Pregnant with Twins (NT = 3.5mm and 4.1mm)

[pookie1121]

I am 33, have a 19 month old daughter and am pregnant with twins (11w+0d now) who both have their own sac and own placenta - so we assume chances are that they are fraternal...  This past Friday when I was 10w+5d, we had a normal ultrasound with our doctor (who is a specialist in prenatal diagnostic).  Our doctor said that although it is a few days too early to do the NT scan, that she noticed that there is a lot of fluid around both childrens neck.  She measured and one child was 42mm long and had a NT of 3.5mm and  the other child was 38mm long and had a NT of 4.1mm.  She said we should come back next week and was pretty negative.  For both of us it sounded like she had just diagnosed a chromosone problem and that our pregnancy was doomed.

After we got home we read a lot about the scan and about testing and realized that the NT measurement is just a risk factor.  Both of us felt better about it but are still very worried.

Originally (before we knew we were we had decided against any testing - especially amnio or other invasive testing - because we knew that we would not end the pregnancy if our child turned out to be less than perfect.  Now when confronted with the thoughts or possibilities of twins with such problems, I still feel that I most likely would not end the pregnancy or anything.... but yet I need to know!!!  So we are thinking about getting the real NT measurement done next week and if still abnormal, maybe going through with a CB or Amnio.  Otherwise not knowing if something is wrong will drive me insane.

Has anyone else had abnormal NT measurements with twins or even similar measurements with single pregnancy?  How did your pregnancy turn out?  What tests did you decide to subsequently have, if any?

Thanks!

[pookie1121]

It is soooooo hard to stay positive and not freak out.  On one hand I have read a lot of stories about people with a NT that came out same or worse than my measurement, but still had normal kids....but on the other hand, I wonder if they found fluid around the neck at 10w+5d, then maybe later it is even more!

I made an appointment with my doctor for this coming friday when I will be 11w+5d.....and already have an appt for a second opinion for next week Wednesday.  Both are specialists in prenatal diagnostics and ultrasounds....so we will see.

[roke]

I had my NT 2 weeks ago... and luckily my risk factor was extremely low - but that is not to say that my child will not have any abnormalities....  I was 11w1d, but the baby measured 11w6d.  Wait until the next one to decide what to do.

There are people who do have them done that get abnormal results.  Some women prefer not to get it done due to the fact that it is only an estimate and there is a chance for error.  If infact your children measure in the abnormal range again, it might be time to get an amnio done - just to verify if there are any abnormalities.  That way, it can help give you a piece of mind and prepare yourself for the future.

[Heather3418]

I think it's too early for the NT test.  My daughter didn't have hers until she was 14 weeks pregnant.  Her doctor at that time said some doctor's do the NT early and it's inaccurate and cause mother's needless worry.  So please do not give up hope.  I would bet the next ulrasound shows nothing to worry about.

Hang in there.  I think they did it too early to be of any value.

Very Best Wishes,
Heather

[SoCalTricia]

I had my NT test two weeks ago...haven't gotten the full results back yet, but the inital measurements were good. I think that you probably should take this initial reading with a grain of salt...it's not the "official" measurements and, as you said, it's still early. Plus, the actual risk assessment is given through a combination of several measurements (head, femur length, humerus length, etc) and blood test results. After you get the full results, then perhaps you can go from there. The combination of measurements may indicate your risk isn't high at all. If they DO indicate increased risk, then go from there. I don't know if twins increases the risks in an amnio - something you may want to check out. Also, I DO know that there is a general risk in amnio (1:300, I think), and that risk either increases or decreases based on the individual MD's experience performing the test. I know that the genetic specialist I was referred to has a very low M/C rate - one in the last 12 years. You have every right to ask your doctor specifics regarding their experience and miscarriage rate. Anyway...whatever you decide, GOOD LUCK! I'm sure that everything will turn out fine!

Tricia

[Dani711]

I just responded to you on my post...but I also wanted to tell you that when i had the NT test done last time the nurse actually called me at home and said that out of every five people that get a high risk diagnosis from an NT test and go on to the specialist only 1 and 5 come back with an actual problem.  I think I would go ahead with the NT test this time if you just need to know either way.  Maybe get a better assesment of the measurements and go from there.  Again I really wish you the best, and I have been in your shoes and it is horrible!  I just hope and pray for a better outcome for you!

[pookie1121]

Just figured that someone else due in August might also have just had NT scan done and be going through the same worries/decisions that I am.

[tiredbuthappy]

Hi! I haven't had your experiences, but I know many women on MedHelp have. While it's great to see people post on our own special Aug 09 forum, you may want to post a question like this on the pregnancy forum (you can find it on the right side of this page if you scroll down a little). There are hundreds of responses there, in comparison to the handful here. I think if you ask the question there, you will get a greater response, and most of them with positive outcomes. You are right- the NT test does not say there's a problem- just a statistic on risk. And many people get false "positives." Good luck, and please come back here and let us know how everything goes!!

[pookie1121]

One more question, like I said, this wasnt even the official NT scan.  During a normal US, she measured the fold ...and all the websites I have seen stated that the measurement can only be done between 11w+0d - 13w+6d....which is not until this week.  Anyone else had it done "early"?  Very curious as to anyone's story or experiences!