Does anyone know if a private scan will pick up/test more than the scan done at UCH on the NHS?

[BrownPaperandString]

We had a scan at UCH a couple of days ago by a sonographer accredited by the Fetal medicine fopundation. He spent an hour on the scan and checked nasal bone, nuchal fluid, ductus venosus flow, heart valves and my bloods. We got the blood results there and then.

Our risk came back as 1 in 5 for Down's.

We are wondering whether to go privately for another scan / more bloods rather than the invasive CVS or amnio as we don't think we would terminate but just need a few questions answered and as much info as we can gather at this stage. I am 13 weeks tomorrow.

Many thanks.

I don't think another scan will be able to necessarily test for more, but a scan with a very experienced consultant might be more effective, and you'd get more information.

I know people who have gone to the Foetal medicine centre, and been very happy with the level of support there, so it might be worth enquiring with them what they would be able to do for you

Very sadly I am someone who had a very serious problem that was not picked up on not one but two NHS scans, one at one of the leading London hospitals. I went privately to the FMC where the problem was finally spotted and then was referred back to the NHS where a consultant scanned me again and confirmed the problem.

I think a scan with a very experienced consultant could be a very wise idea, even if they can only give you a little more information... and the FMC is probably the best (in my experience) and easiest place to go.

I know how hard the not knowing is and am thinking of you.