First Look (NT Scan) Ultrasound

[magical_3]

Due to my age, my OB referred me to a perinatologist for a First-look Ultrasound.  Along with the test, I'll have bloodwork and genetic counseling.  As usual, I've read entirely too much and have turned myself into a nervous wreck.  I would like to hear some feedback from other "old" moms who have had this testing. :)

[Number3at39]

I had the test done about a month ago.  Before the test,  my risk factor for down's was 1:130.  The ultrasound came back negative,  everything looked good.  The bloodwork also came back negative.  After the test,  my risk factor lessened to 1:1000 for down's and 1:3000 for trisomy.  My risk factor is now that of a much younger women (29 year old).  

Im glad i took the test because i can breathe a bit easier.  Also,  got to see the baby move around.

[NatFox]

In the UK they do it as standart for everyone to test for down s. I am guessing you are around 12 weeks....

[thirdtimemum]

I am 37 and know that i was at risk too for all the 'dangers'. I had the trans nuchal scan, and bloodwork and my risk was 1:300 for down's. If i was told that i was at high risk from the results of these tests i would of done amnio too to know for sure, but everyone thinks different about this. I know that for me a life with a disabled child was not for me, i work in the disability sector and know how hard it can be. I would not stress too much about it, wait and see how it all goes. You can always take steps from there to see what further testing/decisions you can make.

[adgal]

I just checked out your profile and see you are 40.  I was the same age as you when I became pregnant with my son.  The testing you are having is to determine the odds of your baby having trisonomies 13, 18 or 21.  It is absolutely not a diagnostic test.  I tell you that because so many women get their results back and wind up scared when all is actually just fine.

My first trimester screen (the NT & Bloodwork) came back saying that my baby had 1:13 odds for trisonomy 21.  These results prompted us to decide to do amnio, which will give a conclusive diagnostic result.  My son is perfectly typical, and today is a happy healthy 3 year old.

Helen's right...enjoy that look at your little one, and try not to worry too much.  The trisonomies are relatively rare - most of the time all is perfectly fine.

Congrats on your pregnancy, and I wish you well!

[Helen72]

It's just an u/s where they measure the thickness of nuchal fold and do some other measurements and look for other markers (e.g. the presence of the nasal bone).  It's a non-invasive test and lets you see your baby.  I absolutely LOVED all my first-look ultrasounds with perinatologust.  They also have really cool and advanced u/s equipment.  Enjoy!!