combined test (NT scan plus a blood test)

[siany]

I had this done this morning at my 12 week scan. Just wondering if other people have been offered this as I have read that it is not avaliable at every NHS hospital.

 

[Misskeza]

Hiya,
Yes i am due to have this done at my local hospital in 3 weeks time, with my 12 week scan. I was a bit confused...is it two seperate scans?

 

[Tadpole]

I did get offered it but can't give any advice about what it is like as I declined.

But i don't think it is offered everywhere.

 

[Sherlock]

Misskeza - It's all done in one scan afaik. They date you the same time as taking the measurments etc.

Not all hospitals offer it as yet, although more and more are beginning to introduce it. Having to train people for the scans and having the equipment is the reason its not available everywhere atm.

Not sure when they do the bloods to go with the test if you have it done via the NHS. We went private and had the bloods done at 12 weeks also. Results in 3 days.

 

[siany]

The hospital i attend offers nuchal scan as a combination test (bloods taken as well) to all women. I spoke to my sister about this last night and she said this is rare as most NHS hospital do not do this. She had to go private for hers. They took a measurement from the babies neck and a blood test. They will then phone me in 3-5 days to let me know if I am in the high risk group. If i dont hear in this time frame I am in the negative group and they will send a letter. Fingers crossed. I am a bit worried due to my age (36).The hospital do this as they can then offer you a CVS.

 

[Sherlock]

I am a bit worried due to my age (36).

Aww don't worry too much. I'm 37 and PG with my first and had my Nuchal done then. My results came back with a 1-3000 plus risk, which I was more than happy about.

They only class scores that are quite low, down in the low hundreds, to be considered a possible risk and offer further testing.

My GP said to me even a 1-100 risk was still decent odds in her book. She was lovely when explaing it all to me. Quite enlightening infact.

I think for many women, they know in their mind what they wish to do with regards to their pregnancy, so knowing or not knowing makes little difference. Hence many people opting to not have a Nuchal. Even those who do, most seem to be sure of what they will do before the results come in. I was undecided, and opted to have a Nuchal and to wait and see what my results were before even considering the options and possibilities. It was a bit worrying, but I thought there was no point stressing about it till I actually knew the results and what I was facing.

 

[siany]

I think for many women, they know in their mind what they wish to do with regards to their pregnancy, so knowing or not knowing makes little difference.

Yes I agree. The results would only help me prepare and get knowledge around what this would mean for me. Its weird as before the scan I was worried about everything but now I have seen the baby and been told that all looks well, I am a lot more relaxed. I have not really worried at all that I will get a phone call telling me I am in the high risk group. I feel alot more Philosophical about it. I have been pleased that my age has not really been mentioned. My sister was always getting upset as she felt that health care professionals made a big deal that she was older (she was 35). As yet this has not been an issue with anyone I have seen.