12 week NT u/s normal...would you do the 20 week u/s?

[audeesmom]

I am 40 and had the NT scan at 12 weeks. My midwife has told me the results are in the normal range, although, I have not seen the results myself yet. I have had 2 normal pregnancy at 35 and 38 and am healthy with no family history of anything.

I was wondering if anyone knows if there is much more, other than more indepth, they will look at for the 20 week ultrasound or if the 12 week NT was great should I bother? Just wondering what you would do...I am weighing this heavily as I am on the fence about the safety or not of ultrasounds.

Thanks for your advice

[finnegansmom]

I'm approaching 40 as well, The 12 week nuchal is for genetic abnormalaties and the 20 week us can detect more anatomical issues (heart, lungs, etc). Things that may not be seen yet at the 12 week nuchal u/s.

I'm not in love with having a million ultrasounds but I get both. And if you are planning a homebirth I would definately get the 20 weeks level II in case something was found that may require assistance at birth.

[audeesmom]

I am planning a home birth so it would be good to weigh that in as well. Thanks for your advice.

[lillymonster]

I am doing it. I had a friend who found out her child had a cleft palate at the 20 week u/s. I feel more comfortable doing it because I like to prepare and plan for things ahead of time. And I am little worried because I haven't eaten very well and just want to look for any spinal issues and other stuff.

[MaerynPearl]

baby is nowhere near as developed at 12w as they are at 20+w... there's a lot more that can be found at the 20w (such as heart problems and spina bifida) that could go totally unseen at the 12w... so I would still do it.

[WifeofAnt]

Originally Posted by MaerynPearl

baby is nowhere near as developed at 12w as they are at 20+w... there's a lot more that can be found at the 20w (such as heart problems and spina bifida) that could go totally unseen at the 12w... so I would still do it.

They check for a whole lot more at 20 weeks than they do at 12. 20 weeks is a good time because the baby is big enough to see in detail but small enough where he/she isn't all cramped in there yet.

[CherryBomb]

Originally Posted by MaerynPearl

baby is nowhere near as developed at 12w as they are at 20+w... there's a lot more that can be found at the 20w (such as heart problems and spina bifida) that could go totally unseen at the 12w... so I would still do it.

I agree.

[kalamos23]

I would get it at 22 weeks - they will be able to see heart issues much better then. We have heart defects in my family and when we had DD, they had us do a level 2 u/s at 22 weeks vs earlier because something happens with the heart in between 20 and 22 weeks, or something like that.

[audeesmom]

Rachel, Thanks for that advice. If I do it, i'll schedule 20-21 weeks side instead of 18-20. Good to know!

[Beltane]

I skipped the 20 week ultrasound, but I did have one at 11 weeks. Other folks I knew who had a 20 week often time came out worried by something the doctor said that 'may or may not' be a future problem and I wanted to avoid that. I'm also planning a home birth.

[NoraFlood]

I would not skip the 20-week ultrasound. There are many, many things that are just too small to be clearly seen on the 12-week ultrasound.

[BlackSheepPDX]

The only US I plan for is the 20 week. As an out-of-hospital birther, I think it's particularly important for helping to be sure that our choice is a safe one, by doing our best to rule out any defects that might require immediate attention.

For our first, they did find choroid plexus cysts (pretty much meaningless as a stand alone finding), which were one of those extraneous things people complain about. For this one, they didn't find anything out of the "ordinary."

I would not rely on a 11/12 week if you feel US is a valuable tool.

[JessieBird]

Originally Posted by BlackSheepPDX

The only US I plan for is the 20 week. As an out-of-hospital birther, I think it's particularly important for helping to be sure that our choice is a safe one, by doing our best to rule out any defects that might require immediate attention.

I would not rely on a 11/12 week if you feel US is a valuable tool.

This is me too, though I also did the 12 week NT scan plus IPS bloodwork. If in a future pregnancy I decided to do only one of the two scans, it would be the 20 week one instead of the 12 weeks.

I also second the suggestion to wait till 21-22 weeks if you decide to do it. I understand that there is a huge difference in what they can see between 18/19 weeks and 21/22 weeks.

[MaerynPearl]

according to my doctor 21-24 weeks is best... ive heard of other doctors saying 24 weeks is best.

[terra-pip]

I always have the 20-22 weeks US. I want to be sure everything is looking good! I agree that sometimes women seem to be having US every time they turn around...1 is enough. I had 2 this time because I measured small and the second helped put my mind at ease. With my second child I had a couple more after his EDD. He was really late and it was keeping my OB in good spirits to see that everything was looking good.

[karen1968]

I agree with PP to get it. Most 12-week u/s are ONLY looking at the nuchal fold; they do not usually do a comprehensive scan of the baby's anatomy. And of course, baby is bigger and more developed at 20 weeks.

I am 41 (42 at delivery) and planning a home birth. We skipped the NT ultrasound this time. We are getting a scan at 18w6d (just the way the timing worked out!) to rule out placenta previa and to do what we can to make sure it is safe to birth the baby at home. Ultrasound can't rule out everything, but it gives DH and I peace of mind to have as much knowledge as possible.