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NT test?
Have any of the Mommies here had a NT (nuchal translucency) test done? My prenatal nurse suggested it because I have a first cousin with Down's so I'm in a higher risk category for chromosomal mutations. I asked my SIL and she has never had one with either of her pregnancies for my nephews. It is non-invasive, basically a high-res ultrasound, but with my stupid insurance now I would have to pay for it 100%.
I'm undecided because, if it did show a problem, I would definitely NOT terminate pregnancy (evidently this is a big motivation for lots of people getting the test done). My belief is that if I ever have a child with Down's/other disability, it is because God granted us a special challenge He knew we could handle. BUT, on the 'pro' side, if it came back positive for a problem we would have more time to prepare for it and arrange special care if needed.
So I'm undecided. Any thoughts?
Re: NT test?
I had it done with both pregnancies. I always said that I would never terminate a pregnancy but until I was in the situation, you never know. When you know the child has no chances of survival and there is a risk to you, then you have decisions to make. And I am honestly I am glad we found out before the baby became still born or I went though the entire pregnancy and delivered a child that would not live.
Regardless, I knew I would never terminate for Down's or something like that but I felt that I would rather give myself the time to accept it and prepare mentally/physically/emotionally/financially (if need be) for any potential issues the child might have.
I was always in the more info is better camp, but I think I was in the minority.
Should I get pregnant again, I will definitely be having genetic testing done, even earlier than I did with the other two.
Baby #2 - D&E - 10/1/10 @ 19w2d - thanatophoric dysplasia confirmed.
Charlotte Lillian will be forever in our hearts.
Baby #3 - Little Bean - natural miscarriage - 1/17/11 @ 5w5d
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Good point, I should clarify that I would not terminate if it were not a life-threatening issue like Down's. In your situation where the end is ineveitable, I would have made the same desicion. But, in your case Mel, did anything come up in the NT for your angel baby, or was it OK? You didn't find out there was a problem until later, right?
No, they didn't detect anything with the NT scan, but they really weren't looking for that either. The NT is the measurement of the neck. They will do a total length measurement but at the time the baby was on track. When they did the complete anatomy scan at 19 weeks they actually measure the bones in the arms/legs etc and that is when they found the dysplasia.
My risk for downs came back to like 1 in 130,000 or something like that based on the neck measurement and the blood work.
Next pregnancy (hopefully) I plan on doing the CVS around 10/12 weeks, so that in the 1 in a million chance the baby has the same thing (or some other genetic disorder) I will know sooner than halfway through the pregnancy. I just know I could never go as long as I did with the last one not knowing if something was wrong.
Baby #2 - D&E - 10/1/10 @ 19w2d - thanatophoric dysplasia confirmed.
Charlotte Lillian will be forever in our hearts.
Baby #3 - Little Bean - natural miscarriage - 1/17/11 @ 5w5d
Thanks Mel! They told me they measure translucency of the neck fold and the nasal/sinus development? I guess because Down's patients have the flat nose/bridge?
I feel weird even thinking this far (meaning, genetic tests and such) because it's all still unreal to me. I've only had one appt and they didn't do an u/s or Doppler or anything, so I think until I see the baby or hear the heartbeat it's just kinda surreal to me. My next appt is Tuesday so hopefully I'll find out more then.
Yes, they do the neck and will look at the nose.
And it is nice to be able to see the baby during the ultrasound
Baby #2 - D&E - 10/1/10 @ 19w2d - thanatophoric dysplasia confirmed.
Charlotte Lillian will be forever in our hearts.
Baby #3 - Little Bean - natural miscarriage - 1/17/11 @ 5w5d
I had one done when I was pregnant with Chase, and I will do one in a few weeks with this one. I would not want to terminate either, but I want a chance to prepare myself the best I can in the event something is out of whack. With Chase it took a good hour and it was nice to watch him jump around like a jumping bean. Also for me it was very reassuring to just be able to watch the heart beating.
In a normal pregnancy, they don't tend to do a lot of u/s. NT scan and one around 20+ weeks. I had about 15 total with Chase because of all of my issues and bleeding and what not so I was lucky in that respect, and I have already had one with this pregnancy, another next week with my other dr. They will probably start the doppler around 20wks too...
This is great to know too! I lurk on the bump and all those ladies make it sound like all of them get to hear the heartbeat or get a u/s at their first appt! That's it, I'm just asking around here from now on!
Baby #2 - D&E - 10/1/10 @ 19w2d - thanatophoric dysplasia confirmed.
Charlotte Lillian will be forever in our hearts.
Baby #3 - Little Bean - natural miscarriage - 1/17/11 @ 5w5d