[Mum2TwoDSs]

Hi all, I just had my NT scan @ 13 weeks. The combined result (scan + blood test @10 weeks) concluded that I have almost 1% (1 out of 95 chance) of having a down syndrome baby. The following are my results :

NT (scan) shows baby's fluid at 3.1mm max (normal is 1-3mm)
Blood test shows beta HCG at 2.11 (normal 1)
Blood test shows protein A at 0.96 (normal 1)
My maternal age is 38.

Though tthe results are not appalling, I am really anxious. I am not ready to have a down syndrome baby. We have tried so harrd to conceive this baby.

Is there anyone here who has similar experience/situation?

what are your results like?

Did you opt to do CVS or amniocentesis (diagnostic tests) after your NT test/scan?

How long did the amnio result take to come back?

What was the outcome?

I have at least two friends who had this sort of false alarm and I am hoping mine is as well. I understand that this combined NT screening test is not100% but it is horrible to be subject to worries. I have to wait another 2 weeks for an amnio and then wait for results.

Thanks.!

[Bluenomi]

1 in 95 isn't idea but is far from a bad result. I know people who have gotten 1 in 2 and have had a perfectly healthly baby.

Aminos have a 1 in 100 chance of causing a miscarriage so you need to weigh up if that 1 in 95 chance is enough to risk a 1 in 100 miscarriage.

[Mayanme+1]

Sorry you're having to go through this.

I had an amnio done when I was 38 but can't remember my numbers to compare to yours, sorry. Don't know about CVS.

But if you choose the amnio and have it done at a private clininc you can pay for an express result which is back in about 72hrs I think. It was an expensive option but I thought it was all worth it for the peace of mind.

Do you have a counsellor at the hospital to speak to?

[Mayanme+1]

Aminos have a 1 in 100 chance of causing a miscarriage so you need to weigh up if that 1 in 95 chance is enough to risk a 1 in 100 miscarriage.

My research at the time indicated that a lot of that 1 in 100 chance is actually operator error, which is why we opted for the private clinic rather than doing it through the public system.

[Mum2TwoDSs]

Thanks ladies!

I didnt speak much with the counsellor cos well, i know she wouldnt be empathetic in anyway...she was just passing the information to me and could not offer anything else. I am sure she is pretty much immune to all this since she probably calls patients every day to tell them such things.

She told me CVS is done about 13 weeks and miscarriage rate is 1:100. Amnio is done at 15.5 weeks and the rate is 1:200. We are going with the latter. DH did not want to do the amnio at first, just leave it but after weighing 1:95 for Down Sydrome and 1:200 for miscarriage, we decided we would. I dont think i can survive the rest of my pregnancy with this unknown at the back of my mind.

Thanks bluenoni for your post. The counsellor did say between 1:2 to 1:300, mine is sort of in between, but 1:95 was still freaking me out. I honestly wonder how they work out this risk ratio.

I will opt to get my results asap by paying more cos the waiting is killing me. Thanks for sharing that bit.

[spottydog]

Hi there,

Do you have a private OB you could discuss these questions with or your FS from your IVf clinic?

I was 26 and got 1:152 chance of DS. My NF was fine though, it was just under one mm.

Since i had done IVF i contacted my IVF clinic who told me since i was going private to contact my private OB, to get some info from them. My OB was excellent, he told me what he thought i should do given my personal circumstances.

Did the person doing the scan see any other soft markers for DS? Nasal bone present?

Good luck with your decision, amnio in two weeks and then paying for quicker results could be the way to go.

Sorry you are going through this.

spotty.

[Mum2TwoDSs]

Hi spottydog,

Everything on the scan was fine and sonographer was pleased with the whole scan. Nasal bone is present. But at 13 weeks we cant tell much I read. Only concern was the nuchal fold was higher in normal range, she took down 3 measurements, 2.71, 2.89 and 3.09 and she put down the largest reading. Yes i will do the amnio and just learnt about this FISH or express results which I certainly will pay for.

[MrsIncognito]

Op my nuchal results were almost identical to yours and I was given a 1:35 I think from memory.

I opted for an amnio (in reality I had no choice but thats a different story) the technician told me it was a 1:200 risk of miscarriage. He was very supportive and ran through the whole procedure with me before hand.

I waited 3 weeks for my results but I went through the public system back then. It came back all clear. I just had a big boofhead daughter on board

[Mum2TwoDSs]

Thank you Sapere Aude. I am so touched by your post and so happy for you that your girl is fine. How old were you when you had your girl cos I am 38. I think the higher maternal age makes mine higher risk.

[MummyIHK]

Hi,

I had a 1/264 risk and I found this stressful (and that is pretty much boderline), so I can sympathise with you.

My results were as follows;
Skin Fold Measurement - 2.2mm
HCG - 1.6
Papp-A - .32

I had an amnio done and was given the alll clear, I opted for the FISH results which cost $150 and were back within 24 hours, 110% worth it for the peace of mind.

I found that researching the person who was undertaking the procedure and feeling confident in my decision helped immensly with the stress and tension leading up to and following the procedure.

Good Luck, you will be in my thoughts.