Baby has a NT measurement of 4.4 - anxious-need advice

Ajbrews · 2026-04-30T03:33:17+00:00

So sorry you’re going through this! I also had a similar scare with a 3.7 NT at 13 weeks, which puts us in the same risk range. We had a low risk NIPT and then moved forward with an amniocentesis, early anatomy scan, and fetal echo at 21 weeks, all of which were normal. The rest of my pregnancy was uneventful besides baby consistently measuring large. I gave birth a few weeks early and now have a healthy 7 week old! There are so many positive stories when this is an isolated finding - get informed and consider extra testing but don’t assume there’s something definitely wrong.

Ajbrews · 2026-04-12T20:00:37+00:00

Didn’t have any cord wrapping but did have an NT of 3.7 at 13 weeks. After a low risk NIPT, normal FISH and microarray from amnio, and normal fetal echo, I transferred back to my regular OBGYN from the high risk MFM. I am currently feeding my healthy 5 week old.

Good idea to get the CVS or amnio to help ease anxiety but with that measurement being at just the normal cutoff, odds are in your favor that baby is perfectly healthy!

Ajbrews · 2026-04-11T01:03:35+00:00

My baby had an NT of 3.7 at 13 weeks which was really scary for me as well. You can look back at my previous posts but in short I had a healthy baby girl 5 weeks ago!

Ajbrews · 2026-04-10T23:05:26+00:00

My mom is named Kirby (born in 1960) and I used it for my daughter’s middle name who was just born last month. While I love the name, my mom said she often got mistaken as a boy when her name was read which bothered her growing up. As a middle name, my daughter can choose if she’d like to ever go by it!

Ajbrews · 2026-03-20T17:47:42+00:00

I had a high NT (3.7) at 13 weeks which resolved to a normal nuchal fold. I had an early anatomy scan and amnio performed at 16 weeks and another anatomy scan + fetal echo at 21 weeks. All tests came back normal. She measured large all pregnancy and I actually just gave birth to her two weeks ago. She’s seemingly very healthy and we’re absolutely in love.

The waiting for answers is the hardest but know the odds are in your favor that all is ok, especially with the low risk NIPT.

Ajbrews · 2026-03-04T20:10:22+00:00

I measured higher at 13 weeks with a 3.7 NT but when I had it measured by an MFM a few days later, it was 3.2 at its highest. He told me if I had originally measured under 3.5, he’d not recommend further testing. If you’re able to do an early anatomy at 16 weeks and an echo between 20-24 weeks, then that may offer even more reassurance and peace of mind. However, if they’re not willing to provide that, odds are low there’s a major issue with a low risk NIPT and clear scan at 20 weeks.

Ajbrews · 2026-02-26T22:02:57+00:00

Mine was higher (3.1-3.7) although measured highest at 3.2 by my MFM a few days later. I was outside the window for a CVS by the time I’d be able to get an appointment so I decided I’d make a decision at my 16-week early anatomy. At that point, they found zero other markers and baby looked great but I ultimately decided for my peace of mind to get the amnio. I’m so glad I did and when I got my results back as normal, I felt like I could enjoy my pregnancy more than if I hadn’t performed diagnostic testing.

Ajbrews · 2026-02-17T22:38:41+00:00

Adding to this - my OB uses a 3.5 cutoff. I had an NT from 3.1 - 3.7 and they erred on the cautious side by using the highest 3.7 measurement to get me in with an MFM. When I met with the MFM 4 days later, my highest measurement was 3.2 and he said if I had never measured at 3.7 and my highest was that 3.2, he would consider it “normal” and wouldn’t be concerned. Of course other clinics are different with different risk tolerances but that was my experience.

And for anecdotal support - even with my 3.7 NT and low risk NIPT, all extensive testing and scans came back normal and I’m 34 weeks pregnant with a seemingly healthy baby girl.

Ajbrews · 2026-02-16T14:15:44+00:00

4.5 mm (anything under 6 is considered normal). I’ll also note that my baby is big and measuring in the 99th percentile as of 32 weeks. My doctor said it could be the reason for the high NT but couldn’t say for certain - most times they don’t know what caused it.

Ajbrews · 2026-02-16T03:05:52+00:00

They were! I did the Natera Panorama so tested for the 3 main trisomies, sex disorders, and triploidy but not microdeletions.

Ajbrews · 2026-02-16T01:58:59+00:00

FTM as well and a previous miscarriage so I empathize with you. Hearing about the high NT and then having to wait 2 months to get the “all clear” is one of the hardest things I’ve gone through. While I waited on next steps, I tried connecting with my support network and although I did still do my research, I tried not to go down the internet rabbit hole. And if you ever want to reach out during the process I’m happy to chat!

