Anyone 35 or over had NT scan?

[emilia]

Hi

Just posted similar message in first trimester. Just wondered if anyone has had an NT scan and what their experience was? I had one today - seems little to worry about, but still think 1 in 210 chance of have downs baby is high.
A wee bitty worried
Regards
Emilia

 

replied on other thread!

 

[sasha715]

what would you do if the baby was downs? just out of curiosity. not many people think about that. i was offered one of those test but i turned it down because it wouldnt make a difference to me. either way i'd still keep the baby so there was no need to put myself through that and the risk of miscarraige that come with the big needle thingy! im sure everything will be fine just dont worry bout it!! xx

 

[emilia]

Hi there

Thanks for reply and BIG question to think about and answer.
I already have 2 children aged 11 and 9. Both healthy and we're a very close family. Always thought we could just about cope with anything, but this made me think.
The dynamics of any home changes dramatically. I spoke to a friend who knows of someone who also had older kids and then had a down's baby. Unfortunatly the stress in their home affected the attention that the older kids were use to and as the kids got older, they didn't bring friends home, they stopped having the family trips they were use to. It distroyed their unity. Can't say that will happen to us, but it's hard to comprehend what that little life will require in the long run.
I just don't know - I guess I just don't want to think about terminating this little baby that I've carried and cared for already. It's a toughy!!
Phewwwww!
emilia

 

[Ragna]

Hiya

Well I am an older Mum of 40 and havent been offered the nuchal test here, although I could have one if we paid.

I was offered the Triple test and initially was having it then decided that it was totally pointless. Because of my Age/weight etc the risk of having a Downs Would be Greater therefore I would have a high risk assessment and spend the next 5 months worrying.

It all depends on your views if your baby was Downs/disabled. I worked in a Playgroup for years and I had friends who bought their Downs toddlers in and they were an absolute joy, so there is no way if I was told I was having a Downs that I would want a termination anyway. So a Nuchal Scan or the Triple Test in my case was totally pointless.

Think its very much a personal thing. I have been lucky enough to have five healthy children but after having a very dramatic miscarriage in 2003 this preganncy has been very different for me. I live on a knife edge from day to day.

Ragna xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[Rosebay]

Hi,

my husband and I had to discuss this all last night as I had an appointment today where I was offered the triple test thingy. In the end I didn't have it though as I know that I personally could not abort my baby even if it did have a problem- I'm not religious but I know myself enough to know that I could not do it without damaging myself and all around me in the process. I would defend another's decision to choose otherwise however- all I can be sure of is what I personally believe in for me. That said I do worry about our baby being born with problems- it's only natural. What if we couldn't cope at all? My husband said that we'll just have to deal with whatever happens and I suppose that's all you can do. I just noticed the thread topic and actually I'm not over 35, I'm 29 but I just thought I'd comment as I did wonder how many people do the tests and whether I was strange or ill-advised not to have them.

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[emilia]

Hi all
Thanks for all your replies.
I realise now that I did actually have a choice, although I didn't realise it before I went for the NT scan. It is standard to have the test here, but you don't have to have it. I just didn't know any better as both previous kids were born in UK and it was never an issue anyway.
So, I'll wait for the results but leave it at that. The specialist didn't note any worries from the scan, so I take it this baby is going to be as healthy as ever.
Like most of you - I would find it impossible to terminate a little baby that may or may not be Downs just because of a "high"risk. Even with high risk, the chance of it being normal is far greater.
Look after yourselves and good luck with your pregnancies.
Regards
Emilia xx

 

[midwife_online]

Hi all

Some women consider having the test, even if they don't think they will terminate pregnancy with the outcome. They feel that it does give them time however to plan and get their heads around it.

The triple test is only about 66% accurate, whereas the NT scan uses the blood tests as well in combination can be about 92% accurate. This is why it is done by probability. The only true way is to examine the baby's chromosomes which means amniocentesis - where skin cells are extracted from the amniotic fluid. There is 1:100 chance of miscarriage with this proceedure though.

So...you are right...it is a BIG decision to make.

Kieren

 

[mrngorickets]

Hi,

Thanks very much for this comment. It help me to think about my ideals.

Tks again and pls keep posting.

 

[pinkyprincess]

Hi just wanted to say I'm 22 and had a 1 in 45 chance (due to nuchal fold) which was very scary as it was nothing we'd even considered due to my age and the fact were both healthy. We've had a CVS and he's fine! (sorry if you got a pm saying the same wasn't sending on my iPhone!)

 

[sarah0202]

hi i'm 34 and had the nuchal scan but results came back 1 in 1300 plus my bmi is over 30 but this is still classed as low risk i would wait till you get the results back then decide what to do you maybe worrying over nothing xxx

 

[Chookette]

My sister who is 37 is pregnant too and her results came back I in 28.... They decided not to do any further tests and just go on with the pregnancy.... she is having a few extra scans along the way but otherwise is just hoping all is well.... Even 1 in 28 is only 3% chance of anything being wrong which is not allot.... So see is just staying positive...

 

[suzzi]

hi im 37 and have had the scan and blood tests which came back as low risk, in my area you just ask for it to be done, theres nothing ot the scan they just take measurements from the fluid at the back of the neck and combine this with blood results.