Now Having More Issues...............

I just researched all I could about this test. I had a scare based on AFP test and underwent amnio with my third child. Waiting is hard. I wish this had been available then.
4mm does warrant further screening and the majority of cases that are positive are Trisomy 21. It can be indicative of heart and other defects, as well. I'm going to try to include a link to the most helpful website I found which gave charts and measurement criteria. Basically, anything over a 2.5mm is sent for further screening tests. Good luck, I am 42 and could not imagine having a baby again (my baby is 8) but I do recall the sleepless nights waiting for those amnio results. My heart goes out to you and I hope you are a false positive! Stay strong and find someone to talk to.
http://www.fetalmedicine.com/11-14scanbook/Chapter1/chap0...

C., Hang in there! You are further along than you though and things aren't going perfect but, you can do this. I can tell by your letters that you are a strong lady and you are a loving mom. Take that into account. I'm not sure exactly what a nuchal fold measurement is but, think possitive thought. Things will work out the way they are ment to be. Please let us know how things turn out with the specialist. Don't forget you are a blessed woman. J.

Hi C.,
I am a late in like mom as well. My son is now 3 yrs old and aI was 44 yrs old when he was born. I went through a lot of tests during the first trimester. This test is nothing to worry about. I went through it and the only problem my has is a heart murmur.
Have sighed up for wic, they have a great visiting nurse program got high risk and new moms. She can be a great support for you through out your pregnancy.
On a positive note your baby will be healthy and happy.
Remember we are never given anything we can not handle in live. So, love this little miracle.

C., when I saw your heading I remembered instantly the last request you wrote. Unfortunatly, I do not have any advice to give on this matter, except to just take it one day at a time, remember to breathe and think positive. Things will work out they way they are supposed to and I believe with all the family support you have, you will be able to endure this challenge as well, whatever the outcome. Good luck. You are in my thoughts.

Get a CVS! I am 39 and was concerned about DS. I went last week out of state to get both the NT and CVS because CVS was not offered in my state. While it is an invasive test, it will provide info on chromosomes just like an amnio. If you are going to do this, you need to do so ASAP because the window for doing so will be closing soon and then you will have to wait for an amnio. I am not quite sure why they suggested that the next step to be another u/s, I would have thought that they would have recommended a CVS.

My NT was 1.5mm and so things look like they will probably be okay, but I wanted to be as close to 100% sure that the baby would not have DS. I am now waiting for the results 10days-2weeks.

If I were you, I would also request a FISH analysis and they can get the results sooner in 24-48 hours.

With regards to the procedure, make sure that you have someone who does this all of the time. I went to Swedish in Seattle. Most of my time was spent with a genetic counselor. The actual CVS was so quick. I am a HUGE baby when it comes to needles, but I did it. So, it was not comfortable, but he was so experienced and the placenta was in the right area that it was easy for him to get the sample he needed in less than 1 minute.
He was in the room with me probably for a total of 7 minutes including introductions, prep and the procedure.

With regards to the risks, which everyone is concerned about, see the latest stats at http://www.acog.org/from_home/publications/press_releases...

In any case, you will have to weigh the risk vs. benefit of actually knowing. Since your risk for having a DS are substantially high due to your age and test results, the risk of CVS may not seem nearly as high.

I would definitely act now though as I almost fell through the cracks with my practioners and insurance. If nothing else, get the ball rolling. I wanted to go a week earlier, but there was noone doing the procedures that week. So, get an appt. set up and then if you change your mind, you can do so, but I don't want you to miss the window of opportunity and then have to wait for amnio if that is what you will ultimately end up doing. Certainly, if you have any thoughts of terminating, I would absolutely insist that you should do a CVS and not rely upon u/s.

Best wishes.

P.S. I had no complications other than I was a bit sore right afterwards, but I went to my hotel room and rested. You could hardly tell where the needle was by that night and I had a rash reaction to the bandaid as you could see where the bandaid was a day after I removed it. No bleeding, no major cramping, no infection.

Did they do the blood work that goes with the Nuchal test? The measurements along with the blood results are what are the final determination of your risk.
When I was pregnant with my 2nd son I had to see a specialist and get a amnio because the nurse had transposed the date of one of my u/s and it threw everything off with blood test results. It turned out that everything was fine, but I do remember the feelings that I went through. I will keep you in my thoughts and hope that everything comes out fine.

there is a girl in my online mommys group that was told her test was 'abnormal' so she had do the blood test. and everything was fine. i wouldn't worry until it comes to that. you don't need any undue stress.

Though I don't have any advice to give you, I understand what you are going through. I'm 24 and pregnant with my second right now, which puts me in the very low risk pregnancies. I went in for my dating ultrasound and they told me I was too early to measure a date, but I should be about 7 weeks along!! I understand the panic that the wait they make us endure. I have to wait 3 weeks to find out if my baby is even progressing or if it passed away. I wish you the best of luck, and if you'd like anyone to talk to, feel free to contact me!!!

C.,

***Congrats! I'm 37 and I have a 14 month old. It's nice to see all of the women here that are having babies at this time. Please take care of yourself, breath, and have a good thought about your experience. Right down your thoughts in a notebook and then leave them there and go on with your day. Choose to look at the positive right now about everything.
....I am not sure about this particular testing situation, but I knew a woman that had a doctor tell her that she had a child with Down syndrome and she chose not to abort and the baby was perfect. She was relieved she had not made the wrong choice. Just a thought, I know the doctors are as honest as they can be and that is a very good.
....There are many books out there for woman that are older with the information on testing etc. Try the book: Your pregnancy after 35 written by Curtis, Glade B. / Schuler, Judith: August, 2004
List Price: $15.95 at Borders Book store.

Have a great week!
Gabe

Well, this is the good and bad of prenatal testing. On one hand it can provide information that is very helpful. On the other hand, it so often is a cause for stress only to find out that all is well. It's a double edged sword.

I don't have any specific advise, but obviously you are in my thoughts and I hope you are able to receive information in short order to ease your mind. Take care.