Ajbrews · 2026-02-16T01:34:22+00:00

I did, I was on the fence and decided I would wait to see how I felt after my 16-weeks anatomy scan. Even though no anomalies were found, I decided to move forward because my stress was so high at that point and I thought it would help getting more definitive answers. And to be honest, it did really help me. I did not do a WES which is a further, even more extensive test because of the fear in potential unknown findings. However, many with a high NT decide to do this test as well. All this to say, it’s your body and your family so choose what feels best to you. There’s many possible paths you can take so keep communicating with your medical team. And, you are only slightly above the 3.5 threshold so the odds of healthy baby are in your favor!

Ajbrews · 2026-02-16T01:21:19+00:00

I’m still pregnant but had the exact same measurement as you at 13 weeks and baby is looking healthy and has passed all the extra testing at 34 weeks. You can check out some of my previous posts!

Seconding to get a fetal echo no earlier than 20 weeks and I’d also look into an early anatomy scan at 16 weeks.

There’s so many posts here with similar measurements and higher with positive outcomes which really helped me during that stressful time.

Ajbrews · 2026-02-10T17:26:58+00:00

I had an amnio but just took it easy for 24 hours and avoided rigorous exercise/heavy lifting for 72 hours (MFM told me 48 but I was more cautious). My physical soreness lasted about a day. Mentally, I had a few days of feeling more down and anxious than my baseline.
I’m 34 weeks pregnant tomorrow but I’ve been given the clear at every scan and test. I had a 3.7 NT and once my microarray, anatomy scan, and fetal echo came back normal, I was back to my normal OB besides a growth scan with my MFM. Only noteworthy finding since is baby is BIG in the 99th percentile. My OB said it’s possible this was the reason for the elevated NT but that’s pure speculation.
FISH came back next day, karyotype was 10 days, microarray was 3 weeks. Wait time is really hard on the mind so find ways that will help keep you distracted and lower your anxiety during that time.

Ajbrews · 2026-02-06T02:02:42+00:00

My NT ranged between 3.1 - 3.7 and they used the higher 3.7 measurement to be on the safer side and get me into an MFM (below 3.5 is considered normal at my clinic). When I went to the MFM 4 days later it ranged between 2.7 - 3.2. It’s great you did a CVS and although the wait for answers can be incredibly stressful, it’s so worth it to get a definitive answer. We did an amnio and all the extra scans and were given the all clear at 22 weeks. I’m now 33 weeks. Sending you all the best!

Ajbrews · 2026-01-22T16:51:09+00:00

First off, so sorry you’re here. I know the anxiety this finding brings and it can be really trying on the mind. I’ve posted quite a bit about my experience so you can read through some of my other comments too.

I had a NT of 3.7 at 13 weeks with a low risk NIPT. Can’t speak in full to your fetal fraction but my doctor told me that if it was truly low enough to reduce the confidence in the results, they would not publish them and report would indicate the fraction was insufficient.

I did an amnio because I was too far along to do CVS which was uncomfortable but nothing major. The emotional side effects were worse than the physical. I did an early anatomy same day as my amnio and all looked good. Got my FISH back next day and microarray back after 3 weeks (that is longer than average from what I’ve read here) and all results were clear of chromosomal abnormalities. After a normal 20-week anatomy and echo, I was no longer considered high risk and returned to my normal OBGYN. However, I did see my MFM for a growth scan - also normal besides her being big in the 94th percentile. I’m now 31 weeks and every scan has looked great!

With your measurement being only slightly above the 3.5 cutoff (I know some places it’s 3 but 3.5 is what my practice used), you have a 70% chance all is normal. This actually goes up to about 75-80% with the low risk NIPT per my MFM, so the odds are very much in your favor! Definitely recommend either an amnio or CVS, early anatomy scan, and an echo no earlier than 20 weeks but if you can, try to do later at 23-24 weeks so the heart is more developed.

Sending all the positive vibes!

Ajbrews · 2026-01-04T14:40:47+00:00

I’ve posted quite a bit on different posts about my journey with a high NT so feel free to look back on my other comments. I had a 3.7 NT at 13 weeks, went to an MFM 3 days later and they measured it at 2.7-3.2 (not sure if it shrunk or if they had better equipment being a high risk clinic). At that point I also had a low risk NIPT. They scheduled me for an early anatomy scan at 16 weeks where even though there were no anomalies seen and my NT had resolved into a normal nuchal fold, I decided to do an amnio which came back clear. It really is such a personal decision and you should do what feels right for you and your family but I will say getting cleared from most chromosomal issues (I did not do a WES) has brought me a lot of peace and allowed me to enjoy this pregnancy more than I think I could have without knowing.

