Nuchal test

[kellym]

Did your doctor ask if you wanted the nuchal thickness test or did you have to ask for it?

[sunglitzed]

My Dr just did it and didn't ask. I saw my Dr at exactly 10 weeks and had an ultrasound that day. BTW, I am 37 and having baby #6.I had an ultrasound on that day.During u/s I saw baby moving and heartbeat was 166. After test, the u/s tech put us back in Doctor's office.He came and said that he had good news and bad news and he would give the good news first..Good news--U/S tech was almost sure it would be a boy.What? At 10 weeks an u/s tech can see that was my answer.How??? He said just things she saw on the scan was his answer.OK what is the bad news? The nuchual translucency is larger than it should be and points to baby having something wrong like DS.OK, needless to say I and my Mom who was with me was in shock.He made me an appt for 11 1/2 weeks with my specialist that I have seen for all pregnancies.Today is the day I see her and I have to say that I have been sick and I have fallen apart knowing something may be wrong.I don't think my Dr who delivered all of my babies put much thought into how to handle this!!

[mlb1234]

yes the 2nd trimester screen is the quad  test.  They will draw blood around 18 weeks and test for hcg, afp, estriol and I think papp-a.  These are indicators for down's spina bifida and trisomy13/18. ( I only had the afp portion done for spina bifida since I already had a risk factor for downs and trisomies from the first trimester screen.)  In addition around 18-20 weeks you will also get the big ultrasound where they measure everything and look for soft markers of down's, heart defects, spina bifida, etc.  They pretty much do the ultrasound for everyone but the quad is optional.  Although others disagree, I felt the screening was well worthwhile - it gave me so much reassurance that every thing will most likely be OK (...there is still a 1:2000 chance for downs and 1:6000 for trisomy for us).  I would be so worried if I hadn't done it.  And if the results don't come back optimum you can always opt for amnio where you will find out if there are any chromosome abnmormalities for sure.  Best of luck - I hope your results come out terrific!!!!

[40smama]

The 2nd trimester test that you mentioned - is that the quad screening test?  I AM confused;  I know I'm too late for a lot of the 1st trimester tests but I do want to have that one (the one in your post) if the ob thinks it's necessary.

[mlb1234]

They can and do measure the nuchal fold during the big 2nd trimester ultrasound but I do not think it is exactly the same as getting the actual "1st trimester screen" where they take the nuchal measurement, your age and weight as well as results from the papp-a and hcg blood draw they do the same day and put it into a formula which will give you an overall risk.  This is a very specific test and you do have to be less than 14w to have it done.
At the 2nd trimester u/s they just measure the nuchal fold like they measure everything else - I had this done too - it doesn't get sent out with all the other data like it does in the 1st trimester screen from what I was informed, (in fact the tech had to ask the maternal fetal doc if he actually wanted it measured again since we already had a good previous measurement).  The actual 2nd trimester screen is just a blood test with hcg, afp and estriol (and one more thing if they do the quad, papp-a maybe??).  I had only the afp portion of this done.  
It does get confusing but if you want to know your risk as early as possible the 1st trimester screen will help you.  And since it is so early you are usually not too late for cvs and you have even more time to decide about amnio.  best of luck - I hope I didn't confuse you more!

[jill03]

I really don't think it's to late for you to have this test. Ask your doctor about 2nd trimester screening tests. I was told these later tests are most accuate anyways. Had I not miscarried my plan was to have this nuchal thickness measured when I was about 18 weeks. Good luck!

[jill03]

I would definitely ask sooner than later. It seems everyone is told something else by various friends, family and professionals.  At my first OB visit at 8 weeks I dicussed all test's with my midwife. Contrary to what I read she told me that measuring the nuchal thickness was done during a 2nd trimester u/s.  If you have any doubts it's better to put your mind at ease and find your answersand options now. If you can't get through to your physician try calling an "Maternal Medicine" specialist. Your doctors office should have a name or your local hospital. I was told this specialist were the one's to perform this test.

[Renogirl]

we were too late to do the nuchal fold testing in the first trimester - but we did find out that they can check the nuchal fold during the 20 week ultrasound - so if something happens that you miss the first test, at least you know you can have it done later on

[shesherm]

yeah if you want it definately call...I had a few issues ..U/S tech said it was too late but she did do the US and said things looked OK but that is all I got.  13w5d is the last date to do it  good luck

[mlb1234]

Even though my ob/gyn office has plenty of ultrasound machines, I had to have this screening done at a maternal fetal clinic (the ob clinic scheduled it for me - they send all their patients there).  If you actually do the real "first trimester screen" I think the ultrasound techs need to be certified for the nuchal test.  So just a word of warning - I would call and get that appt scheduled ASAP so you don't miss your window (or at least aren't on the last day like I practically was!)!

[kellym]

I won't be too late I'll only be 12 weeks 1 day. They have an u/s machine in the office, I'm sure they will be able to schedule me pretty quickly. Thanks girls for all the responses!

[pcarsey]

Where I go they gave me a pamphlet and it says that all women are offered it now regardless of age because younger women have babies earlier or something like that but anyways, they asked me if I wanted it and advised it but said I didn't have to have it. I opted for having it, so I have mine scheduled for Nov 15 which I will be  12 weeks 3 days then. And they told me the cut off date is 13 weeks 6 days. So if you want it I would ask for it by then so they can get you in.

[montie]

I think you will be too late to have it.  I think it has to be done between 11 and 13 weeks.

[mlb1234]

The last day the nuchal test can be done is 13w6d.  (I know - mine was on 13w5d!)

[40smama]

I will be almost 14 weeks when I have my 1st appt w/new ob (just graduated from re).  Will I be too late for this test?

[azqtpies]

You might want to call your dr. The NT testing must be done between 11-13 weeks for it to be any good. I would give him a call.. my doc set up an appt on our first ob appt I had mine done then at 12 weeks. good luck to you =)

[tina1111]

My dr urged me to do it since I declined the amnio. I was scheduled for it well in advance because the appts book up fast. Mine was scheduled for 13wks.

[cpatow]

You should ask now, Kellym, because the effectiveness of the test decreases after a certain week and I know they told me I needed to do mine inbetween my 12th and 13th week...
:0)

[kellym]

I mean my next appt is 2 weeks away, I will be 12 weeks.

[kellym]

HA ha, thanks. I think this Dr. may be a little sick of listening to WHAT I WANT, ha. Well, my next appt is 12weeks, maybe I'll bring it up. Heck, why not another  u/s right?

[Tanker Chic]

My dr asked.  I'm not sure if age was a factor in that or not.  I know there isn't much age difference between us, but you always hear "35" is the age when things start getting more difficult. If it is something you want, you shouldn't hesitate to ask.  You get some great u/s pics too!! Good luck.