WTH is Nuchal Trans. Test??

[Txfish]

So, apparently I'm the one woman who doesn't know what this is. Even though I've already had a child -- I swear it's *never* been mentioned to me, until yesterday at my 1st appt. And the u/s tech said she'd see me back for the "nuchal" in a few weeks.

Help?

[Ole Miss Bride]

The nuchal translucency test is a detailed u/s where they measure the area at the back of the baby's neck. A thick nuchal fold can indicate a chromosomal abnormality. Coupled with a blood test, the nuchal scan is the most accurate screen available, as far as indicating risk for chromosomal abnormalities.

It's totally optional, though. If you're not interested in any prenatal screening, I don't imagine you'd have it done. Although you do get a pretty cool u/s if you do it.
-Betsy

[junkinmytrunk]

I am curious as to when the doctor / if the doctor would offer this to me. I'll be going in for my 12 week appointment soon and she hasn't mentioned it yet.

I'm of "advanced maternal age", have had 3 prior m/c's and took 2 years to finally get a sticky PG (at least we hope it's sticky!!) -- do you all think I should ask her about this?

We have no chromosomal abs in the family that I'm aware of but you never know....

(sorry to hijack this thread, Txfish!)

[Ole Miss Bride]

junk, I'm pretty sure you need to have the nuchal scan between 11-13 weeks, so you should definitely ask about it at your next appointment. It's a relatively new screen, though, and it's not available in some areas, so that might be why your doctor hasn't mentioned it. If you're interested in any screening and it's available to you, I'd go for it. It's supposed to have a higher accuracy rate than the AFP or quad screen.

-Betsy

[bluhimmy]

I had it done at 11.5 weeks; it was part of our gentic counseling since I was going to be of "advanced maternal age" when I delivered.

[AusMarchBride]

[QUOTE=junkinmytrunk]I am curious as to when the doctor / if the doctor would offer this to me. I'll be going in for my 12 week appointment soon and she hasn't mentioned it yet.QUOTE]

Sorry to hijack again txfish

Junkinmytrunk You would be offered the screening test (nuchal fold via ultrasound coupled with blood test ) at around 12 weeks. Be aware these are only "screening" tests, that is they only provide you with a risk factor for various chromosomal and other types of abnormalities.

I'm of "advanced maternal age" :rolleyes: also, 39 and pregnant with my first child via IVF.

I decided not to do the screening tests and went straight to CVS which can be done at 12 weeks and gives you a definitive answer (they take tissue from the placenta which is the same as the baby's tissue and study the genetic makeup). Amnioscentesis which is done at around 18 weeks will also provide you with definitive results.

For me, I knew I would come up with a higher risk factor purely because of my age. I also wanted a yes/no answer, for me, a risk factor (as in you have a 1 in 300 chance of having a Down's Syndrome child) was not enough information.

I posted some info in the IVF thread a while back about Screening Tests vs CVS vs Amnio. I can PM it to you if you are interested.

End hijack with apologies to txfish :)

[AusMarchBride]

txfish I snuck a look at your profile, and if I'm still capable of doing maths (with my preggo brain that's debatable at the moment ;) ), I see that you are aged 27.

Unless there is a family history of chromosomal abnormalities, the screening tests are not so readily offered because you have a low risk factor due to your age. Once women get into their 30s, and more specifically, over 35, the risk of these chromosomal problems increases rapidly.

[Txfish]

Thanks ladies --

(and loved the hijacks, because it just gave extra info! ;) )

Regarding my age, yes it doesn't make sense why they would offer it with no other risk factors. Maybe the tech was confused or something; when I called for my next appt & asked about another u/s they said nothing else would be done until 20 weeks unless ordered by the dr. But then, that's what she told me before the 1st visit, and I got one then, so... who knows.

Anyway, thanks for the info!! Hope you all have a *healthy* 9 months!!

[Ole Miss Bride]

Txfish, I could be wrong, but I thought the basic screens were offered to most pregnant women, regardless of age. The nuchal scan is non-invasive, so it wouldn't surprise me that your OB would offer it to you. Now if you were getting pushed into an amnio at your age, and with no risk factors, that would strike me as odd.

-Betsy

[junkinmytrunk]

Guys: Turns out I'm having this next week (a high risk OB is performing the procedure) but my doc called it a 1st trimester screening. I googled 1st tri screen and got this really good link:

http://www.med.umich.edu/obgyn/pac/firsttrimesterscreening.htm

......the NCT!!!

Do you guys recommend bringing DH to this test?

[bluhimmy]

DH came with me. Since there was an ultrasound involved, it was his first time seeing the baby and hearing the heartbeat. :)