Can someone tell me about the Nuchal Translucency?

My Dr. mentioned this as an option since I was an IF patient. She said they look at head and neck size to look for things like CF and encephalitis.

She said I have the option whether I want to do it or not. If not, I won't have my next sonogram until 8 weeks from now!!! I sort of want to have it just to have one earlier than then.

Any reasons why I should or shouldn't have it?

Thanks

Re: Can someone tell me about the Nuchal Translucency?

I had it done (did not do any other testing) but it's just a sono, looks at all the baby's measurements. I liked it because it let me kow how the baby was growing!

Re: Can someone tell me about the Nuchal Translucency?

I am having one tomorrow. My Doctor days he does it with all his patients.

Re: Can someone tell me about the Nuchal Translucency?

I had it, they check for Down's and Trisomy. I would have it done, you will feel better with having the peace of mind that everything is progressing well with the baby. Good luck!!

Message edited 5/21/2008 7:01:46 PM.

Re: Can someone tell me about the Nuchal Translucency?

I just had it done this week, it's just a sonogram and a finger prick for blood.

Re: Can someone tell me about the Nuchal Translucency?

I just had it on Monday. Like the other girls said it is a sono to get some measurements - specifically of the fold of the back of the baby's neck to determine % of chance of down syndrome and trisomy. Combined with a blood test, the doctor can determine pretty well if there is a potential problem. While this test doesn't give a diagnosis, a doctor may recommend other elective tests (amnio, etc) to get a more definite diagnosis of a genetic issue if your percentage warrants it.

Some doctors offer it to all patients, others don't. Mine did not offer it to me, but I asked if I could have it for peace of mind. It's definitely a personal choice...some prefer not to have any genetic testing at all.

The latest they can perform the test is 13w, 6d.

HTH!

PS...at this sono the baby looked so amazing compared to the first sono! My little one was not at all cooperative and was doing somersaults everytime the doctor tried to measure so I got to see him/her for like 40 minutes.

Message edited 5/21/2008 8:32:42 PM.

Re: Can someone tell me about the Nuchal Translucency?

aka ultrascreen....

nuchal transleucency refers to the measurement of fluid collecting in the back of the neck from 11-13 weeks. A lot of fluid is an indicator (NOT a positive/conclusive diagnosis) of trisomy 18 or 21 (downs). It's only a screening test, and in order to conclusively diagnose trisomy, you need a more invasive test like an amnio.

For the measurements, less fluid = good. Generally speaking, measurements of 2.5mm or less are good, and measurements of 3.6mm+ is not so good, and could be a positive.

The ultrascreen is somewhat controversial becuase it has a high false positive rate. About 90% of 'probable trisomy' results end up being perfectly healthy babies with no problems.
However, from what I understand, this test has a much lower false negative rate.. so if you get good test results, odds are extremely high that your baby does not have trisomy.

I took this test becuase I'm 36, and was worried about trisomy. If I got a +, I would have opted for an amnio (which unlike this test, is invasive and could cause pregancy complications). Some women opt out of this test becuase it totally scares the s#it out of parents when a false positive happens..

Re: Can someone tell me about the Nuchal Translucency?

Message edited 5/21/2008 9:13:53 PM.