Nucal Scan
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Category: Pregnant
Forum Name: Pregnancy
Forum Description: Pregnant! Wanting to chat to other mums-to-be (or dads-to-be)? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas... This is that place!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=21157
Printed Date: 22 August 2025 at 10:13am
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Topic: Nucal Scan
Posted By: Nefertiti
Subject: Nucal Scan
Date Posted: 23 September 2008 at 9:28pm
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I am having my nucal scan next week at 12w2d. My midwife said 12 weeks, but sonographer said 13 is best. Being worried about this pregnancy anyway, I didn't want to turn up at 13 weeks....superstitious lol
Anyway.....will 12w2d be ok? And what can I expect at the scan? I've already had 3 this pregnancy so seen the heartbeat and then the baby moving. I didn't have a nucal scan with my other 3 kids....infact I'd never heard of it until about a year ago! While I'm there, will they tell me what range I'm in for the possibility of a downs baby. I have just turned 34 so quite worried. And after typing this, I just realised I should've done a search for other threads! But will post this anyway. TIA :) ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Replies:
Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 23 September 2008 at 9:34pm
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With Spencer I wasn't sure of my dates and turned up at what i estimated to be 12 weeks but I was only 11 weeks and 4 days but they were still able to do the test, this time I had it at exactly 12 weeks.
Basically before the test you have a risk number....I think mine was 1in 700 (i'm 28) and then they do the measurement, go off and put it in a computer or do something not sure what and come back with your new number, which is then based on your age and the measurement. Mine changed from the 1- 700 to being 1-4200. They go off after finishes checking everything else and they will let you know right away if it is looking like a high risk but will go off after the scan to get you the actual number. (or at least that was my experience of it, every scan place is probaby a little different) Other things they check at that scan are just heart beat, size from head to bum and also head circumference and a few other bits but not much, obviously you can see if all limbs etc are there. The 18-20 week scan is a lot more indepth. ------------- 
 
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Posted By: Danaj
Date Posted: 23 September 2008 at 9:45pm
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I'm 30 and wasn't sent for one as the risks were low so i'm told.
I wouldn't stress too much about being 34 chick. Yes the risk is higher but still very low. I was told 12 weeks was fine for the scan by the tech I spoke to on the phone so i'm sure pre 13 weeks will be fine. ------------- http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wyI1oWn/"> 
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Posted By: MonicaMouse
Date Posted: 23 September 2008 at 10:37pm
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It may be, or it may not be, it all depends on bubs. Blair was a 'smidge' too short when we went in for ours, so returned 10 days later to get it done - on the plus side we were only charged for one lot of scans, and we got to see bubs an extra time early on
*by smidge I'm talking millimetres ------------- 
Blair 15/10/2007 Daniel 30/07/2009 |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 23 September 2008 at 10:41pm
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the nuchal scan is pretty basic really. it measures the fluid at the base of the babys neck and they use that along with the mothers age to give a risk assessment of downs and trisonimy 13. the sonographer wont be able to tell you probably what the result is tho, but you may get them then anyway depending on who is doing the scan.
------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: kriss
Date Posted: 24 September 2008 at 8:36am
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At 13wk3d I was too late for a nuchal scan, but was considered low risk anyway. Just make sure to book before then! GL =] ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
 Little Angel, April 10
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Posted By: emz
Date Posted: 24 September 2008 at 9:09am
| 12w2d will be fine, I went at 11 weeks, 12 weeks and 13 weeks as they couldn't get the measurements and the first one (11w) the dates were slightly out so that's why I went earlier than I should have. Still didn't get the measurement cos Jack was in a weird position (no matter what we tried!) but got to see him 3 weeks in a row which was cool, and only paid for 1! |
Posted By: Nefertiti
Date Posted: 24 September 2008 at 9:23am
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Thanks for your replys. I'll keep my booking for 12w2d and hopefully they'll find something.
