Nuchal scan results confusing and upsetting

[JoWein]

I had my 12 week scan yesterday and while my nuchal measurement was quite big - 2.3mm - which put gave me 1 in 88 for Downs, the blood tests came back as much better - 1 in 1825. Overall, I was given 1 in 625 but the Nuchal has upset me. I'm confused - I imagined they'd agree. We're being sent for a more detailed scan next week before thinking about CVS or Amnio, but I feel worried and uncertain now. Has anyone had a similar experience?

had 5mm & 5.5mm nuchal neck measurements.

With my dd I had a cvs & amnio. The cvs showed placental mocisaism and the amnio ok. I had detailed scans of about 45 mins to check for abnormalities. DD was fine.

With my ds I refused all invasive tests as so stressful last time and had a detailed scan about 16 weeks or so. He was born fine.

Your risk factor is just a risk - but it it better than the risk of miscarriage with cvs or amnio - which I think is about 1 in 200 or there abouts.

Talk to your doc about this risk. Your age will effect the risk score. You need to see the blood test results and decide if they indicate amnio/cvs or not.

good luck xxx

JoWein, from what I know, it is the combined result of the nuchal measurements, background risk (ie age) and blood test that give you your final result.

The full results I was given after my blood test were over 10 times better than the nuchal measurement and background. Hope that helps.

With me it was the other way round - the scan measurements were fine but my bloods were high risk.

With my first pregnancy I opted not for invasive tests but I have to be honest and say I was very worried and stressed for the next 6 months (all was ok btw).

This time round I opted for a CVS at the fetal medicine centre because I could not face all the stress and worry again. It was a personal decision and I know a lot of people would say I was silly but I felt so much better (the CVS was fine) and have actually enjoyed this pregnancy.

Obviously a CVS/amnio has risks but if you are likely to become stressed not knowing I think it is a consideration.

x

Hi Jo
Not sure if you're checking back on this but thought I'd add my experience. My bub had a measurement of 2.3 as well, my consultant said that was absolutely fine for a 13+2 week bub (it does depend on gestation) and that they only really worry if its over 3mm.

Your blood test result was great and your overall risk sounds really positive too. Don't know how old you are but I'm sure there's somewhere on the web where you can find the average risk for someone your age. We looked at it that as long as the overall risk was the same as or lower than the average for my age we were happy and wouldn't proceed with any more tests.

If you're concerned see if you can get your GP or the consultant that did the scan to explain the results to you in more detail.