Anyone 35 or older had NT scan?

[emilia]

Hi there

Just returned from specialist to have NT scan at nearly 13 weeks. She checked various things, ie. heartrate, nuchal fluid/fold, nasal bone, head circum., etc. I am 35 and my risk in having a downs baby is 1 in 210. There are no abnormalities in my family, but apparently that doesn't dictate the outcome of my baby - my age is where the risk lies.
Also had a blood test to check hormone levels and will get result next Monday. She reconned the baby appeared satisfactory, but blood test will confirm risk rate.
Just wondered what others experience were. Most of my friends in UK had babies past 35 and I can't remember them having these scans & tests. I'm aware of amnio's, but don't know of anyone who's had one.
Your feedback would be appreciate. I'm not worried - just apprehensive!!
regards
emilia

 

It is a matter of choice whether you have them or not in some places, some hospitals do them, others don't give you the choice and just do them, and some don't do all of them at all. I think it depends on your area and situation.

HTH a little x

 

[emilia]

Hi Sami

Thanks for reply. You're right - I thought that the NHS probably did give women the choice after specifying the risk factors. They're very detailed here in SA, but I do have a choice about the amnio. Will just go with the flow. No point worrying about it.
Look after yourself!!!
Kindest Regards
Emilia

 

[-Cat-]

I think all hospitals give you the choice as to what tests you havem they just advice that you do. As some people don't believe in having abortions, they dont want to know if a test shows a baby as being Down Syndrome risk, as its just a worry. The Problem is with amnios is that they carry the slight risk of miscarrage (about 1 in 100) as blood tests only tell you 50/50 if your baby is risk, the further option of an Amnio risks a misscarrage of a perfectly healthy baby. There is no straightforward option and its up to you. Studies have shown however that more babies with defects are actually born to women under 35 then women over 35, as women over 35 are checked out more and defects spotted.