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Antenatal tests

my friend just had a worrying nuchal scan! :( any help?

9 replies

sugarbea · 19/01/2011 16:27

I've posted elsewhere and been directed to here.

Ok so a good friend of mine has just had a nuchal scan this week for her 2nd child she is 11 weeks and 6 days. The nuchal translucency measured at 3.5. and there were some abnormalities in her hormones at the blood test results. This has brought the risk of her having a down syndrome baby to 1 in 3. Today I went with her to the hospital while they tested the amniotic fluid with the needle, she was devistated and in quite a bit of pain AND has a HUGE fear of needles so was understandably not really listening to what the prof was saying to the sonographer.

However I was listening and I heard him say that the nasal bone was absent. And connfirmed in the notes.

She is almost inconsolable and I haven't mentioned the absence of the nasal bone or the probability of what it means.I'm far from a doctor and I don't want to worry her further, i think she is already preparing for the worst i'm not sure what I heard would be any help. (I've googled mainly) She finds out in 4 days whether or not her baby definately has downs or not.

She is one of my younger friends, only 22 and I feel useless. I'm not sure how to support her, I feel devistated for her so I can only imagine what she is going through. Does this definately mean down syndrome?
How can I help her?

Thanks for taking the time to read and apologies for spelling in advance.

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cece · 19/01/2011 16:31

ARC is a good charity which offers advise and support with regards to antenatal testing.

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WipsGlitter · 19/01/2011 22:10

None of this definately means Downs Syndrome, but the are indictors that it might be there. All you can do is be there for your friend and listen to her. Does she have a supportive partner and family?

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jaabaar · 19/01/2011 22:47

Hi,

I had a nuchal scan measurement of 3.9mm. But nasal bone present. Baby turned out to be healthy. It is a very very difficult time. The only thing you can do is be there for her. x

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Sparklies · 19/01/2011 23:51

There is always hope. Nasal bones aren't always present towards the beginning of the window for the NT screen (which this scan was). I have heard of all sorts of high NTs which have had nothing to do with Down syndrome - only recently I knew someone online who had 4.5mm and everything is normal with her baby, including the heart.

As others have said, all you can do is be there for her, listen to her and carry on being such an excellent friend. You are a star.

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FannyLogan · 20/01/2011 00:12

I had a 4.6mm and a 1 in 3; amnio confirmed normal. They don't do nasal bone info here.

It might be ok. Have been there and thinking of jer. Xx

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Mrsmonnty · 20/01/2011 15:02

Hi, I had a NT measurment of 3.5 and combined with my blood results given a 1-5 chance of DS the nasal bone is present, I had a CVS done yesterday as only 13 weeks, should have the results on Monday, this is my 3rd baby (2 boys healthy and happy) and I'm 31 so my age doesn't really factor in.
I can't help but think that if these tests weren't so much more advanced than when I had my other babys I would not have all this worry and waiting around, think I would prefer to be oblivious to this and just be happy with being pregnant and looking forward to the future,
Not religious but I'm praying like crazy for a good result on Monday.

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sugarbea · 21/01/2011 14:03

Thanks everyone
Her results were not good baby has both downs and edwards.:( sad times. She seems to be coping ok and feels a little bit easier that she doesn't really have much choice on the outcome of the pregnancy. As she was undecided as whether or not she would continue with it..

Will continue to be there all I can.

Thanks for advice and support.

Mrsmonty all the best for your results xxx

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Sparklies · 21/01/2011 15:38

So very sorry to hear this. I am glad she is at peace and she is coping okay with it. Very much thinking of her.

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Cantdothisagain · 21/01/2011 20:25

Hi Sugar

I didnt know a baby could have two trisomies. What hard news to hear. I really feel for your friend.

I have lost 2 babies, to conditions incompatible with life. I found much comfort on this thread (earlier version thereof):
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/antenatal_tests_choices/978305-Antenatal-support-thread-for-women-who-have-chosen-to-terminate

Your friend would be very welcome there if she wished to post.

If you are wondering about how to help her, I'd recommend chocolate and wine....

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