Feeling low and struggling to pick myself up after NT result

[Baban2012]

Hi. New here and first time pregnant, a good friend recommended joining. I'm 36 years old and 13 weeks pg. Had our first scan on Friday which was great but NT was 2.5mm which we understand is on the cusp. Bloods taken also and had call from antenatal centre yesterday to tell us we are high risk at 1:80 chance of Down's. Just moved house as well and new midwife came out to see us which was great. We understand that 1:80 still means 79:80 chance of everything being fine. Opting for amnio in 3 weeks, but scared still.
Had a rubbish sleep last night and kept waking up with a really spinny/dizzy head which was horrid. Not gone into work today as feel rubbish.
Just struggling to feel motivated and pick myself up. Any tips?

Oh you poor thing. As you say, the likelihood is your baby is fine.
I think the NT gets thicker as the baby grows so whist at 11 weeks under 2 is best I think at 13 weeks up to 2.8mm is normal. Combined with the bloods and your age your risk has gone up. Can you have a CVS instead and have it earlier and thus avoid 3 weeks of limbo?

Thanks for you reply. I guess we could have the CVS but would rather wait the three weeks for the lower risk of the amnio. It's a catch 22 I suppose as it's horrible having to wait but then we want to minimise the risk.

Hello - poor you:( It's BL**DY horrible being in this situation. Been there twice. Negative experience = 13w p, NT 5.8, 1in2 chance, had CVS cos of high risk - didn't work out long term. Positive experience = NT 2.9, mine was also a 1 in 80 something - opted to wait for amnio, not because of miscarriage risk, but just felt all was ok - which hopefully it is...........I am now the size of a small planet and 37w tomorrow! There IS light at the end of the very worrying tunnel:) I think one in 80 sounds so low compared to the one in thousands you often hear when talking about other cases, especially younger women, hence why when given such odds helps women worry themselves sick. The odds are very much in your favour. No one can tell you not to worry,and for you not to, it's only natural. There is no quick fix to mentally make you feel fine, as it is not your instinct as a mummy to be. All I would say is it will take a couple of days to get your head around, keep busy and be kind to yourself - Plough on through this and hang on in there. Try to keep focusing on the positive. Hope I've made sense, and good luck - fingers and everything else crossed for you ax (p.s. antenatal tests and choices is a good thread of here, lots of women with loads experience and support)

Poor you, no wonder you are worried and scared.

All I can offer is that the clinic I went to follow up all patients as to the eventual outcome at birth. I read on their website that of all babies scanned in their clinic, all babies born with DS have been in pgs scanned / tested with a risk of 1:10 or greater (hope that makes sense). Obviously, that relates to that clinic not to the general population, but kind of fits with your (very sensible imo) view that you have a 79:80 chance of everything being OK.

Take it easy, I hope the next 3 weeks pass quickly for you, and that the amnio goes well.

Thank you all. Your comments and care really helped me actually. My mood has improved over the last couple of days and everyone's been so supportive and understanding. Still in the throes of finishing moving house so maybe a good thing to keep me occupied before amnio on the 22nd. So exhausted though. Will update with any progress.
Thanks again and take care all xxx

Aw Baban I know how you feel - my first Down's risk came back 1 in 60. I had the amnio, all was fine and DD is now 2.4 and a full of beans perfectly normal, healthy toddler.

This pg my risk factor came back as 1 in 47 so I went through it all again and the results are all normal with no complications resulting from the amnio.

I kept myself calm by reminding myself that in each case my risk was either just under or just over 2% of having a child with Down's Syndrom - so still very low in real terms. Your risk is even lower!

It IS an anxious time, but try not to panic, for the vast majority of women who find themselves in this situation, everything is fine and they go on to have a perfectly normal pregnancy and baby.

In the meantime, big hug and FX

Hi ladies. Good news! The amnio was fine and got our full set of results in under two weeks. We are all clear which is amazing news and I can't begin to describe the relief. Also found out we are having a boy! So exciting. Have felt a few early wriggles too. Just got our 20 week scan in two weeks and fingers crossed.
Big love to you all x