High NT reading at my 12 week scan

[Hotdog78]

Hello, I'd just like to share my story in the hope that someone's been through a similar journey and come out smiling at the other end.

My 12 week scan showed a high NT measurement (4.8mm) and combined with bloods, I was given a 1 in 6 chance of Downs. Everything else on the scan looked ok. I opted for a CVS the next day, which I found painful and uncomfortable - and a few days ago got the great news that the baby does not have a chromosomal abnormality! We were, however, advised to wait for phase 2 of the CVS test before 'relaxing', and we've also been booked in for a heart scan at 16 weeks.

I'm so happy the first test came back negative but since the scan I've been a nervous wreck. I can't sit still, I can't enjoy my bump, I keep thinking 'what if'? I've had light cramps since the CVS and I'm also terrified of a miscarriage, even though it's been 8 days. I really wasn't expecting this type of news when I went for my scan, and it's knocked the wind out of my sails and the joy out of the pregnancy.

I'm just wondering if anyone's in the same boat right now and if a high NT is the end of the world, or if this whole thing is a false alarm . I just want to feel happy and excited again.

Hello, I wanted to update my OP for the benefit of anyone searching for help and information on high nuchal measurements via Google.

Three long and painful weeks after I had the CVS test we got the good news that the results were clear ad that no chromosomal abnormalities had been detected. Our hospital then referred us to GOSH for a detailed scan of the baby's heart and this was also clear! It's been a horrible month but I'm so relieved the baby is doing well.

I hope this post offers comfort to anyone in a similar situation.

Thanks for updating everyone Hotdog - that is great news. Sorry I missed your post first time.

I guess 1-in-6 sounds terrifying, but it does mean 5 out of 6 babies will be abnormality free.

Hi Hotdog. I had an almost identical experience 4 years ago- 1 in 4 risk and we didn't get all clear til 28 weeks after heart/ kidney/ brain scans. The whole pregnancy was such a worry and I worried that I would struggle to bond with baby. He was born perfect- and the whole trauma of pregnancy evaporated as soon as we clapped eyes on him- the only lasting issue was the fear that it would be the same again if I were pregnant again. This time we opted for a Harmony test at 10 weeks to avoid CVS altogether as I didn't think I could go through a CVS again. Enjoy the rest of the pregnancy :-)

Similar story here - my Downs risk was only 1 in 98 but higher risk of other abnormalities (1 in 3) and despite everything coming back clear I've still not totally shaken my anxiety, and don't think I will until I've delivered a healthy baby. Rationally I know I've been thoroughly checked by the best people, and in fact should probably be more reassured than people who are never high risk and never get the extra checks in the first place!

I also missed your post last time round too but glad everything is ok. We had a high nuchal fold measurement in a pregnancy which sadly ended earlier this year. We weren't one of the lucky ones that time round and our little one had a chromosome disorder picked up following cvs. I'm pregnant again though and hoping everything works out better this time (booked in for harmony testing 21st July). Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy

Hi LuckyAugust, thanks for replying. Really happy to hear you're pregnant again, and wishing you best of luck with your harmony test.

Plateofcrumbs, I know what you mean. Once your confidence is shaken it's really hard to relax and put it all behind you. I guess we have to trust the professionals and as you say, we've had so many checks to get to this point. How far along are you? I think for me the hardest thing was going to the 12 week scan expecting great news and a photo and getting a shock instead. Still, time to look forward

Hello, just updating my OP from June. I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy at the start of December. He is healthy and happy and currently screaming the place down and refusing to sleep! I hope my posts help other mums searching for information about NT and CVS tests.

Congratulations Hotdog!!

Congratulations hotdog lovely to read your post!

Congratulations Hotdog! Glad everything worked out ok xx

ps. Our third ds was born in January and also refusing to sleep!! Ahhh I love being a mummy again x

Many congrats to you, too. X