Does anyone know how I find what the risk is just based on age? ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: ElfsMum
Date Posted: 24 September 2008 at 11:50am
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for me I had a 1:600 risk at 30......the risk gets higher as soon as you turn 30. ------------- Mum to two amazing boys! |
Posted By: ElfsMum
Date Posted: 24 September 2008 at 11:52am
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and my sonographer told me straight after what my assessed risk was and they told me the range was 12 weeks to 13 weeks 6 days but people do seem to get told different things.. ------------- Mum to two amazing boys! |
Posted By: Nefertiti
Date Posted: 24 September 2008 at 11:58am
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My sonographer basically said the same dates too foxxy_one.....I think up to 13w4d. I'm just paranoid and didn't want to turn up on week 13 lol.
I think I read somewhere at 34 the risk is 1:465 or something is similar ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 24 September 2008 at 12:58pm
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I found an age/risk chart on this website.
http://www.obstetrics.co.nz/nuchal-translucency.html I wouldn't go at exactly 13 weeks either. I nearly changed a flight seat once cos it was row 13.....so stupid.  -------------
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Posted By: CuriousG
Date Posted: 24 September 2008 at 1:32pm
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I was 26 and my risk was 1:55 based on the results. So looking up the age thing really wont give you an exact indication (rather a guideline) - they need to factor in everything. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Nefertiti
Date Posted: 24 September 2008 at 2:55pm
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Thanks cuppatea - thats interesting that the figures change from week 12 than at birth! I thought that by week 12, then if it was to be, it was to be IYKWIM.
CuriousG - that was quite high for 26. Can I ask if everything turned out ok? ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: CuriousG
Date Posted: 24 September 2008 at 3:53pm
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Yep, it was very high, measurement of her neck was 3.5mm. It was a stressful and scary time but I had a CVS and she was perfect. I have a beautiful, very intelligent 2.5 year old! I got to find out she was a girl at 13 weeks too. Yay!
(Turns out she just had a fat neck at that time, I blame her father)  ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Emmecat
Date Posted: 24 September 2008 at 4:32pm
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Neferiti- just curious...and tell me to mind my own beeswax if you want lol.
I know this kinda opens a can of worms but I just wonder if sometimes we can know too much or if it's good so we can 'prepare' ourselves either way! -------------   http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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....but would finding out a 'bad' result change anything for you? I'm asking because I am 34 and this is my first baby (although not my first pg! Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 24 September 2008 at 6:59pm
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Emmecat, for us the scan was to a) look at the baby and b) get the risk indication. Had we had been told we were high risk we still wouldn't have had an amnio but we would have just been a bit prepared at the birth that the chances were higher. We may have done the maternal blood serum thingy though if the results had been high risk as I think that can give you a better indication than a scan alone but I don't know much about them.
The scan can never say for sure there isn't a problem, we have a 1 in 4200 chance but we could still be that one. Only an amnio will tell you for sure and of course there are risks to having those tests. Can be a minefield trying to decide what to do  -------------
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Posted By: Nefertiti
Date Posted: 24 September 2008 at 8:08pm
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Emmecat - I couldn't possible honestly say what I would do. In the past I would have said I wouldn't continue, but now I don't think I could decide. I think I would have the amnio if the screening gave me a high chance. I also have to consider that I already have 3 children. I would definately want to know before the birth, because I feel if I found out at the birth I know I would not be able to cope.
