Should I get CVS based on Nuchal Translucency results at 12 wks 6 days?

[NirwenElf]

I am 38 years old pregnant for the 3rd time. My first pregnancy resulted in my healthy 13yo son and the 2nd (6 years later) resulted in a miscarriage (water broke at 12 wks, baby died in utero at 15 wks).

Because of my age, my perinatal spc. perfomed a nuchal translucency test last week. Everything looked ok (nasal bones were well formed, heartbeat was good, blood flow to the liver was 'fantastic' (dr's words), but the nuchal fold measurement caused some concern. The baby was moving around a lot during the test and both the sonographer and the doctor had a hard time getting a measurement, but the results came back as 3.4mm and 4mm respectively. Because of this, my perinatal spc. has recommended chorionic villus sampling (CVS).  We have not gotten the bloodwork back from the nuchal translucency test yet, but my perinatal spc. says that CVS must be done by the end of 13 weeks or it cannot be done.

My husband and I are very reluctant to put both me and the baby through this invasive test, especially since only one out of the four markers they tested for came back with the possibility of a problem. I have already had a subchorionic hematoma during this pregnancy, and do not want to risk losing this baby due to this test. We are keeping the baby regardless.

Do you have any thoughts/recommendations regarding the CVS test? Thanks in advance.

[Cleveland Mom]

I am also 38 y/o and had a CVS at ten weeks.  Currently, I am 19 weeks preganant.  My dd is due on 6/17/10.

There are risks involved with any medical procedure as you know.  My CVS went extremely well!  My perinatiologist use a transvaginal catheter and easily obtained a sample. I learned in about 5 days that my baby was chromosomally normal and I elected to find out gender, she is a girl.

My CVS gave me peace of mind.  I am glad I went straight for the CVS in lieu of less conclusive and yes, less invasive tests.  Everyone does have to make the choice that is right for them personally.  Best wishes...

[sue68]

Hello NirwenElf,

Because of our ages ( I'm 41), most women over 35 years of age are considered "high risk" for DS.  Deciding to do the invasive tests is a personal choice and I totally understand your hesitation after your loss.  If you're keeping the baby regardless and are very reluctant to go through an invasive test - you've answered your own question. Its best not to rush into a decision.  If you change your mind - you could always go for an amnio which has a slightly lower chance of m/c than the cvs test. Amnio's are done starting 15weeks. I'm going for my amio Wed. because I had a "high risk" ratio 1:6 and the fold was thick.  I really wanted to avoid this procedure but, we want to be sure.
I wish you lots of luck - remember that many women have had scares after the blood screens/NT's and STILL are having/had healthy babies.    

[PamelaBee]

Congratulations on your pregnancy!  Both my babies had above average NT scans...close to 3.  I did not have any prenatal testing done, CVS or Amnio.  After I had the Level II u/s performed and saw the nasal bone, normal femur length, heart, brain, etc...I was relieved, and by the grace of God was blessed with two normal healthy children.  It is certainly your decision to test, but I would say based on what you said, that the other anatomy was seen, I would be just fine knowing that all is ok.   Also, when you get closer to 20-22wks the Level II will be a pretty good indicator that all is ok...if you can wait that long : )  Best wishes to you, and try not to worry...Pam