 10 weeks compared to 12 (ish) weeks. The difference in measurements are mm so if the baby was to move slightly at that time the measurement can be off.

Ring your MW first thing, if you can't settle, understandably, I would maybe try ringing your EPU for some advise and reassurance.

Sending love

Thanks both for your replies - have managed to calm me and my wife down l. We will ring our midwife number on Monday to have a discusssion

It was more the shock that they told us at the private scan and then didn’t have any other information leaflets or advice. They even seemed shocked we might be upset with this news

It has also given us a chance to look at NIPT screening which I think we are going to do for reassurance

Hi - not an expert at all but I had a high NT at my recent 12 week scan (4mm) and my son had a 3.3mm NT as his 12 week scan 3
years ago too - had NIpT with both and both came back low chance. 3.2 is within “normal” range.
from my extensive reading on the subject, my understanding is that before 11 weeks is too early to take the measurement for it to mean anything - it’s usually done between 11-14 weeks I think? So try not to worry. i had a private scan at 10 weeks with this pregnancy and asked the midwife to measure the NT for my own reassurance - she did and it came
back 2.5 but she said it wouldn’t count because it was too early. By the time I went to the dating scan (13 weeks) it was 4mm. Yours may well have gone down by the time the “official” measurement is taken. Good luck!

Thanks for all your replies - helped me over a stressful weekend!

we spoke to FMU today and they said they are not concerned as from 11 weeks anything under 3.5 is normal and I measured at 10+5.

standard dating scam next week and they will re-measure and get a consultant to review but feeling much calmer

I’m just updating as I found this super helpful when I was panicking about the results.

Had my NHS dating scan today and everything had normalised! So if you have an early scan with concerning results try not to panic as sometimes these things work themselves out!

Great news!