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21 Weeks Pregnant, Ultrasound Done. Suggestions?
Hello,
I am 21 weeks pregnant with my second baby. I'm 28 years old and healthy. At 18 weeks I had an anatomy ultrasound which was incomplete as the baby would not turn around and the spine and posterior fossa could not be measured. At this ultrasound, the Nuchal thickness measured 6.1mm. At the follow up ultrasound at 20 weeks everything was normal including a Nuchal thickness of 5.2mm. My midwife suggested that I see a genetic counsellor. Is this warranted? I am extremely stressed out.
Thank you.
I am 21 weeks pregnant with my second baby. I'm 28 years old and healthy. At 18 weeks I had an anatomy ultrasound which was incomplete as the baby would not turn around and the spine and posterior fossa could not be measured. At this ultrasound, the Nuchal thickness measured 6.1mm. At the follow up ultrasound at 20 weeks everything was normal including a Nuchal thickness of 5.2mm. My midwife suggested that I see a genetic counsellor. Is this warranted? I am extremely stressed out.
Thank you.
Wed, 24 Apr 2013
Hello
Thanks for your query.
Normally, the nuchal thickness is measured at around 12 - 13 weeks.
18 and 20 weeks is slightly late for measuring it.
However, your value is definitely higher than normal.
You should see a genetic counsellor anyway, as you can go for further invasive testing if your pedigree and detailed evaluation so mandates.
If you are 28, and reasonably healthy, with no positive family history, there is no cause for undue stress, as it will impact your pregnancy negatively.
Also, you can consider further testing in the form of triple marker etc.
Do consult a genetic counsellor.
Take care.
Thanks for your query.
Normally, the nuchal thickness is measured at around 12 - 13 weeks.
18 and 20 weeks is slightly late for measuring it.
However, your value is definitely higher than normal.
You should see a genetic counsellor anyway, as you can go for further invasive testing if your pedigree and detailed evaluation so mandates.
If you are 28, and reasonably healthy, with no positive family history, there is no cause for undue stress, as it will impact your pregnancy negatively.
Also, you can consider further testing in the form of triple marker etc.
Do consult a genetic counsellor.
Take care.
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