After the Follow-Up Scan: Deciding What Comes Next
In my most recent post, I mentioned that after receiving a reassuring result from a NIPT test, I was then told, following my 13-week scan, that there was an increased risk of atypical aneuploidy. Aneuploidy refers to an atypical number of chromosomes in a cell.
Just to give a quick overview, the non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a screening test for certain genetic health conditions. I completed this test, and my results came back as low risk for chromosomal conditions. However, after the results from the 13-week scan, I was back at square one.
My doctor suggested an additional scan to look into this further. She submitted a referral to the Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit, and I was booked in three weeks later.
When I arrived at my appointment that day, I realised I had taken myself to the wrong hospital. So it all started off well. Luckily, the correct hospital was only a 15-minute walk away. I arrived flustered, but on time. Knowing my occasional knack for mishaps, I usually give myself a bit of buffer time just in case.
The wait was nearly an hour. Fortunately, I came prepared with my new favourite word game on my phone. With all the time I spend in waiting rooms these days, I’ve become quite good at it.
Sitting in the waiting area, I found myself scanning the room. I don’t often come across many pregnant women in my day-to-day, so it was interesting to see so many women at different stages of pregnancy. I wondered what their stories were — had any of them gone through IVF? Was this their first baby? As my thoughts drifted, it suddenly occurred to me that I appeared to be the only person there without a partner.
I don’t often sit and think about what this would be like with a partner. It has crossed my mind occasionally, but it isn’t something I dwell on. I feel comfortable with my decision to pursue motherhood on my own. But sitting there, in that moment, I found myself reflecting on what that experience might have been like.
My thoughts briefly went to previous relationships — what it might have looked like to build a family with any of those partners. I didn’t stay with those thoughts for long. It didn’t take much to realise that those paths wouldn’t have been right for me. It’s interesting how small moments like this — sitting in a waiting room — can have your mind drifting off into all sorts of thoughts. But those thoughts did leave me feeling settled in my decision.
And while I am doing this on my own, I do have a strong support person in my Mum. So when the time comes — day three of no sleep, baby crying, me crying — I know I won’t be doing it entirely alone. Poor Mum.
Anyway, back to the scan — I digress. After about an hour, my name was called. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect during the scan. I assumed I would receive a clear answer regarding the increased risk of atypical aneuploidy previously raised. Instead, I was told that the general markers they assess — including growth — looked fine. The sonographer said there wasn’t anything that stood out as a concern.
However, she explained that for more definitive reassurance, I could consider having an amniocentesis. This is an invasive prenatal procedure that can confirm whether a baby has a genetic condition.
I decided not to proceed with further testing. While amniocentesis is generally safe, it does carry a small risk of pregnancy loss. Given everything that had already happened, I wasn’t comfortable taking that risk. At that point, I was 18 weeks pregnant, and it would not have changed my decision to continue the pregnancy.
This is a very personal choice, and everyone will approach it differently. For me, this felt like the right place to stop.
That decision was reinforced on the drive home while speaking with my Mum. She said, “She’s here now. You’ve had a couple of tests already. If something comes up later, we’ll manage.”
So, I’ve decided to stop further testing and move forward from here.
Separate from the scan, I mentioned in my previous post that I had been prescribed aspirin to help prevent or reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, as I had been identified as high risk.
After taking my first dose, I noticed some hives on my face. I already knew I was allergic to ibuprofen, and when I mentioned this to my doctor, she explained that they are in the same family.
I stopped taking the aspirin initially. A couple of weeks later, I decided to try again. I wasn’t entirely convinced it had been the aspirin — I have a small dog that sheds quite a bit, and I thought perhaps something else had triggered the reaction.
This time, I noticed a slight itch on my face, but nothing more. So I continued taking half a tablet each evening for the next couple of weeks.
My doctor had warned me that continuing to take something you are allergic to doesn’t improve over time and can lead to a more significant reaction. But I was focused on trying to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia.
The slight itch turned out to be the calm before the storm.
A couple of weeks later, I developed a significant rash across my face and down my neck. It has now been several days, and it is still there. I look amazing.
So that has been a reminder to listen to my body — and my doctor.
That is where things are at for now. My next appointment will be the 20-week scan.
If you are interested in finding out more about Prenatal screening, visit Pregnancy, Birth and Baby.
