How do you get a scan in the first tri?

[longpinkamazing]

I have got my letter through for my first appoinment/ scan.

20th november... ill be 14 weeks by then poss 15.
Ill be in the second tri.
Im so scared and angry cause im high risk and i cant get a scan before.
How do you guys who have a scan so early go about it?
15weeks is way too long.

 

[Toxic_Angel]

I had my 12 week scan when i was nearly 14 week, i did have a emergency scan at 7 weeks though.
If time gets closer an your really worried just ring up local EPU an tell them you dont feel right or something an theyl book you in for emergency scan, But some places dont let you have a 12 week scan, but if yours is already booked it wont be a problem.
Hope that helps.

 

[longpinkamazing]

right, i get it now. You only have a scan earlier if its urgent?

It just seems ages away and i hate the wait!!

 

[SuziQ]

Won't that be too late to do the nucal fold test?

Why don't you call the scan department, and say you made an error on your last period.... and bring it back a week... then they'll book you in a week or 2 earlier.. and hey presto.. u'll still be only 13 weeks or something.. or is that a really immature thing to say??

Fingers crossed. Just call them and ask?
x

 

[Squiglet]

I was high risk too... genetic abnormalities, bleeding, miscarriages with my grandmother, mother and myself... also I have a Chronic illness that can complicate pregnancy, yet my "12week" appointment was for when I would have been 19weeks pregnant.

So a majority of my scans have been private, especially when I have been bleeding....

Then for the nucal fold scan and blood test... we just walked into the emergency room and demanded it because I was such a high risk case and we needed to know... My DH refused to leave until someone did it... Saying that if the baby was diagnosed as having Edwards, and I had to have a late abortion, he would sue the hospital for mental anguish... and well they caved in.

But your best bet is to go private.

 

[emma28]

I got a scan at 8 weeks cos i had a bleed........

 

[Manda&Thomas]

most people go private hun the hospital im at normaly only give out 16 week ones now i was lucky as i kicked up a fuss and got a 12 week one but i went private at 9 weeks anyways
manda xx

 

[sunnyday]

Find out what the norm is in your area - it varies dramatically across the country. If you are entitled to a 12 week scan, call them up and tell them it will be 14 weeks. Also, find out if you get the nuchal fold test, as that has to be done by the end of the 13th week otherwise its too late.

If you're not entitled to a 12 week scan and/or nuchal fold, perhaps consider going private. If you can afford it, its really worth it.

 

[Manda&Thomas]

whats a nutral fold test?
manda xx

 

[muppetmummy]

Manda: I don't think I had the nuchal fold test, where they measure the amount of skin at the back of the neck. (I think it can indicate whether your baby has a higher risk of having downs)
I think they only do it routinely on the NHS if your in your 30's and considered higher risk.

LPA: Hope you can get an earlier scan hun, 14 weeks is a long time to wait

 

[Manda&Thomas]

oh lol thats why i havent heard of it
was starting to panic then
manda xx

 

[longpinkamazing]

Worked out my dates from my last period and when i have my scan ill be 12 weeks and a bit not 14 duh! Im so dizzy lately.

I also emailed my friend from school who had her daughter at the sme hospital as me and she said thats normal to have a scan at 12+.

Thanks everyone.

 

[sunnyday]

whats a nutral fold test?
manda xx

Yes its a measurement that the sonographer takes of the amount of fluid from the back of the baby's neck. Babies with Downs tend to have more fluid than those that don't. The measurement is often combined with a blood test which gives a more accurate (but not conclusive) result.

Some areas offer this on the NHS for everyone (mine does) but other areas just offer it to women over 35 or who are high risk.

Again, some people decide to have this done privately - personal choice really.

 

[neeko_1]

i think it might depend on when you let your doctor know. i let my doctor know when i was 3 weeks i think, as soon as i found out anyway.. and i had my 13 weeks scan.

 

[neeko_1]

what does it say on your pregnancy test??

 

[nikkimitch]

at least you have an appointment and know how long you have to wait - I am 11 weeks tomorrow and still waiting for an appoinment - with 3 small children I need to organize childcare, school pick ups etc so could really know with knowing when it will be - tried phoning but i havent been allocated a date yet - also a scan too early doesnt show as much interesting stuff - friend has just had a 9 week scan - pretty much a bean - at least at 12-14 weeks it is an obvious baby shape - cant wait!!

 

[Tiggergirl]

I'll be 12 weeks on Friday and still haven't got my scan appointment through. I'm guessing it's stuck in the post somewhere and not likely to get here anytime soon judging by the strikes. I think I'll ring up tomorrow and find out.

 

[Sherlock]

Won't that be too late to do the nucal fold test?

Nuchal fold isn't always available and its an amnio at 16 weeks instead. Depends on the hospital. The one I am going to does not have an Nuchal scan so I'm having to go private for it. Had I gone to my other big hospital, I'd get the Nuchal as routine.

Old postcode lottery, but they are trying to bring the Nuchal to more hospitals I am told.

 

[oldmama]

IN NZ IT IS PRETTY GOOD. YOU CAN HAVE NO SCANS - NO TESTS - NOTHING IF YOU WANT. OR IF YOU ARE LIKE ME YOU CAN GO FOR THE WORKS.

I HAD A DATING SCAN ON TUES (8WEEKS), IF I HAD BEEN OUT WITH MY DATES THOUGH IT WAS HAVE BEEN 12 WEEKS AND AN NT SCAN (THE DOWNS SCAN). THEN AT 15 WKS I CAN HAVE BLOOD TESTS - ALSO CHECKING FOR MARKERS FOR DOWNS. THEN IF I WANT I CAN HAVE AN AMNIO.

I HAVE TOLD THE M/W THAT I WANT THE SCAN, BLOODS AND THEN IF THEY SHOW ANY MARKERS I WILL GO FOR AMNIO.

I HAVE ONE HEALTHY GIRL AND NO FAMILY HISTORY - BUT BECAUSE OF MY AGE (35) I AM BEING CAUTIOUS.

 

[timsmom]

I had my first scan a fortnight ago and was sure of my dates but they put me back 12 days so I was too early to have the bloods done. I have another scan today(12 weeks) and bloods and if they show anything up I get a Nuchal Fold and then if that comes back high I'll be offered amnio.

I worry too as I'm 36 and although we have no history in the family, I want my mind put at rest.