NT measurement outside of normal range

[BeautifulBirds]

Hi Everyone!

Currently 13.4 wks pregnant with much wanted 2nd baby. I am 38 yrs old. My little girl is 3 and just amazing, so smart and sassy. I adore her, everyone adores her. She doesn't know about the baby growing in mummy's tummy.

I went for my scan on Wednesday (13.2 wks). I took my mum, who didn't know about the pregnancy, under the ruse of 'check up' due to complications with birth of little girl. It was bittersweet, full of excitement followed by sadness. Not what was planned. Talk about all time backfire, but so glad I had my mum with me.

Baby looked great, face down, ass up (partner said wonder where it get that from haha). He didn't come to the scan as he was working. Heart was beating, legs visible, a perfectly formed little bean. Except he (I say he, obviously I don't know yet, but I don't like saying 'it'), except he isn't. He has a NT measurement of 11mm, way beyond normal.

Luckily, there was a diagnostic midwife available to speak to us about what it means. The sonographers were great but can only say it's not right, you need a referral. The midwife said there is a high risk of chromosome disorder or heart defect. But more likely chromosome issue.

We have been referred to the Foetal Medicine Unit at a leading women's hospital. The appointment is on Monday. I will have another scan with a consultant, and see my little baby again, where a decision will be made for next steps. I am all for a CVS or amnio.

My head is a total mess. We always said if there is a risk of downs etc we wouldn't continue the pregnancy. Obviously, this changes once you have seen the baby, felt sick and exhausted for 13 weeks, and notice changes in your body. With the added consideration of giving birth, the chance of milk production and everything that goes with post partum.

Anyway, I suppose I am writing this in case anyone else is going through the same, a kind of blog thing. Maybe it might offer support for others.

If anyone is going through the same, take care of yourself.

Happy to hear from other who have/are going through the same.

Sending you strength and hope during this stressful time!

Have they offered you NIPT? We decided against the amnio/ Cvs when these came back low risk

Our consultant has since found a defect (fixable after birth) which may explain the high NT that my baby had at 12 weeks but it's been a really tough journey for us as you can imagine with lots of unknowns and anxiety.

Hi Annny27.

They did offer the NIPT, but said they are not always reliable. As I agreed to the amniocentesis they said there is no point doing the NIPT, as it would delay things.

What was your baby's NT measurement?
What is the treatable issue?

Take care.

@BeautifulBirds hopefully they can get it done quickly for you!

The NT was 7mm at 11+6 and then rescanned at 12+5 and it was 4.5mm. Baby has an issue with their heart which they detected at 24ish weeks (everything looked good at 20 scan!)

It's good that you will get seen by fetal medicine and they (and the midwives) will take good care of you 💙

Thanks. The waiting is awful. Glad I got my little girl to keep me busy.

Today was consultant day. He scanned me for about 5 seconds before I broke down, then stopped. I composed myself and said carry on, he said he had seen all he needed.

We got the news that our baby had no heart beat. The swelling wasn't just the neck, but all over. They referred to it as a space suit.

We now wait for nature to take its course or start medical management on Saturday with an end day of Monday.

We have our beautiful little girl, we are blessed.

We don't have to make a decision.

I am so sorry for your loss @BeautifulBirds

Sending you strength ♥️♥️♥️

Thank you.

I have never known a pain like this, and I've been through a lot!

This physically hurts the heart.

@BeautifulBirds its awful:( we lost our first pregnancy at 12 weeks and it was heartbreak. Take care of yourself and let yourself feel all of the emotions 💕💕

@BeautifulBirds I'm so so sorry for your loss. A similar thing happened to me at a private scan. There was no heartbeat ( I was supposed to be 11 or so weeks and was told the heart had stopped at 9+6. I was told baby had swelling around the chest and head area. Did the consultant tell you what the swelling related to? I'm still looking for answers..I was just told it was 'one of those things' and most likely an issue with chromosomes. Prior to this I'd had 2 healthy pregnancies so this came as the biggest shock and my god it hurts..xx

Hi calimc83.

The consultant was sure it was downs, as other chromosome disorders don't present with the same level of swelling.

We will find out more after the medical management as they will take samples from the cord and placenta and carry out extensive tests.

I am feeling slightly comforted that it's a natural end, rather than having to make the decision.

But in all honesty the whole thing is bloody awful!

Sorry for your loss.

@BeautifulBirds thank you for getting back to me. It's such an incredibly sad/tough situation you have found yourself in and I do hope you get some answers. I did wonder about downs for my MC as well. Look after yourself x