Down syndrome screening result

[CoolMauveBear]

I’m 21 years old and currently 28 weeks pregnant.
At 12 weeks, I had the combined screening test, including the nuchal translucency (NT) measurement, which came back as 3.3mm. I was told anything below 3.5mm is considered within the normal range, though I understand that 3.3mm is on the higher end of that scale.

My screening results showed a risk of:
• 1 in 620 for Down syndrome
• 1 in 5,000 for Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome

I know these are all considered low risk, and my 20-week anatomy scan looked completely normal, which was very reassuring at the time.

But now, for some reason, I’ve started feeling anxious again especially about the 1 in 620 result for Down syndrome. Given my age, I had expected the number to be much lower, and I’m starting to question whether I should have gone for further testing. However, because my result was classed as low risk, I wasn’t offered any.

I’m just wondering if any other women have had similar results especially with a slightly raised NT measurement and gone on to have a healthy baby. I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences.

I would really recommend giving the ARC helpline a call - they are so knowledgeable and helpful with all issues to do with antenatal testing. With a 1 in 620 result the vast majority of people in your situation will have gone on to have babies without Down’s Syndrome, but if it’s on your mind it’s definitely worth getting some support, and ARC is a good place to start 💛

99.8% chance baby is unaffected

I’m not sure about your finances but there’s alot of clinics that offer private NIPT’s if it would make you feel better. The clinic near me does it for around £200 (just for the 3 main chromosomal disorders).

I agree with the PP that you should give ARC a call if you're worried, or chat with your midwife.

If it helps, I had a high risk based on the tests at 12wks - forget exactly but it was around 1 in 60 for the trisomies. I couldn't have the NIPT (due to a separate pregnancy complication) but I was having so many scans due to that complication that the consultant reassured me that it was highly unlikely the baby had any of the trisomies as there were no structural abnormalities. And he was right, the baby did not have any genetic abnormalities.