Nuchal Fold Screening

Hi ladies!

I just came back from the doctor who is sending me for a nuchal test. I don't remember doing this with my other two children so I'm wondering how standard this test is. I forgot to ask while at the doctor's office. I tried looking it up when I got home which only made me more curious/nervous. Is this something age related? I'm 33 and will be 34 when my baby is born.

Thanks for your input.

Re: Nuchal Fold Screening

Its an optional screening test. They measure the neck fold behind the babys neck and from that come up witha ratio of the chances of Downs syndrome.

It has become more popular over the years. Usually if you get a low ration teh next step would be an amnio.

We dind't do it. There is a high rate of false positives and we are both young, healthy and don't have the risk factors. ALso, an Amnio would NEVER be an option for me so I would hate to have this test, get a false positive or low ration number and stress out the rest of my pregnancy.

I dind't do any of the "Screening" tests....

Its a personal decision on whether or not to do it.... DO a little research on it and see how you feel. You don't have to do it though!

Re: Nuchal Fold Screening

It is a relatively new test or at least newly offered on a more widespread basis. My friends had babies from 2004 to 2006 and were not offered it but were for their 2008 babies. Some docs seem to recommend it for all women and some don't. As Blissful said it is optional like all the screenings.

It is a combo of blood test and sono that tests for risk of DS and trisomy that takes place between 11 and 13w6d. It is often coupled with the triple/quad/afp test to give a more complete picture of your baby's risk of some of these genetic disorders.