Worried about first trimester screening NT result

[ng15]

So I had my first trimester screen today and the NT was increased. The high risk OB (I know she's high risk because I work with her) and a geneticist met with me right away to explain the risks for problems. Once we get the blood work back, we'll know more, but still probably nothing definitive. Hopefully the blood work comes back on Friday, otherwise, it will be early next week. I already scheduled my level 2 ultrasound, which was recommended by the OB. The geneticist did tell me that 1 in 20 women who have the first trimester screening get an increased NT, but the majority of these babies end up being just fine. I went to this appointment alone since we scheduled it at the last minute and my hubby went to the ultrasound (for dates) last week. I thought about inviting my mom to come, but now I'm glad I didn't because she would be more worried than me. I'm mainly worried about a heart defect, but I guess they can do an EKG for that if lab works points us in that direction. Just really hoping the lab work will come back and be normal! It was really awesome to see baby again though! I could watch that ultrasound all day!

[JoyRenee]

That's great news!!! Rest easy, Momma!

[ng15]

The bloodwork came back and it looks really good!! The risk for down syndrome is 1 in 313 and that is considered a normal risk. We'll still have the level 2 ultrasound at 20 weeks to check the heart, but I think I will be able to relax a little more after hearing about the bloodwork.

[ng15]

Thanks! The geneticist told me we'd have a better idea after this bloodwork. Of course these screening tests are not definitive one way or another. I'm relaxing about it now. The main thing I'm concerned about is a possible heart defect, but only time will tell.

[shishka]

I just had my first trimester scrining last week and tech said until the second trimester blood work they can not tell me the results for sure. according to the tech who did my scan, NT scan alone is not enough to diagnose. My first trimester blood work plus NT scan showed 1 in 850 chance for Down syndrome. But the test is not complete until I have my second trimester blood work done.

Good luck. Try to relax and wait for final test results.

[ng15]

Thank you so much! I will for sure let you all know. Actually I was just reading some more info about it that is making me feel better.

[JoyRenee]

Awww, I can't tell you not to think about it. I know I'd worry and worry myself. Please let us know the results! Praying for a conclusive report that indicates baby is A-OK!

[ng15]

Nuchal translucency: it's a measurement of the skin fold on the back of the neck. An increased NT can be a sign of down syndrome, a heart defect or another chromosomal abnormality.

[ng15]

Well they tell you about every possibility. Could be down syndrome, a heart defect, another chromosomal abnormality or nothing. I debated about doing the screening and then I thought well I'll get to see the baby again, so why not? When the blood work comes back the risk for a problem could come back 1 in 100, 1 in 300 or 1 in 1000; it all depends on a number of things. I've been able to put it out of my mind most of the time, but the worry creeps back in sometimes. Baby was super active though and the heartbeat was 156; I was able to see more on this ultrasound than the one last week.

[kellibubba]

Whats NT??

[JoyRenee]

Have they told you what they suspect?

This is why I skip all of this stuff when I'm pregnant. You poor thing!!! You're all worked up and stressed out. I would just remind myself that there are false results and to not waste time worrying when everything is most likely well. *HUGS*