Hi Jenn I won't do the long version right now, I am too exhausted. Basically, I went for my OB appointment and the baby looks fine. The problems were:
1) During the u/s it looked as if the baby had a very noticable (large) nuchal translucency which is indicative of downs syndrome.
2) I still have a fever but do not have a UTI.
The OB wanted me to go to have the n/t today in case we elect CVS. The nuchal exam showed a highish nuchal measurement of 2.1 (or 2.2, I forget). The radiographer said 2.0 is the usual cutoff for 11 weeks (less before then) but 2.5mm is sometimes used. I am clinging to that. I am 10 weeks one day by LMP, 10 weeks 4 days by usual u/s measures but 11 weeks 1 day according to my OB and 11 weeks 3 days based on the radiology u/s. I hope that the slightly larger measures will help offset some of that higher reading. The radiographer spent a lot of time talking to me about my dates.
I had 6 blood draws:
1) Quad screen 2) CBC with diagnostics 3) Parvo (fifth's disease) 4) HPV 5) HIV 6) ???
Anyway, it was a rough day. I am so glad that the baby is well and other than the downs indicator it looked fine. They are not giving me any odds of D/S until the blood draw comes back but with that slightly elevated reading AND my advanced age I am expecting a scary result, and I think I am ready for it (not a very high one, please).
We may have amnio at 16 weeks which has a much lower risk of complications.
I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts. I am happy to hear that the baby is doing well. I am so sorry that you are now dealing with the stress of all of this, but I know how very strong you are and you will come throught all of this.
Shannon, I'm glad to hear the baby is thriving, which is the most important part! I hate that you have to be stressed out about test results, though. I'm sending low number vibes and positive thoughts your way! I'm sure the drs. are just being extra cautious and everything will be great.
Hi Carolyn Unfortunately the "confusion in dates" won't help sort this one out. The test is valid from 10.5 weeks to 13 wks 6 days. The reason for the early cutoff is the size of the embryo and the difficulty getting accurate measures on a smaller baby (since size can vary at gestation). So all the stats are "up to 11 weeks" and then "11+ etc". Since I was measuring 11 weeks 3 days on the high-def u/s that wasn't an issue. The reason for the high cutoff is that post 14 weeks the fetus naturally absorbs some of the fluid giving lower measures. Anyway, the radiographer wanted to be sure of my dates because a larger measure is okay after 11 something weeks. There is NO way I could be 11 weeks yet. I had a triggered ovulation with the RE and charted so I know I ovulated CD12 and that puts me at 10 weeks 5 days max today. Since that is exactly how I measured in all prior u/s we're running with that. However, the larger head-rump measure WILL help with the "odds" they give me.
Hi Jenn
I won't do the long version right now, I am too exhausted. Basically, I went for my OB appointment and the baby looks fine. The problems were:
1) During the u/s it looked as if the baby had a very noticable (large) nuchal translucency which is indicative of downs syndrome.
2) I still have a fever but do not have a UTI.
The OB wanted me to go to have the n/t today in case we elect CVS. The nuchal exam showed a highish nuchal measurement of 2.1 (or 2.2, I forget). The radiographer said 2.0 is the usual cutoff for 11 weeks (less before then) but 2.5mm is sometimes used. I am clinging to that. I am 10 weeks one day by LMP, 10 weeks 4 days by usual u/s measures but 11 weeks 1 day according to my OB and 11 weeks 3 days based on the radiology u/s. I hope that the slightly larger measures will help offset some of that higher reading. The radiographer spent a lot of time talking to me about my dates.
I had 6 blood draws:
1) Quad screen
2) CBC with diagnostics
3) Parvo (fifth's disease)
4) HPV
5) HIV
6) ???
Anyway, it was a rough day. I am so glad that the baby is well and other than the downs indicator it looked fine. They are not giving me any odds of D/S until the blood draw comes back but with that slightly elevated reading AND my advanced age I am expecting a scary result, and I think I am ready for it (not a very high one, please).
We may have amnio at 16 weeks which has a much lower risk of complications.
Shannon
Shannon,
I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts. I am happy to hear that the baby is doing well. I am so sorry that you are now dealing with the stress of all of this, but I know how very strong you are and you will come throught all of this.
Oh, Shannon, I'm sorry you got results that were less than ideal.
Shannon--
You're in my PPT, as well.
Shannon,
I'm happy to hear that the baby is doing ok and keeping my fingers crossed that your dates are off!!
Shannon, I'm glad to hear the baby is thriving, which is the most important part! I hate that you have to be stressed out about test results, though. I'm sending low number vibes and positive thoughts your way! I'm sure the drs. are just being extra cautious and everything will be great.
Best,
Cassi
Hi Carolyn
Unfortunately the "confusion in dates" won't help sort this one out. The test is valid from 10.5 weeks to 13 wks 6 days. The reason for the early cutoff is the size of the embryo and the difficulty getting accurate measures on a smaller baby (since size can vary at gestation). So all the stats are "up to 11 weeks" and then "11+ etc". Since I was measuring 11 weeks 3 days on the high-def u/s that wasn't an issue. The reason for the high cutoff is that post 14 weeks the fetus naturally absorbs some of the fluid giving lower measures. Anyway, the radiographer wanted to be sure of my dates because a larger measure is okay after 11 something weeks. There is NO way I could be 11 weeks yet. I had a triggered ovulation with the RE and charted so I know I ovulated CD12 and that puts me at 10 weeks 5 days max today. Since that is exactly how I measured in all prior u/s we're running with that. However, the larger head-rump measure WILL help with the "odds" they give me.
I am going to remain hopeful.
Shannon