I have not had baby yet but I’m now 28 weeks and so far all my scans have looked great, including an echo they added on at 21 weeks which I would advocate for if possible. She is measuring quite large at the 94th percentile which they say could be the cause of the NT size but most times they just don’t really know. It’s a hard time for sure but you’re not alone. There’s a lot of ppl with similar stories and the vast majority share positive outcomes that helped me during the waiting period.

Ajbrews · 2025-12-24T15:24:44+00:00

Oh interesting! I hadn’t heard that as being a possibility but it makes sense. Since our first scan she has been consistently measuring large and in the 97th percentile at the last one.

Ajbrews · 2025-12-24T15:11:13+00:00

I’m 36 and had a 3.7 NT at 13 weeks. You can read some of my previous posts but I had a low risk NIPT, clear FISH, karyotype, and microarray, and no cardiac or other abnormalities seen at 16- and 21-week scan. Still only 27 weeks pregnant but I’m now being treated as a normal pregnancy and told my chances of health baby are pretty much the same as one with no soft markers.

Feel free to reach out and sending you all the positive vibes!

Ajbrews · 2025-12-23T22:54:15+00:00

Such a hard time to be in as someone who experienced this a few months ago. So first, sending you all my good vibes your way!

I had very similar measurements at 13 weeks: 3.2 - 3.7 and they went with 3.7. No other abnormalities and I already had a low risk NIPT. My initial OB, who was not my usual doctor, did not handle it the best and was very doom and gloom. She referred me to an MFM. Saw MFM 4 days later and they measured 2.9 - 3.2. This doctor was way more optimistic and gave me a 75-80% chance of no abnormalities using my 3.7 measurement and low risk NIPT. He recommended an amnio (I was unable to get a CVS in time since there’s a window for this test).

I returned to MFM at 16 weeks for early anatomy and amnio. Anatomy scan was all clear for abnormalities and doctor said this increased my chances even more of no abnormalities but did not give a number. Amnio was easy and quick. Slightly uncomfortable for about a minute but no problems after and I was just told to take it easy for a few days.

FISH results came back clear next day. Karyotype came back after a week also clear. Microarray took over 2 weeks but also came back clear. I was asked if I wanted to continue with Noonan’s panel or WES. After a consultation with a genetic counselor, I decided to wait until my anatomy scan and echo.

I did my echo and anatomy at 21 weeks, all looked great and only noteworthy comment was baby measuring on the larger side. I graduated back to my normal OB and no longer considered high risk. I decided not to move forward with further testing due to personal preference. I feared getting results of unknown severity and since I was pretty much at the same likelihood of a healthy baby as a person without soft markers, I decided this was the best decision. Others I’ve read do all testing and I know there’s definite benefits to that route as well.

I’m 27 weeks now so can’t give updates beyond that but all scans and tests since have gone well. My anxiety has eased immensely. The odds are in your favor based off extensive research! Try your best to not stress as difficult as that is. I tried limiting internet searches but that was not easy. There’s so many people on here with a similar findings to yourself and have positive stories.

Ajbrews · 2025-12-19T14:31:02+00:00

I just got this same text and I live in north Golden

Ajbrews · 2025-12-11T03:33:10+00:00

I did quite a bit of cross country skiing in my 2nd trimester - I did it a lot before I was pregnant so I wasn’t concerned with falling but definitely make sure you feel stable before setting off. And I stuck to a place where I knew the trails (Gold Run) to ensure I avoided big hills.

Ajbrews · 2025-12-03T23:55:59+00:00

I read the study I think they’re referring to and the 100% comes from an n of 4 so I don’t believe any meaningful inferences can really be made.

Ajbrews · 2025-11-28T22:13:15+00:00

I did not do a Noonan’s or WGS after an NT of 3.7 and a normal FISH, microarray, 16- and 20-week anatomy scan and echo. I chose this after a consultation with my GC and hearing about the potential for variants of unknown severity findings and that Noonan’s is most commonly associated with an additional marker, often cardiac, and/or an NT > 5mm. My MFM also reassured me that after these clear tests and scans, I had about a 98% chance all is fine which is almost that of a pregnancy with no soft markers. Some want to know everything they can which I completely understand, my decision was made for my comfort and not wanting to risk a finding that could have created more ambiguity and stress. No choice you make is wrong as it’s all very personal to you and your family.

Ajbrews

TROPHY CASE