Nuchal Translucency Screening on Friday

So, this Friday, Trent and I will be making the trek into Salt Lake to the IMC Hospital, Fetal Medicine department for our Nuchal Translucency Screening. Nuchal what....? I know, that's what I said too!!! :)

Basically it is a specialized ultrasound. It lets you know if you're at an increased risk for having a baby with a chromosomal problem such as Down syndrome. The test focuses on a small, clear space in the tissue at the back of the baby's neck called the nuchal fold. Experts have found that this spot tends to accumulate fluid and, as a result, expand in size in babies who have genetic abnormalities like Down syndrome.

It must be performed between 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy (after that, the tissue gets so thick that it is no longer translucent, rendering the test inconclusive) — is done with a highly sensitive ultrasound machine (but like a regular sonogram, is considered safe). A sonographer first measures the baby from crown to rump, to confirm his or her gestational age, before zooming in on the nuchal fold and measuring its thickness on the screen. That value, plus the mother's age and the baby's gestational age, will be entered into a formula that calculates the probability of a chromosomal abnormality.

This test itself has an accuracy rate of 70 to 75 percent, so they will be combining my test with blood work that will measure and compare my levels of beta-hCG and PAPP-A. By combining these blood tests with NT, the accuracy of detection rates for Down syndrome rises dramatically to between 83 and 92 percent. But, this test is safe...compared to an amniocentesis, which carries a miscarriage rate (for someone of my age) of 1 in 250. A risk that I am not willing to take!

Because I'm at the "magical age" of 35, I am at an increased risk for having a baby with a chromosomal problem. I have to say though, that the results of this test will change nothing for us!!!! This baby is meant to come to our family, no matter what! We would never, ever consider terminating the pregnancy based on the results of this test!!!! Really, the main reason that we are doing it is because, due to my age, my insurance will cover it...and it's another chance to see my baby...on a fabulous, high tech ultrasound machine!!!

You can read more about this test here: http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/prenatal-testing/nuchal-translucency.aspx



We just want to say again, thank you all for your love and support during this exciting time for us! You all mean the world to us!!!