20 week scan - nasal bone not visible?

[Sandrine1982]

Hi there. So, we had our 20-week scan today and everything was fine, but at the end the sonographer said that she couldn't see a visible nasal bone. And now I'm worried! We explained that we had a Harmony test at 11 weeks and the results were OK (very low risk). We then declined the NHS combined test but the 12-week scan showed a very thin nuchal fold too. So I thought everything was OK and stopped worrying about Down syndrome. Why oh why did she now have to mention the nasal bone? She then said that it probably didn't mean anything, that it could just be the angle of the scan :( . She wanted to refer me to a specialist consultant for another scan but apparently they said no need because we had already had a clear result from Harmony. I should perhaps also mention that we are a mixed race couple (caucasian and black african). Has anyone been in a similar situation? With lots of good results and suddenly a "nasal bone issue" ??? Thanks xxxx

Can you afford a private scan?

Hmm we could afford a private scan I suppose, but I don't want to have too many, as we're having another one at 32 weeks. I'm not sure ...

I would definitely have a private scan, wouldn’t be able to rest.

The harmony is very accurate with respect to Downs so it would be very unlikely for your baby to have Downs.

If you are concerned (and can afford it) the Fetal Medicine Centre on Harley Street in London can do a detailed 20 week scan to look for any other soft markers. They are very good there and have excellent equipment. It might help to set your mind at rest.

Can you ask to discuss this further with someone? Maybe get a referral to another dr orca specialist midwife?

And I wouldn't worry about 1 extra scan, I had 4 before 12 weeks, 3 20 week scans and then growth scans every 4 weeks until term (and that's not that unusual). DS was completely unaffected!

Thanks! We will consider it. Although mainly I'd just like some reassurance about the Harmony result and positive stories from people about small or non-visible nasal bones .... maybe linked to ethnicity?? I'm tired of googling ... :(

There is really no danger from extra scans. In my home country people have a scan a month. And in most places it is common to have more frequent scans. It is only the NHS that rations scans. Scans are not always an effective diagnostic tool though but in your place I would just get a scan.

Scans aren't harmful, so have another if that helps.

Harmony is very accurate.

I'm sure I've read that black people may not have a visible nasal bone on scans.

The specialist didn't wAnt to see you because you don't present a concerning picture.

Specialist would have met you if they thought you warranted it - I'd take that as a positive sign. Harmony results are pretty reliable. There is no danger with extra scans. I have had one a month throughout and one every two weeks now I'm into week 32. It's just the way it's done in the country I live in and people have A LOT of babies here.

Thanks. I think I will book a private scan just for reassurance. It doesn't have to be a long one as the NHS checked all the other organs and everything seems fine. I'll ask a second opinion about the nasal bone. My husband and his family all have small and flat noses so it could be that she just inherited his genes.. :)

Yes, I know someone who was told their baby didn’t have a nasal bone - also a mixed race couple (one black African, one Caucasian). Baby was fine!

Yes, sounds like your baby takes after Dad. Congratulations!

Thank youuu :-)

The lack of a nasal bone is only a predictor for white / Middle Eastern caucasian pregnancies. It doesn’t apply to anyone else. Were you offered a rescan? If not book privately in a place that is experienced at scanning non-white babies; maybe in a larger city.

Thanks yes I booked a private reassurance scan at 24 weeks. x