HIGH NT CVS Clear

[Whereto]

I am 15 wks and the NT revealed a 8.4mm measurement. Fortunately I was able to have a CVS immediately which came back all clear for chromosomal abnormalities. My OB seems very relaxed but everything I have read suggests there is a very low chance of a positive outcome. I have my 16wk scan this tuesday and am very nervous. How worried should I be? What should I be looking out for and asking?

[nola0805]

I am so, so sorry that the scan did not look better.  My heart breaks for you and the choice you are faced with.  I agree with Adgal, information is your friend right now and you do not have to make any decisions right away.  Does your doctor have any information on the kinds of things that may be wrong or what possible syndromes the baby might have?  It seems like it is also worth waiting at least 2 weeks to see if the nuchal measurement decreases and to see how the heart looks with the specialist.  I am also wondering if they can do an amnio with a microarray (this looks more closely at all of the baby's genes) - I am not sure if this can be done pre-natally but is worth asking your doctor about.  Also keep in mind that there is also almost a 50% chance that the baby is fine and if there is something wrong, it could be relatively minor (as Adgal also pointed out).  I know you are terrified that it is something more serious and that is completely understandable, and I hear you that you do not feel prepared to manage that.  My best advice right now is just to gather as much info as you can so that your decision is informed as it can be.  I wish you the best of luck and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Perty - the baby does not have downs - she had a CVS, which is similar to an amnio and all of the chromosomes (including 21) came back normal, but the nuchal measurement was really high (8.4) - higher than seen in downs - which does suggest that something may be wrong with the baby.  An amnio would not give any additional information at this point except confirm the CVS (unless they were able to do some additional testing outside of what is commonly done).

[pertykitty]

im just a bit confused and from my exp they drs cannot determine how "bad of a case" as it was written earlier, a baby will be when born with down syndrome or trisomy 21.  

i have a dd that has down syndrome and even now after birth there is no way of knowing what she will be like.  now the other trisomies are a different story, very devasting.  

a heart defect can only be known in depth by having an echocardiogram.  im unaware of what cvs tests or how they do it, but an amnio is the only 100% test to detect the exact trisomy by testing the dna strands.  they can see exactly which one is effected.

you will have to decide what you can handle and what you cant, but please do consider having an amnio before you terminate if you do.  drs can be wrong, without an amnio you just might terminate a baby that doesnt have the problems the drs have warned you about.  

my dd is 3 months and has down syndrome.  she has a hole in her heart we are preparing for surg soon. she is the light of my life and i cant imagine what we would do without her!! however i understand that i have it different than you as i have a loving partner and family and friends to support us.  

i know you are afraid and need answers.  if you want honest talk about what its like and what i go through then send me a pm and i will be happy to privately share anything you need to know.  

[adgal]

I have been thinking about you and your last post all day.  First off, please know that I am not judging you and I know how hard a decision this must be for you.  But prior to making such a huge decision, I have a few suggestions for you.  The CVS has ruled out the major trisonomy issues correct?  So it might be a good idea to get a list of the different things it can be and research them.  As worried said, it may well be very minor.  I know a few women here who have had babies with DS and other issues, and they will be the first to tell you that they have no regrets at all...their babies are incredibly wonderful additions to thier families, and they would not change a thing about them.  My point is, the definition of normal is all a matter of perspective.  What your child may be dealing with could very well be something fairly minor, correctable or treatable.  I know you are under an incredible amount of stress right now and sometimes extra stress can alter our thinking. Perhaps seek some counselling.  However, prior to making this decision you should probably find out exactly what it is you may be dealing with.  I would just hate to see you make an irreversable decision that you may regret.  

I am very pro choice, but I don't believe it should ever be a decision taken lightly.  I know your not, and I can tell in your words this is hurting you deeply.  But maybe take a step back and get the facts.  It may go a long way at setting your mind and heart at ease.  Take care and please do not take my words as judgemental...we all have to do what is best for our families.  I am only trying to help.  Take good care.

[worried2451]

Maybe the specialist heart scan will turn out OK or reveal a very minor heart defect. Keep the faith, try to stay strong. All my best to you!!! These decisions are so difficult.

[adgal]

I know that this is not an easy decision to make and I too hurt for you.  I wish you strength in the days to come.  I will keep you in my thoughts.

[Birds71]

I am so, so sorry to hear of your news.  We were in a similar situation as I posted earlier, but our decision was more clear-cut.  You will make the right choice for you and your boys.  if you make the choice to terminate, keep yourself busy with your boys and your business - which doesn't sound like it would be too difficult to do!  

My heart really goes out to you.  i know how much hearing news like you have just frankly *****!  I felt and still feel so cheated and just how could this happen to ME?  I give my daughter extra kisses and know that we are blessed to have her and we will move forward!

Stay strong and listen to your heart.  My D&C was a month ago tomorrow and time does continue to heal.  :)

hugs to you