My Nuchal Translucency result was 8.8mm, any professional advice?

[nicholas1912]

My wife and I had our 12.5 week ultrasound done at a very respective and specific ultrasound doctor.  The results of our Nuchal Translucency test was 8.8 mm !!  We we're all shocked, and immediately thought of the worst.  We had an amniocentisis done and we got the results back and they were negative for any chromosonal disorders.  We were shocked again, that there were no issues there.  We just had another ultrasound done yesterday at 14 weeks and the baby was alive and the Nuchal test resulted in 5.0 mm.  As far as our doctor, the baby looked fine and heart looked good.  We are having another ultrasound tomorrow and are going to seek counseling.  I really want to know our odds and chances of having a healthy baby at this point, given all of the info: no chromosonal issues from amniocentisis and a super high NT of 8.8mm that went down to 5.0mm at 14 weeks)  - Jimmy

[nicholas1912]

We discovered yesterday that the fetus has septated cystic hygroma,... given the fact that it does not have a chormosome abnormality, we were given advice from  a few doctors that our chances of having a healthy baby with no cardiac or skeletal issues is between 10-40%.. not the best odds.  We may not take that chance.  It is so hard.  When a doctor tells you you have a 70% chance your child may have a major heart issue is not assuring at all.

[pookie1121]

A higher NT measurement can not give you a diagnosis, just an elevated risk factor.  An elevated measurement CAN be caused by several things: chromosome abnormalities,  organ issues, heart defects, or sometimes nothing.  

We had a slightly elevated NT measurement with both of our twins, and had a placenta biopsy (CVS)... our doctor would not do an amnio so early so we opted for a CVS which could be done in the earlier weeks.  Both babies had no chromosome abnormalities.  Therefore the doctors have been paying more attention to the heart and other organs in the subsequent ultrasounds to see if any issues develop there.

From what I have heard and read, 8.8mm is pretty high for it to be nothing, so you probably should be prepared that you might find something later in other ultrasounds, but there is also a chance that it is nothing!  And most organ or heart defects can be dealt with easier than chromosome abnormalities....

It is normal that after the 13th week the fluid around the babies neck will disappear.  That is the reason why  the nuchal translucency is only usable to measure between 10 and 13 weeks, when the fetal lymphatic system is developing.  After that the lymphatic system is working and can take care of the fluid...so it isn't surprising that your measurement went down, and probably next time you get an ultrasound, the fluid will be completely gone.

[Mumita]

Martika is right, if you had an amnio that's the surest way to know if your baby has any chromosomal abnormalities, your baby should be fine and healthy!

[martikadragoon]

Since you had a Nuchal test then an amnio that was negative, then another nuchal test... Sounds like your baby is HEALTHY.

The odds are in your favor. an Amnio OR CVS are both %99.9  accurate. My son has down syndrome and the amnio showed it.  

Ultrasounds can be off in measurements. it's common and happens easily. It sounds like your gonna have a healthy baby !