antenatal tests at Queen Charlotte, Hammersmith

[daluze]

Just wonder of anyone can share recent experience on antenatal testing at Queen Charlotte hospital? I had excellent care with my first baby at UCH, but now we moved to Hammersmith and living next door to Queen Charlotte's it is not practical to go to UCH, esp also having to look after a toddler. I had 1:7 risk with my first (he is fine), so quite nervous about approaching 12 weeks scan. I know scans at UCH are great and they look at more markers (similarly as in FMC), also offer non-invasive testing if the risk is higher than 1:1000. Does anyone know if the same/similar is offered at Queen Charlotte's? My booking appointment is when I am over 11 weeks, so I have no midwife to ask until then. I am weighing options of waiting for testing at Queen Charlotte's, and booking a Harmony package at FMC. Thank you!

Hi daluze. I was at QCCH for 2 pregnancies - the first baby who had a chromosomal condition (and a poor prognosis) was terminated at 18 weeks. I had DS in the birth centre in September 2013 so not 100% current.

In my experience the 12 scan is fairly basic - mostly just checking arms legs and nuchal etc. For both pregnancies we transferred 'upstairs' to the centre for fetal medicine after the 12 week scan and I was given subsequent detailled scans by consultants, although these were generally more like 14/16 weeks. Unless your current pregnancy is 'complicated' I'm not sure you'd be transferred? Maybe ask them?

For our second pregnancy we actually went to FMC for a scan (didn't do harmony as first baby's condition was very rare) and I am so pleased we did. The level of detail in the scan was definitely noticeable and it was much more reassuring.

So in short: QCCH great if a real problem but unless things have changed dramatically you won't get the detailed scan at 12 weeks and it might be worth booking in at FMC!

Hope that helps and good luck with the pregnancy!

Piz

Thanks Piz, that's very useful information. I may try calling QCCH and asking for more details, but I not sure they will give me much info in advance of the scan. My first baby had some blood flow abnormalities on 12 weeks scan, luckily everything resolved. So I'd like to have a detailed 12 weeks scan again - just in case. Although my DH actually thinks that it would have been better if we never knew about these abnormalities and would not have to worry so much. You never know what is the best...

I was at QCCH for DS1. I had DS2 at UCH.

I found UCH far better at the ante-natal stage. Like you, my booking in appointment at QC's was at 11 weeks and unfortunately my 12 week scan due around August bank holiday and they couldn't schedule a 12 week scan during the period needed for neuchal fold examinations etc. Despite arguing and begging for the scan appointment within the window, I ended up at FMC on Harley Street getting my own 12 week scan and tests/neuchal fold assessment because I was concerned about chromosomal abnormalities. I had a history of miscarriage and IVF and was nearly 35.

In short, I'd be concerned about getting a scan appointment in the period you need

Thanks MadeInChorley. That is my real concern. Despite me self-referring at 5 weeks, my booking appointment is at 11+5, and they did not book a scan! Admittedly, they may have been busier during holidays, but I see no reason to wait for a booking appointment to book a scan. At UCH they just booked everything after referral was made. I wish I could go back to UCH, but it is so not practical in terms of commuting...

Called QCCH booking line and talked to the rudest person in the world. He just said "we cannot change the date of booking appointment, we will not book a scan until after the appointment", and when I tried to explain about my history, he bluntly said, it doesn't matter, and "this conversation is over". I know I am hormonal, but that brought me to tears and I cannot even go back to the office, as that would raise questions... It really doesn't add me confidence in using QCCH... Even though I am sure that there are plenty of wonderful doctors and midwives there...

I'm sorry to hear your experience. I'd have felt the same, but the whole thing is process driven. I'd try to forget about QCCH for now go with it and book a 12wk scan at FMC if you can afford it. Results there and then and a very happy process. QCCH seems bursting at the seams and they are the London referral centre for tricky cases, complicated multiple births and ladies with FGM, so if you are a "Straightforward" case, you get forgotten. Could you swap to St Mary's Paddington or UCH?

However, I had a very good birth experience there and post natal care was brilliant so it does improve. The scans were the worst bit.

At my 20wk scan I had the rudest and most miserable/monosyllabic sonographer (it's a happy job in the main and requires articulate tact and sensitivity in difficult cases) so I didn't get her problem.

Sorry to hear that - those guys on reception are not great and they reduced me to tears once or twice too. Having said that I'm a big advocate of QCCH, once you are past the initial 'interface' there are some amazing staff. We've moved away now and I'm sad I won't be able to go back if we have another.

Agree with MadeInChorley, book a scan at FMC and take the pressure off yourself, it will make everything so much easier.

Hope you can feel less stressed and that the booking in goes well at least. Fingers crossed for you! Piz.

Thank you both for reassurance about other aspects of care. Nice to hear something positive. I could possibly transfer to UCH, but due to other issues, I also need cervical length scans every 2-3 weeks, and that would mean so much commuting and time of work... whilst I work on Hammersmith campus and could just pop out from the office to the clinic there. I am now leaning towards doing 12 weeks scan (and Harmony) at FMC, as you both suggest, and everything else at QCCH. Need to convince DH, who's first reaction was to transfer to UCH. Yhanks once more - it was very useful to hear first hand experiences.

I have booked the Harmony package at FMC. That already makes me feel calmer. I know I will still be nervous to get the results, but at least I will have the best available tests and will not need to wait in agony for CVS results if the combined screening test comes high risk. Feeling much more positive now and looking forward to seeing the heartbeat on the first scan :)

Good for you. It will be a weight off your mind that the tests and scan are going to be done within the time window. FMC is a pleasant calm environment (with polite receptionists IME ) Good luck with the Harmony tests and wishing you an enjoyable and stress free pregnancy

Oh good news, you sound much happier!! I also had cervix scans at QCCH (and a stitch at 14 weeks - pregnancy and I are not friends) and the guys at the prem clinic there are lovely and will take good care of you. Best of luck with it all, hope the scan goes well!

Just wanted to update. I had a Harmony package at FMC, and got all clear today. Even without Harmony, the detailed scan + hormones decreased my risk from 1:121 (based on age alone) to ~1:2,500! I'm still very happy we had the full package and it was a positive experience all way through. And we found out that it's a boy! I'll be so outnumbered in the house... (the first one is a boy too).
Thanks again for sharing your experiences - it was very helpful!