UPDATED - 12 week/ Nuchal Scan / Downs risk/ CVS test

[Sabrina]

I had my 12 week scan today. It was great to see the baby moving about. The Sonographer complained he/she wouldn't keep still. She even asked me to hold my breath at one point! Difficult when the other nurse was asking questions! LOL

I was put a little further along than anticipated. I'm now 12 weeks 3 days and due on 17th July 2007.

They also did a Nuchal Translucency calculation due to my age (41).
Before the scan my risk ratio of having a DS baby was 1:47. After the scan it was 1:208. Unfortunately this is still classed as "high risk" so I was offered further tests.

I have thought about these tests at great length basically ever since I knew I was pg. I really would like to know for sure - yes/no whether the baby is ok. So, I've opted for a CVS (chorionic villus sample) and am booked in at Kings College Hospital on Monday. I should know the initial indication by the end of next week.

Has anyone else here been in the same position? Had the CVS test at Kings or elsewhere? My OH has to work on Monday so I will be going alone. Is this ok... will I be alright to travel home on the tube/train on my own?

It was lovely to see the baby today and get a picture of the scan. I feel more emotionally attached as a result... but I'm still aware I'm "holding back" because of this other test now.

I'd be glad to hear from anyone who's been in the same position or has any words of wisdom to offer.

Thanks
Sabrina
xx

 

[tracey 2]

hi hun

Im sorry i cant really help about the tests.

But i just wanted to say that im glad that your scan went well. Bet it was great to see the baby and hear the heartbeat.

Anyway good luck with your tests hope they all go ok

Look after yourself hun

 

[*saulino*]

Hi

hope all goes all goes well for you glad your scan was okay
You are due the day after my sister
Katrina

 

[Sabrina]

Thanks Tracey + Saulino for your support.

I've been worrying a bit tonight. Think I shouldn't go to the CVS on my own on Monday. OH is working and can't come. Not sure what to do now.

Sabrina
x

 

[littlebump]

Hiya

Laura recently had an amniocentesis - I don't know if that's similar?? see her recent thread: -
http://www.pregnancyforum.co.uk/forum/v ... 38&start=0

you could send her a PM - I'm sure she'd reply

Lots of luck with your test

LBxx

 

[tracey 2]

hi hun could you possibly give the hospital a ring to find out whether you need to bring anyone. I personally would take someone with me even just for support.

I bet its quite a way for you to come i used to go to kings college hosp a few years ago and it was horrid to get trains down there.

 

[LucyBee]

I can't help either unfortunately but I do wish you the best of luck and hope all is ok.
I'd definitely take someone with you if I were you. For emotional support if nothing else.
Let us know how you get on.
GOOD LUCK.
Lucyx

 

[valentine]

Hi Sabrina,

I remembered you had your scan today (Friday) and was wishing you good luck via my thoughts this morning! Unfortunately, I couldn't get near a computer as the in-laws were staying (boo!), but was thinking of you!

I am so pleased that everything is going well otherwise with the baby's development - however sorry to hear that your worries aren't over - it's horrible having to hold that excitement in, isn't it?

I think you should try and take someone with you on Monday if you can - just for support and to discuss things with - is there absolutely no way your OH can come? Otherwise, do you have any other close family/friends that you feel would be a good support?

Lots of love and luck with the tests - at least you are not as 'high risk' as you might have been. I'll be thinking of you on Monday if you think of me (going for ordinary 12-14 week scan).

P.S. Am aware you probably don't want to post these yet, but if you do get good news by this time next week, any chance you could post your scan pics on a thread?

Lots of love

Valentine xxx

 

[cloud9]

I didn't need the tests i just had the blood test they don't do nuchal scans on the NHS here but I spent a week in a mess waiting for the results as I was already so attached to the baby .I was 16 weeks at this point.Although it doesn't help you are at the top end of the high risk ( high risk is more than 1:250 )
I found the more I thought about what I would do the worse i felt ,my DH was just wait till the results then we'll see from there and it did help

maybe google about it , you may find more info

Keeping my fingers crossed everything is ok.

 

[smurf]

Hi Sabrina I'm sorry I can't really help either although as I am 39 will probably have to have to same tests done in the near future. But I just wanted to wish you the very best of luck for Monday.

 

[Sabrina]

Thanks very much for all your replies. I'm touched.

After a really bad night's sleep I felt so tired this morning. My mum came round to help with stuff and I spoke to her about the test. She immediately rang my dad. He was supposed to be working but he's now rearranged things so he can drive me up to the hospital and be with me on Monday. He's an and has put my mind at rest about travelling home via 3 different trains and a bus on my own.

It very difficult keeping all this inside at the moment. My work don't even know I'm pregnant so I can't say why I'll be away. I think if I get the all clear after next week I am going to have to tell them. But I need to know first everything will be ok.

