12w3d Appointment (NT Scan)

This morning we went back to our peri’s office for our 12-week appointment. First, we had a genetic counseling session to discuss our family histories and learn about different tests available to us (CVS, amnio, nuchal translucency [NT] scan, quad screen, etc.). We learned that twins can skew the results of the bloodwork from the NT scan, so we declined it. The lab measures certain hormones in my blood, and with a singleton, it can be assumed that a certain percentage of the hormone comes from me, and the other percentage comes from the baby. With two babies, there is no way to tell which percentage of the hormone is coming from each twin, so the chances of a false positive are more likely. We don’t want to panic over some false positive, so we decided that a quick NT scan would suffice. This was another moment in which I felt glad our embryos went through CCS testing. Sure, there is a 10% error rate possible, but that also means a 90% accuracy rate that both embryos have all chromosomes. The geneticist told us the CCS testing decreases our risk of having a baby with Down’s Syndrome at our age from 1/600 to 1/6,000. Amazing.

Next, we had an in-depth ultrasound. I asked the ultrasound tech to tell me immediately if she could see both heartbeats so I could relax a bit. When she moved the transducer over my abdomen, we could immediately see one baby moving around, and I breathed a sigh of relief when she declared both babies alive and well. The NT scan involves measuring the fat fold on the back of the neck. When there is a chromosomal issue, fluid from the baby collects here, so it is a marker for Down’s Syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities. Any number over 2 indicates that further testing is needed. This screening wasn’t even recommended for us, mostly because CCS testing was performed on our embryos, but I elected to have the fat folds measured for peace of mind. We couldn’t believe how much both babies had grown since our last in-depth ultrasound at 9w3d. They now have long legs to kick, hands and fingers, and facial profiles. We watched them kick and roll around in amazement and joy as the u/s tech was getting the measurements. Both fat folds measured in the normal range, so we were thankful to hear that. Both babies were measuring exactly the same–three days ahead at 12w6d, and Baby A’s heart rate was 158 and Baby B’s was 156. Things could not look more perfect as of right now. We received quite a few pictures, some of which I will upload soon!

I asked the u/s tech if she would be willing to venture a guess on their genders. It is way early, and the gender can either be obvious at this point or not obvious at all. We laughed when the u/s tech pulled up a live-action shot of Baby B’s butt and legs sticking up in the air. She really studied but didn’t come to a conclusive resolution. She said if she had to guess, she would say Girl. The other baby wasn’t cooperating at all, so no gender guess for him/her. We should find out at the next appointment though!

Lastly, we met quickly with the nurse practitioner to discuss my morning sickness (still present) and ask any questions we had. Then we were out of there. My next appointment is supposed to be in four weeks at around 16 weeks, but with changing jobs and health insurance companies, I may have to wait a week or two longer to make sure all of my ducks are in a row. I will also have a blood test at that point in time to rule out spina bifida.

Feeling so, so, so, so, so, so thankful today. Words are not enough to convey the happiness bubbling inside of my hubby and me. It really appears that we are having two babies. Wow! The road felt very long to us, and at times it was incredibly difficult, but now? Every day of waiting for the next step in my IVF or FET calendar, every shot jabbed into my stomach or hip, every pill swallowed and every dollar spent was one million percent worth it. I feel like I won the lottery, only better. And I thank you all for reading.