NT Scan

Today was an exciting day for the twins and me.  They were the center of attention once again today at our Nuchal Translucency Scan (or "NT scan" for short). 

The NT scan is an in-depth u/s coupled with a blood test (my blood) to check the babies for an increased chance of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down's Syndrome.  The scan is done between 11–13w6d weeks pregnant and measures the amount of fluid behind the neck of the fetus - also known as the nuchal fold or 'the nuchal translucency'. Fetuses at risk of Down's Syndrome tend to have a higher amount of fluid around the neck.  If the measurements indicate that the babies may be at a higher risk for Down's, then the parents and their doctor have the opportunity to opt for more invasive testing such as amniocentesis or CVS.  Depending on the doctor/gestation/other factors, you are looking for a measurement of lower than 2.5-3 mm.

Well, our little superstars measured perfectly at 1.4mm.  Both of them!  Again, they looked perfect :)

Below are the pictures of the measurements taken at the base of the babies' necks.

We are 12w2d and here are today's stats:

Baby A- measured 12w3d, HR 157, NT thickness 1.4mm
Baby B- measured 12w6d, HR 163, NT thickness 1.4mm

They were absolutely precious to watch jump and dance around. Baby A was very, very low.  Baby B was very, very high, a little above my belly button!!!

I asked the tech if she could give us a guess as to what genders the babies are. She wanted to make absolutely sure that we understood that these were merely guesses because all babies can look male at this point. But, she gave us her guesses anyway. She thinks.....

Baby A is a
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GIRL!!!


And Baby B is a
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BOY!!!

Again...please let me reiterate.... THESE ARE JUST GUESSES!!!  The babies could totally prove everyone wrong at our next u/s.  So PLEASE do not go out and start buying all those cute outfits just yet!  :D

Also, the u/s tech surprised me today with a new technology that they now offer at my OB's office....

3D and 4D scans.  We were given a sneak peek of the babies in 3D.  Yes, they look kind of creepy because at this point they are still pretty skeletal.  They don't have much fat at all under their thin, translucent skin.  So, these pictures may freak you out just a little.  :)

They were so cute.  Both of them had their little hands folded up next to their faces.

Next is a video of Baby B.  Right at the end you see him stretch both arms above his head.

Here is the link to our video of today's ultrasound.  To hear what the u/s tech is saying, make sure to have your speakers on...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmxzTG0PzwE


So, for now, we wait again and I keep gestating.  LOL.  Our next appointment is just a routine check up on Sept 15.