My OH is trying to be supportive. Last night I was quite cross with him because he just didn't seem to say the right thing. Today I don't feel so down and we are getting on better.

I've tried to keep busy, changing curtains and nets in the house, and even went shopping for cheap maternity clothes. I got a pair of maternity jeans for £6, a top for £2.25 and some plain black trousers for work for £3. Amazing bargains.

Valentine, the sonographer gave us two photos of the baby for free. I think she felt a bit sorry for us Of course I will post these when I can after this week. I still feel like I'm hanging on, waiting to be "officially" and publicly pregnant. Fingers crossed the tests will be ok then the fun can start.

Thanks again everyone for reading. Please keep your fingers crossed for me on Monday. I'll post again and let you know how it goes.



Sabrina
x

 

[tuck]

I am fairly new to this forum and should actually be in the '2nd trimester' posting pages but I just wanted to offer you my support.

I live in Corfu and ever since having my pregnancy confirmed my doctor was pressuring me to have the amnio test as I am 39 (yes honestly), anyway I didnt want to do this as I was worried about the risk of miscarriage having suffered a miscarriage last Dec. also over here you have to pay for the test and it was gonna cost 600e!!!! Anyway due to sheer fluke there was a film on the tv regarding downs syndrome and after watching this me and hubby decided to go for the test, a specialist doctor has to come from Athens to do the test and I was booked in for 20.12.06, great just before xmas and the anniversary of my miscarriage, anyway I was a complete wreck prior to the test but once got to the Doctors I calmed down, I thought that the test would really hurt but it didnt and the doctor had to keep telling me to relax as I was tensing my tummy so much.
After the test the doctor gave me antibiotics and anti contraction tablets to take and told me to completly rest for 3 days, no heavy lifting for 20 days. had to wait a week for the results and thankfully everything is fine, I was 16 weeks when they did my test

sorry giving you my life story here, anyway I want to say good luck for tomorrow and I will be thinking of you.

 

[Riley's Mommy]

im sorry to hear this result. im so hoping things will be ok for you and your lil bean.

good luck.

 

[Lyn_no3]

hi Sabrina, i've only just seen this, i noticed your du date had changed you've jumped a few days in front now

its great that the scan went well, i hope the test on monday goes well and im glad that your dad is going to take you that must be a real relief.
;et us know how you get on

 

[topbird]

HI sabrina

sure you are on your way/ having the test now, but just to let you know I am thinking of you, hope it is not too horrid adn the results are what you want to hear

 

[Sabrina]

Thanks for your good wishes ladies and for sharing your experiences Tuck (I have PM'd you)

I'll be leaving for the hospital at 1pm. I thought I was being all strong and brave but last night I broke down twice at bedtime and in the middle of the night. It's scary. I just want to be normal, know my baby is ok, and be able to enjoy the rest of the pregnancy.

I'll post later tonight, after the appointment, if I can.


Sabrina
x

 

[LucyBee]

Best of luck Sabrina. I'll be thinking of you.
Let us know how you get on.
Lucyx

 

[tuck]

Hi Sabrina

hope all went well yesterday and you're taking things easy, I've replied to your PM.

Take care

 

[Emmylou]

I've only just caught this thread, just wanted to wish you lots of love and luck Sabrina - I hope everything went okay yesterday

 

[Sabrina]

Thanks so much for all your kind messages ladies. You are all great.

Well, I had the test yesterday After 1 1/2 hours waiting at the hospital I got to see the specialist sonographer. He was a very nice and kind man (even offered me his Bounty bar because I said I hadn't eaten )

He did a lovely full and detailed scan of the baby. I got to see my baby for about 25 minutes on the ultrasound screen whilst the Dr. measured the position of the baby and the placenta, the heartbeat, brain, backbone, limbs etc. I also heard the baby's hearbeat for the first time. That was really lovely. The Dr. gave me 2 more photos, one was almost like a 4D picture of the baby's face. The Dr. said there was no indication from the ultrasound of any problems. Baby looked fine and the only difficulty was getting him/her to sit still a while to get a clear photo!

After the detailed scan I had to wait a little bit longer before having the CVS test. There were 4 doctors in the room at the time. I must admit it was a little daunting and quite scary. I was anxious throughout worrying they might touch the baby with the needle But they didn't thank god and after about 20 minutes it was all over.

I won't go into detail to spare anyone else who might be contemplating having the test but if anyone wants more info please PM me. Let's just say I was glad my dad was there to drive me home. I felt awful afterwards and quite faint. No way could I have managed public transport, especially not in the rush hour! We'd been at the hospital about 3 hours in total.

The initial results (for Downs) should be in by the end of the week, Monday at the latest, the other smaller test results will be sent by post. We'll also be advised the sex of the baby if we want to know.... and I do

Please keep your fingers crossed for me. Thanks again for all your support.

Sabrina
xx