NT scan questions

[katelou]

I didn't do the NT scan last time so I am a newb. I would like to do it this time but am less motivated if I have to rearrange my life and beg one of my SAHM friends to watch my kid for the 5,000th time since starting IF testing this year.

How long does the u/s take? My kid will definitely be with me, and my husband might not. I can reasonably expect her to sit quietly for 20ish minutes, is it longer or shorter than that? I remember the anatomy scan was an hour, so if it's like that, there's no way.

Is there any vag cam portion or is it all transabdominal?

TIA!

[cavewmn]

Does your NT office allow children? For me I was told a child wasn't allowed and to have a full bladder.

[melody330]

It's all abdominal. Mine took about 90 minutes start to finish.

You do the ultrasound measurements first. The tech needs to concentrate and get the right pictures. We were not allowed to bring children to this appointment.

After that we met with the Doctor. Then we met with someone else who told us about the cell free testing and we talked to her about what that was all about.

I wouldn't bring a LO if I could help it.

[ellebelle]

I'm not doing the NT scan this time so this is all from what I remember from 4+ years ago. We had to meet with a genetic counselor first before the scan who went over what everything meant, made sure we wanted to go through the scan and would know what to do with any less than good results, and then got blood drawn. Then we went on to the scan which was abdominal. All in all, we were there for about almost two hours. I don't know if all practices make you meet with the genetic counselor at the time of the appointment however.

[katelou]

Thanks for the replies. I have seen lots of kids there, but it's possible they were all there with 2 parents. I did not think it would take so long, so clearly I will have to put some more thought into how to make it work.

[jenn83]

Through the OB we did the verify test which replaces the need for the NT scan since it tests for so much more through placental blood (just a simple blood sample). We had MFM appointment later that day and they did an NT scan. The actual NT portion where they measure the fluid took approximately 15 minutes but only because baby didn't want to be in an optimal position and the tech kept trying to get the baby to move by shaking my belly. They took other measurements as well but I don't think those are typical unless it is your first ultrasound.

I don't have any advise on bringing your LO

[lostinfaith225]

Our place strongly discouraged bringing kids.

[lovestowine]

I just had mine this week. The whole appt took one hour including registration, ultrasound and a quick meeting with the Dr. I would call the office regarding children because I know some places will not allow them.