21 week scan nuchal measurements a worry!

[MrsHills]

Hi guys! This is the first time I have posted on a forum, but this is my first pregnancy and have had a few worries so far! I had to have a cervical stitch last week because my cervix was too short and then I went for my 21 weeks scan on Monday and found out we are are having a girl but they also told me that the thickness of the back of baby's neck is 7.4mm and more than it should be, they didn't really say much else just that I have to go back next week for another scan so they can measure it again. So now I'm getting myself in such a state worrying about it and have to wait a week until I'm told more!
Was just wandering if anyone else has experienced this and I am worrying myself sick.

 

[Rose83]

Hi MrsHills, welcome to the forum. I'm so sorry to hear you have had a difficult time. If you look up the 'nuchal translucency' test on google then babycenter have a good webpage that explains what they are looking for and what the measurements me. Unfortunately I don't think it will put your mind at ease because it indicates that the higher the measurement is over 3.5mm then the more likely the chance of Down's and other chromosomal abnormalities. However by testing you again they are making sure they haven't made a mistake, baby could have been lying awkwardly or they have been mistaken in the bit they measured. I've never had a measure man too high but twice I've had them find it very difficult to take a measurement.
There are private tests like the Harmony test that you can have which would give you a definite answer as to whether there is anything wrong but they are expensive. I'm not sure what the next step in the NHS is if a second scan still makes a large measurement.

I know there is no point telling you not to worry because any of us would be worried but just know there is nothing you can do before they scan you again so just try to relax and remember sonographers can make mistakes. I do think they should have given you a bit more information when you were scanned though. Really hope everything turns out ok for you - keep us updated and don't forget there are loads of us here always willing to chat xx

 

[Starchild]

Hi I've been googling the NT measurements myself today & I actually read in a forum of a lady who received a measurement of 7.5mm. After weeks of worries, CVS & some other tests it turned out nothing at all was wrong. She had a healthy boy at the end of it. Just something to think about that isn't the worst possible outcome.

I second what the PP said, can't tell you not to worry, it's only natural. And also agree the hospital should have given you more info.

Good luck with your pregnancy xxx

 

[MrsHills]

Thanks guys! Just seems like such a long wait u til Tuesday afternoon! They definitely should have explained it to us better but we where the last ones to be seen that day so think they where in a rush to go home. They even almost forgot to tell me the sex even though I asked twice!
Will keep you posted
Xx

 

[Rose83]

That's awful, doesn't matter what time of day it is, you should get the same care as everyone else! x

 

[MrsHills]

Definitely! Me and my husband just came away thinking what the hell is going on! We where supposed to be leaving there being all excited that we are having a girl, but I feel like a massive dampener was put on it because they had told us that the measurement was too much and would have to come back next week and then pretty much sent us on our way!

 

[Rose83]

I've just realised - nuchal translucency test is usually done at the 12 week scan, I didn't think it was considered accurate after that point? Did they mention anything at the 12 week? X

 

[Starchild]

It's supposed to be done before 13 weeks & so many days. (Like 5 or something I can't remember.)

 

[Eryinera]

13+6 after that it grows with baby and can drain due to a better lymphatic system x

 

[MrsHills]

I had it done at dating scan when I was just over 12 weeks, and everything was ok then. So was really surprised when I went back at 20 week scan and they said that! Tuesday cant come quick enough!

 

[Rose83]

It's weird because as far as I know it's not standard practice to measure that at the 20 week at all. Three babies and it's never been measured at my 20 weeks. A quick google seemed to suggest it is taken in America at 20 weeks as I could find people there talking about it but that the measurement it shouldn't exceed at that point is much higher and therefore the measurement you got isn't as worrying but one of the things I read said they don't do it over 20+6. I really don't know what could be going on that its even been done now - especially when they gave you no information! I don't mean to sound rude but they definitely were talking to you about the nuchal measurement and not something else they measure at 20 weeks? X

 

[MrsHills]

Hi everyone! Just wanted to fill you in on todays hospital appointment. I went back in for another scan for a second opinion on the measurement of the back of baby's neck, the woman said she did not understand why they had measured it and made a fuss as I had already had my combined test which the result had come back as low risk for downs syndrome, she said that she thinks they made me worry unnecessarily.
She did double check just to be on the safe side and she said our little girl is looking perfect!
Feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders!
Just wanted to thank you all for the support!

 

[Blueclass]

Your welcome so happy everything is ok x

 

[MrsHills]

Thank you! Finally feel like I can start enjoying the pregnancy now! Until 36 weeks when I had to have my cervical stitches out! anything to keep baby in there though! x

 

[Starchild]

Great news MrsHills! Sorry for all your unnecessary worries. Hope you manage to enjoy the rest of the pregnancy. xxx

 

[Rose83]

That's great news. If I were you I wouldn't leave it there though, I would ask to report the incident to someone in charge, question why they ever took the measurement at a 20 week scan then provided no information and made you stress and worry unnecessarily for a week. I would honestly be fuming! X

 

[ladybugs90]

Hi everyone! Just wanted to fill you in on todays hospital appointment. I went back in for another scan for a second opinion on the measurement of the back of baby's neck, the woman said she did not understand why they had measured it and made a fuss as I had already had my combined test which the result had come back as low risk for downs syndrome, she said that she thinks they made me worry unnecessarily.
She did double check just to be on the safe side and she said our little girl is looking perfect!
Feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders!
Just wanted to thank you all for the support!

So pleased for you lovely! Now you can relax

 

[MrsHills]

Thank you! I actually had another appointment Wednesday just gone, as a follow up from having the cervical stitch, the doctor was very positive and said everything is now looking as it should. So as long as everything stays as it is I can now just go back to routine antenatal appointments! Next one isn't for 6 week!! 😊