Also, I do not have family support and also don't have friends here that could support me in such a situation so I would be totally alone if my baby did have a severe disability, and in the end I'd have to take that into consideration amongst other things. I know there are organisations that help, but they aren't there 24/7. And I know me. This has come out all wrong and hope I won't be judged for it. But in the end.....I can not honestly say what I would do :( I do hope that I don't have to make that decision though, because I already love my lil baby with all my heart. Edited for spelling. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: _Soda_
Date Posted: 24 September 2008 at 9:07pm
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hiya just lurking in here if thats ok... finding it really interesting to read all this- Im not pg as yet but we plan to start ttc from about august next year, and i hav a possibility that i carry the chromosomal abnormality for the genetic form of downs syndrome as my aunty and cousin both carry the abnormality and My aunty has one child with downs. My DH also has a sister with DS, but are unsure if it is genetic as she is 17 and we his mum was never given that info back then. We both can be tested to see if we are carriers due to family history, but have chosen not to get tested as it wont change our decision to have children so theres not really much point IMO... but i have just foind out that if i am a carrier my chance of having a child with DS could be 20%- thats not counting my age at the time of concieving ie if i wanted to ttc later in life etc... Finding thi sinfo out has made me thing twice about having nuchal scans done tho- maybe it would prepare ourselves of the possibility? but then again the tests can be wrong and make you unnessicarily worry and stress... aargh i dunno- but i do know that whatever happens the baby will be ours and will be so loved no matter what :) so its really interesting to read what others have been thru! ------------- My little miracle 6/1/2011 My angel in Heaven 9/5/14 http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 24 September 2008 at 10:38pm
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I had my scan at exactly 12 weeks...I dont really know much about the latest you can have them, but from my understanding its pretty standard that you have it at 12 weeks.. ------------- |
Posted By: kiwisj
Date Posted: 24 September 2008 at 11:33pm
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I was told to book mine between 11 - 14wks (ie 13+x days) but after some serious thinking and speaking with the doctor DH and I decided not to do the nuchal scan .. we just had a "12 wk" scan (at 11w4d) to say hello. We based our decision on my age (26) and my reluctance to terminate should there be anything wrong. That's just my own feelings and not trying to make up anyone's mind for them
Anyways, my point is that when I originally made my appointment, the clinic was happy with it being in my 12th week so I would say you'll be fine at 12w2d ------------- SJ Callum - Dec 2008 Daniel - Oct 2010 |
Posted By: AmmaS
Date Posted: 25 September 2008 at 10:06am
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Hi Tia
The nuchal scan is done between 11 and 13+ weeks. 12+ weeks is actually perfect timing. At 13 weeks they may get a better images (especially with larger ladies) but you run the risk of baby being too big for the test the closer you get to 14 weeks. If they don't get a good view at 12+ weeks they will bring you back in a week. Good luck - don't worry too much AmmaS |
Posted By: Nefertiti
Date Posted: 25 September 2008 at 10:30am
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Thanks Amma. I am a biger lady so perhaps that is why the sonographer suggested 13 weeks. I'll still go at 12w2d and if he needs me to come back, thats all good.
Oh, my name isnt Tia lol....on my first post I put TIA at the end meaning 'thanks in advance'. :) ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Katte
Date Posted: 25 September 2008 at 4:35pm
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Nefertiti - I am 37 and so I had a fairly high risk to start off with purely due to age (1:160) but after the scan it was reduced to an adjusted risk of 1:2327 which made me a low risk for chromosmal abnormality. I was 12 weeks and 6 days when I had the scan.
I thought a lot about what I would do if there was an abnormality and obviously my decision would have been based on the degree of severity of abnormality and survivability post birth. Also, I have horrible pregnancies so it would have had to have been something serious for me to terminate as I don't think I could go through another first trimester again! I just wanted to know cause, as you say, I would prefer to be prepared than find out at the birth. (which still could happen I guess).
Good luck and I know it's hard not to stress, cos I couldn't help it either, but try not to worry! ------------- 
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Posted By: AmmaS
Date Posted: 26 September 2008 at 2:42pm
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oops silly me
wrong name
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Posted By: Nefertiti
Date Posted: 26 September 2008 at 7:06pm
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My daughter had a friend come over today and when her mum picked her up we got talking. She works with severely disabled children. And she shed alot of light on the effects abdomalities have on older children, their life and their families.
Just to mention a few things: For children under 17 they can get a set amount of hours for respite care each year. This is very minimal hours. After 17, there is nothing like this for them. Unless you can pay for it. She has one girl she looks after and she is 12 but has the mental age of a 9 month old and that will never change. The parents of the children she cares for are of all ages. The youngest was only 15 when she had her baby. The severities all vary. There is one mum who had a downs baby and it was known while pregnant....she had a 2nd baby and all was fine during pregnancy but something happened at birth and now she has to disabled children. Some parents have said if they knew the severity ASWELL as what the implications this would still have in years to come, they may have made a different decision. When I think of the possiblity of having a downs baby etc, I have actually never thought past 5 years. And that was something that I only realised today! Yes, I do know the baby is for its whole life, but I hadn't really thought past a few years. So this had made me think quite abit now. Not so much as a decision, but I guess what a future would be like. Food for thought I guess :) ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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