Nuchal fold translucency test - anyone had it?

[debinaustria]

After deciding not to have any extra tests as we wouldn't feel able to terminate I've had my 13 week scan here today and it appears that the Nuchal fold test is the norm. The gynae was trying to get a measurement but baby was unco-operative. Dr said we could go home and think about it as we don't have to have it, or come back again and try again. so we said we'd go back on Friday but now I'm panicking.Do I really want to know?

Just wondered if anyone else has had the test, what's your age and what were the results? I'm 38 btw and I have 2 boys already.

Thanks

anyone?

I had it when pg with DS2 - I was 35 at the time. I was given a very low risk (can't remember what it was now but something like 1:3000). I had the nuchal scan because I wanted to be prepared if there was a high risk of Downs Syndrome - I would never have terminated the pregnancy nor would I have gone on to have any further tests which may have caused a miscarriage.

You've stated you wouldn't terminate the pregnancy so it really depends on whether you'd like to be prepared for the possibility/know what the risk is.

Hi Deb !
Sorry can't be any help but wanted you to be answered! Went for mine today actually but baby was a few days younger than thought so I have to come back next week. Seems it's a tricky business! I'm in Sweden where it's not standard practice unless the mother is over 34 (I'm 27) but I talked to friends in England who said they got it automatically whatever age.

I decided to go for it because of this but mainly because I wanted to see there was actually a baby there (it was! Was it your first glimpse of the baby too?!) and otherwise I don't get a scan here till 18 weeks. When I booked it I was of course nervous and worried, what would I do if it showed something was wrong (would have been scared to do the amniocentrisis - sorry spelling, and also wasn't sure even if that showed something was wrong I could terminate)? I decided to got for it but if you know you wouldn't terminate them maybe it's no point you going back. On the other hand if you do and all is well then that's a great relief, and if something shows up then at least you have time to prepare and educate yourself.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful and sorry for waffling! x

I had it with dd2 when I was er..... 37 I think. DER My 'bloods came back with quite a highish possibility of Downs but only because of my age I think. Dh and I talked about it then decided to do it privately as our health authority don't do it as standard. All was fine. Bit of reassurance really.

Waffled on so long that someone (useful!) answered you anyway.

It was the norm at my hospital in London as well, though of course you could choose not to have it. I don't think there's any reason not to have it though as it's a measurement of the baby alone. I think that as long as it's no bigger than 3mm (think that's right but don't quote me on it) there's no need to worry.
The blood tests are another matter though as the results will be influenced by your age.

I had it, I'm 20 and had the double test with bloods and measurement of the nuchal fold (standard at my hospital). My risk of Trisomy 21 was 1 in 1090 as a background risk and 1 in 21786 after test and my risk of trisomy 13/18 was 1 in 40080 after test compared to 1 in 2005 before.

Hope this helps!

Thanks everyone

Har - nice to see you, was wondering where you were. I also had a scan at 10 weeks which was lovely to see the baby so tiny.Glad you got to see your baby, let us know how you get on next week.

Deb

I know, have been lurking on the June thread checking everyone was well but just became so worked up that something was wrong/ baby wasn't there that I decided to stay away till this ultrasound. Have missed everyone so am going to go back on today or tomorrow and even put my name down on the list! x

I had nuchal fold (i'm 35) and got the results of a 20 year-old. I also had a triple test to double-check the risk of trisomy 21 and Downs.

I would recommend that you have the test. You don't have to act on the results. All it does it make you aware of what's going on and can prepare you for a child with special needs.

I had one a few weeks back. The BT was normal but with the blood test and my age I have come out as a high risk. Personally I wish I hadn't had it done. However, with my previous two it came out as low risk and it eased my mind.

Cece - are you going to have amnio/triple test?

Cece - are you going to have amnio/triple test?

Hello DebinA
We decided not to have the test as we would not have acted on a high risk result and I definately wouldn't have had a amnio.
I personally wanted to go through my pregnancy as stress free as possible. If I had, had a high risk result I would have worried and stressed (I'm a born worrier by the way) and anyway we firmly believed that our baby would be wanted and loved no matter what.
DD2 born healthy and happy when I was 32.

AFAIK the nuchal fold scan is extremely low-risk because it's not invasive. I had it when pg with DS, and found it a relief that the odds against downs' syndrome were much lower according to the scan than if they simply went by my age (39). I then decided not to have any other tests because the risk of the test causing MC was far greater a percentage than the risk of DS having anything wrong with him.

I had it at 36 and was v low risk. don't know what i would have done if not but new i wanted to do the test then cross that bridge.

I have decided not to have an amnio test as the risk of miscarriage for me is unacceptable. Also I wouldn't be able to terminate so it seems a rather pointless risk (to me).

My age risk is 1:67 (I will be 41 by the time I ggive birth) and my screening risk is 1:50 so not much difference...

Well baby wouldn't let me have the test anyway - still wouldn't get in the right position!!!So the rest of the pregnancy I'll be in blissful ignorance!!

Deb - ask about a blood test if you change your mind. Blood is taken from your arm - just like a normal blood test for anaemia etc.

Deb - ask about a blood test if you change your mind. Blood is taken from your arm - just like a normal blood test for anaemia etc.