Soft markers

[MissAntigua]

Is anyone able to share with me any soft markers that were found during ultrasounds, and what the outcome was? I understand, that's a very blunt question - I'm looking to get my head round what some of them mean. One was found on our ultrasound so looking for some real experiences. Won't mention what it is quite yet as I know many of us soften our answers when we know they may cause distress.

So, did anyone find any soft markers during ultrasound? Did everything turn out ok? How did you deal with the anxiety? I'm finding the physical side of pregnancy pretty easy but mentally I'm finding it quite testing.

I haven't had any myself, but when I had my nuchal scan they checked for things like nasal bone, heart valves, and head shape. I believe they can see much more at the 20 week anomaly scan. Usually they want to look at the results together with the results of the blood test, either NIPT or other hormone screening. Have you been referred for any sort of follow up?

@wombats I've got a follow up next week. I'm really quite scared.

They couldn't do the nuchal translucency as baby was too active. I had the quad test but it's not quite as accurate.

It's a long wait between appointments!

Bump?

Is NIPT an option for you?

@wombats I have no idea what that is. Googling now.

Definitely take a NIPT if you can - if you’re anxious in particular. They are expensive but worth it.
Some trusts will refer you for them on the NHS but you could have one done tomorrow privately if you could afford to.
It’s a blood test to analyse fetal DNA in your blood and is highly accurate for many syndromes though isn’t a diagnostic test.
It picked up my baby’s trisomy despite lack of soft markers on ultra sound.
Good luck. Hopefully all will be fine

@KTD27 I've had a look but it's just too far out of our price range. I also think they are more worried about CMV and cystic fibrosis which I don't think NIPT tests for. They were quite vague. I think not to worry us but it's had quite the opposite effect.

We have had a soft marker - renal anomalies- for downs to be honestly mentally for a week I was all over the place. And that was after the follow up with the fetal medicine consultant. I am currently 25 weeks we decided not to go for further testing because of risk of miscarriage and the outcome wouldn't change anything. So just hanging in there until d day.

@mamaiFifi I understand entirely how difficult it is. My colleagues are worried because I'm so anxious at work, I can't concentrate. My head is a mess. I just naively expected everything to be ok.

You are only a few weeks ahead of me. Best of luck and congratulations

It is but you will get through it. I was the same at work I couldn't focus and was avoiding people areas because there are other pregnant women in my workplace that have are blooming in pregnancy and there is me still vomiting looking crap and now the abnormality.

Just remind yourself it's a marker and your little baby will bring you so much joy regardless.

Unfortunately soft markers is quite a broad topic, most of them are quite poor at detecting any actual problems and tend to cause a lot of anxiety when everything turns out to be fine. Some are slightly more reliable at actually indicating a problem.
Generally a single soft marker on its own is unlikely to indicate a problem but the more that are seen the more likely it is that it might point towards something.
There is a great charity called Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) they have a fantastic helpline, I would highly recommend giving them a call if you want someone to talk to about it in more detail.

Thanks folks. I'm really hoping it is an isolated issue with no serious implications. It's such a worry and the waiting is agony. Being seen on Monday so hopefully we will know more then.

Sorry you haven't got any clear answers right now. As far as I understand, CMV and CF can be tested for with bloods. Are you able to get more definitive bloods done?

@wombats I think they are doing bloods on Monday. I'm not sure why they left it so long however to take my blood and nor does my gp. If there's an infection it needs to be dealt with promptly. Trying not to worry...