NT Scan questions

[lmb5109]

I'm scared shitless of this test because I'm older (34) and I have medical issues (Crohn's disease and I'm currently on steroids).

We have it scheduled for June 4th, what happens? It's a ultrasound and blood work right? How long till you get the results back?

I read that you can have the CVS done till maybe 13w6d but amnio can't be done till 16 weeks. I guess the results don't matter but I'd like to be prepared. I'd like to think I'm strong enough to care for a special needs baby.

[h]

It is an U/S and a fingerprick blood test. The test itself is no big deal. They will likely tell you the nuchal fold measurement while you are there, so you will have a sense of whether or not it looks good, but the full results (the risk of trisomy, taking into account the nuchal fold measurement and your blood work) takes some time. I think my results took about a week.

I think some places will do an early amnio before 16 weeks, but it may be difficult to find a provider who does it.

[Brie]

For mine, we met with a genetic counselor right before and she took both our family histories. She wanted to know mostly about genetic or potentially genetic issues. Then we had the u/s, which lasted about 20 minutes or so, and then I had to get blood drawn. We got the results back a few days later with the combined risks from the u/s and blood draw. However, at the actual u/s, the tech was able to tell us the nuchal fold measurement and that it looked normal, which was reassuring.

[kittycatlove]

I didn't have the NT because I wanted to know for sure, so I went straight to the CVS. They did mine at 12w. I was 41, so I know how feel about being older. My MFM would do an amnio as soon as 15w if needed.

[lmb5109]

May 11, 2012 15:07:52 GMT -5 kittycatlove said:

I didn't have the NT because I wanted to know for sure, so I went straight to the CVS. They did mine at 12w. I was 41, so I know how feel about being older. My MFM would do an amnio as soon as 15w if needed.

You can go right to the CVS if you want? I have an appointment with a high risk OB on Monday, maybe I'll ask them to see if they would do a CVS and what they think.

Can I ask what they do for a CVS?

[kittycatlove]

May 11, 2012 15:15:12 GMT -5 lmb5109 said:

May 11, 2012 15:07:52 GMT -5 kittycatlove said:

I didn't have the NT because I wanted to know for sure, so I went straight to the CVS. They did mine at 12w. I was 41, so I know how feel about being older. My MFM would do an amnio as soon as 15w if needed.

You can go right to the CVS if you want? I have an appointment with a high risk OB on Monday, maybe I'll ask them to see if they would do a CVS and what they think.

Can I ask what they do for a CVS?

I think because of my age they had no problem with it. My OB sent me right to the MFM no problem. I would ask can't hurt.

There are two different ways to do a CVS. One is like an amnio and they go in through your belly. Or the other is transvaginally. I'm not sure what the determing factor is for which, but i had the transvag one. Essentially they insert a catheter in and get a sample. I had to have a full bladder, which was hard but the procedure lasted less than 10 min, the prep was more than the actual CVS. They also have a nurse monitoring you via an ultrasound so the doctor can see exactly what he's doing.

If you have any other questions after your consult feel free to ask.

[lmb5109]

May 11, 2012 15:30:37 GMT -5 kittycatlove said:

May 11, 2012 15:15:12 GMT -5 lmb5109 said:

You can go right to the CVS if you want? I have an appointment with a high risk OB on Monday, maybe I'll ask them to see if they would do a CVS and what they think.

Can I ask what they do for a CVS?

I think because of my age they had no problem with it. My OB sent me right to the MFM no problem. I would ask can't hurt.

There are two different ways to do a CVS. One is like an amnio and they go in through your belly. Or the other is transvaginally. I'm not sure what the determing factor is for which, but i had the transvag one. Essentially they insert a catheter in and get a sample. I had to have a full bladder, which was hard but the procedure lasted less than 10 min, the prep was more than the actual CVS. They also have a nurse monitoring you via an ultrasound so the doctor can see exactly what he's doing.

If you have any other questions after your consult feel free to ask.

Thanks I will! And I see your in Chicago. I'm going to Advocate in Park Ridge.

[kittycatlove]

May 11, 2012 16:01:17 GMT -5 lmb5109 said:

May 11, 2012 15:30:37 GMT -5 kittycatlove said:

I think because of my age they had no problem with it. My OB sent me right to the MFM no problem. I would ask can't hurt.

There are two different ways to do a CVS. One is like an amnio and they go in through your belly. Or the other is transvaginally. I'm not sure what the determing factor is for which, but i had the transvag one. Essentially they insert a catheter in and get a sample. I had to have a full bladder, which was hard but the procedure lasted less than 10 min, the prep was more than the actual CVS. They also have a nurse monitoring you via an ultrasound so the doctor can see exactly what he's doing.

If you have any other questions after your consult feel free to ask.

Thanks I will! And I see your in Chicago. I'm going to Advocate in Park Ridge.

I'm in the NW burbs.
Good luck!

[Deleted]

May 11, 2012 16:09:59 GMT -5 kittycatlove said:

May 11, 2012 16:01:17 GMT -5 lmb5109 said:

Thanks I will! And I see your in Chicago. I'm going to Advocate in Park Ridge.

I'm in the NW burbs.
Good luck!

You've already gotten good answers, just wanted to saw your baby has an excellent due date-- my birthday

[hannamarin]

My NT results were something like 1 in 100. I freaked. Then I waited and did the amnio. The Dr said the CV test was riskier. It sucked waiting. Then all was well thankfully.
Next time I will skip and go straight to the amnio to know for sure.
I am 35 and have colitis.

[lmb5109]

May 11, 2012 16:26:14 GMT -5 @lilly said:

May 11, 2012 16:09:59 GMT -5 kittycatlove said:

I'm in the NW burbs.
Good luck!

You've already gotten good answers, just wanted to saw your baby has an excellent due date-- my birthday

[lmb5109]

May 11, 2012 16:43:13 GMT -5 @hannamarin said:

My NT results were something like 1 in 100. I freaked. Then I waited and did the amnio. The Dr said the CV test was riskier. It sucked waiting. Then all was well thankfully.
Next time I will skip and go straight to the amnio to know for sure.
I am 35 and have colitis.

Can I asked if flared during pregnancy or after? I flared about a week after my BFP and my GI doc put me on 40mg of prednisone, decreasing 2.5 mg each week. So far so good but it's a long time to be on steroids!

[hannamarin]

Pregnancy was the best thing that ever happened to my colitis. I joked with my Gi doctor that this was a great cure. He said it was probably more expensive than most drugs. I took Humira throughout the pregnancy. No baby issues either. She was full term (overdue) and weighed 8 lbs 11 oz.
After she was born, I could kind of tell when the pregnancy hormones worked their way out since my bowel wasnt quite as perfect. But post baby is still better than pre baby. I take my Humira much less.

[barefootcontessa]

At the NT scan they should also be able to see if the baby has a nasal bone, which is another soft indicator for DS. At age 34 I seriously would not be worried. Your chance for DS is like less than 1 in 250, so you are talking less less than half of one percent.