Today we went to Kaiser in Vallejo for the 12 week Nuchal Translucency scan.
A nuchal scan (NT Procedure) is a sonographic prenatal screening scan (ultrasound) to help identify higher chances for chromosomal conditions including Down syndrome in a fetus, particularly for older women who have higher risks of such pregnancies. Increased thickness measurements are also associated with congenital heart defect. The scan is carried out at 11–13+6 weeks pregnancy and assesses the quantity of fluid collecting within the nape of the fetal neck. There are two distinct measurements – the nuchal translucency, which is measured earlier in pregnancy at the end of the first trimester, and for which there is a lower threshold for increased diameter, and the nuchal fold, which is measured towards the end of the second trimester. Fetuses with Down syndrome tend to have an increased amount of fluid around the neck. The scan may also help confirm both the accuracy of the pregnancy dates and the fetal viability. Its high definition imaging may also detect other less common chromosomal abnormalities
We were a little anxious going in to the procedure. For obvious reasons no parent wants to learn that their child has any type of birth defect! No matter what the severity is.
We learned that based on the various factors: Age, triplet pregnancy, etc… that before the NT test was performed we had the following calculated genetic risk – Trisomy 21 1:58 | Trisomy 18 1:140 | Trisomy 13 1:440
Here are the results:
- Baby A – CRL 59.6mm | NT 1.5mm | Trisomy 21 1:290 | Trisomy 18 1:425 | Trisomy 13 1:1760
- Baby B – CRL 61.4mm | NT 1.9mm | Trisomy 21 1:198 | Trisomy 18 1:425 | Trisomy 13 1:1482
- Baby C – CRL 60.1mm | NT 1.5mm | Trisomy 21 1:290 | Trisomy 18 1:425 | Trisomy 13 1:1760
The genetic lab guys were concerned about Baby B, who had a risk factor of 1 in 198 of having down-syndrome. But that doesn’t bother us in the least! Those are way better odds than 1 in 58 if you ask me!!!
During the procedure we asked if it was too soon to tell what sex the babies were. The sonographer, who had numerous years of experience in this type of work, said that she would give us her professional opinion but no guarantees. That was Good Enough for us! Judging by the results of the sonograms, it appears we are having 3 boys! 🙂 Have a look at the image above and you make the call!
I haven’t mentioned this before, but Rachel has 2 older sons – 17 & 19 years old. We have a basketball team!!!
We’re still kind of in shock and we know that there is still the possibility that (one or more) of our triplets could still be a girl(s). We’re just hoping & praying for 3 healthy babies, no matter if they are boy or girl. I would be lying if I didn’t admit to thinking of different (boy’s) names already.