Got nuchal scan results, need advice!

[hbby]

I got a call from my OB today with my nuchal scan results. Baby A seems to have a slightly thickened nuchal fold. We have an appointment to see a peri and genetic counselor next week for an amnio. Have any of you had results like these? What was the outcome? Also, what is an amnio like? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[marya]

{{{{hugs}}}}

I don't have any first hand experiences, but just about all of my IRL friends had amnios and they all said they were much easier than they had expected.

[ClaireNola]

According to my peri, the measurement results without the accompanying bloodtest is NOT predictive of d/s or anything else. When I went in to have mine, we learned there are 0 medical practitioners in the state of LA certified to do the full blown assessment (blood and u/s). That said, he still did the u/s for me and told me the measurement was good (how's that for saying it's not meaningful and then turning around and doing it for me anyway). Did you have the bloodwork or just the measurement?

I had an amnio with my dd #2 as a result of a positive afp screen for Edward's symdrome (and if my u/s at 12 weeks had come back this time measuring thick, I would have done it this time as well). I was so stressed out and emotional at the time thinking that my baby might have a fatal disorder, the needle/procedure didn't bother me a bit. I did have mild cramping for the couple of hours following it, and I was surprised at how slowly I had to move to get back out to the car, but really no big deal.

One thing I would recommend, if it is financially possible, is to ask for the FISH analysis, which will give you partial results back in 2-3 days rather than having to wait 14 days or more to get the full results back to know your baby is ok. The FISH analysis gives you a chromosome count, so it can rule out d/s and other trisomies. Apparently, though, insurance companies are not wanting to pay for it to be done these days (when I had my amnio in 2002 it was covered). If I would have had amnio this time I would have the choice of paying up front for the FISH, at less than $200, or sending it through my insurance and paying closer to $400 if they declined, which according to my peri they usually do. So, it's all a matter of what a couple of weeks of mental peace is worth!!

Good luck to you-- I'm sure your baby is fine, but I know it's hard not to worry.

[mmi]

My amnio was a piece of cake ... one small second of pressure,and nothing else. My OB actually thinks everyone should have an amnio as they are able to prepare if something is wrong. He says when people deliver and the child needs immediate decsions made(open heart surgery, ect...)... if they dont' know ahead of time, they are so blown away by finding out the child has a genetic problem that they are not able to make rational decisions. I did come out and ask my dr what HIS COMPLICATION rate was(not the national average!)... and would recommend you do the same. This reassured me a ton. Finding out that I was carrying a healthy baby girl, made the rest of the pregnancy, sooooo much easier!!! good luck.

[flicka7]

I'm surprised that you're having these tests with DE. Did you have some indication on an ultrasound?

I hope everything turns out well for you!

[hbby]

Thanks guys! I know what you mean flicka7. Our donor was only 21! (not to mention DH is only 26) I guess that is why this is coming as such a shock. We had a nuchal scan and it showed a thickened fold. I am still completely numb.

[raytw]

i just know my sil had the same thing and everything turned out to be just fine! so try and take it easy and believe that everything will be okay. we are all praying that everything is just fine!