Nuchal Translucency Scan - Say What?

While at our first visit at the birth center we were told that if we wanted to have a nuchal translucency scan or NT Scan, we would have to schedule it because it has to be done between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy.

What is an NT scan? This scan essentially measures the padding, or nuchal fold, on the back of the fetus' neck and can be indicator of genetic defects. Of the three genetic abnormalities this scan is an indicator of, the one people are most familiar with is Down syndrome. The other defects are Turner Syndrome, Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13 and Triploidy.



The NT scan is not a definite answer to whether your baby will have one of those defects. Combined with a blood test you will get a risk ratio of having a genetic disorder and from there you can decide what you want to do. Some that have ratios that are considered high choose to have an amniocentesis to determine for sure if the baby is affected. These additional tests are invasive and carry a risk of miscarriage, so that is something to weigh out as well.

What did Chef and I decide to do?
Chef and I decided not to have the NT scan. Why? If the scan showed our baby had a larger than normal NT measurement, and we decided to get the blood test and our risk was high, we would not terminate the pregnancy and we would never have an invasive test like an amniocentesis done. So, for us, it doesn't matter. We want this pregnancy to be as stress free as possible. The tests carry a risk of false positives and to us it would be outrageous to stress out over ratios. We are both young and healthy so we're taking the approach that whatever God says is what will be. We are confident in our decision not to even open that door. On top of that, who wants to pay a doctor to stress them out over something you can't control. NOT ME!