Combined test - Can I tell people after the scan or should I wait for bloods?

[Archip17]

Ladies, some advice please for a first timer!

I'm 30 years old and 11+5 with my first baby. I have my combined test at Kingston (upon Thames) hospital on Tuesday. If it all looks ok at the scan with the nuchal fold test will I be able to (finally!) tell people straight afterwards, or do you think I should wait for the blood test results? I know this depends on individual choice, but I was wondering what your experiences have been, and what you've done?

I'm suppose I'm just wondering if the nuchal test usually looks ok, if that's a good indication that things will be ok with the bloods? I know waiting for the bloods won't take that much longer, but it feels like I've been hiding my pregnancy forever, and I'd really like to be able to tell family as soon as possible, and explain to friends why I've been avoiding social situations and have looked so rough...!

Sorry for rambling, I'm feeling really apprehensive about the whole combined test process. I've been scared to get too attached to this much wanted baby, in case something is wrong.

Any thoughts much appreciated!

[Flisspaps]

Its entirely up to you. You don't have to wait for either!

We had the 12w scan but not the triple test. Didn't see the point - it wouldn't have changed our minds. We told people before the scan, I was 11 weeks and DH announced it in his groom's speech, the scan wasn't until 14 weeks.

[notlettingthefearshow]

It's so hard waiting, isn't it! I told people before I got the results because there were no factors to suggest the baby would be at high risk of downs.

It is so fantastic when you do finally tell people! Enjoy!

[Crosshair]

I told people after the scan before getting the results back. Didnt even cross my mind to wait for the blood results.

I had a mc before this pregnancy, so have been trying to think more positively otherwise I'd be an anxious mess. :)

[Tangle]

For me it would be a question of what would you do if the bloods do change the risks significantly and, if that did happen, would you want people to know while you're deciding whether to go through invasive testing and waiting on the results of that?

With DC1 we told immediate family after scan, but asked them to keep it quiet until we had the results. At least one failed to do that, so with subsequent pregnancies we've kept schtum 'till we were happy for the world to know. Very much depends on your relationships and whether you'd rather have privacy or support if you do receive bad news.

Fingers crossed it's all OK for you :)

[Archip17]

Thank you all for your responses. I think I have to wait until tomorrow to make a definite decision, but after reading your responses and having a good night's sleep, I am feeling like the best course of action for me will be telling immediate friends and family after the scan and then if everything is ok, the telling the world! And if it's not, then I'll have the support of my family/close friends.

Thanks again.