Nipt test for Down syndrome on nhs

[Cassieb83]

Hi ya I just wondered if anyone knows if I would get The nipt test on the nhs due to already having a son with Down syndrome? I had him when I was 23 I know you risk goes up once you already have a child with Down syndrome, I’m now pregnant again at 39 so my age isn’t on my side either? I had my booking appointment yesterday they didn’t really seem to know anything it’s quite frustrating. They did however say they would refer me to fetal medicine but they are unsure how long it would take, obviously would like the test done as early as possible x

No idea sorry @Cassieb83 but hopefully someone will be along soon who does know more

Hey, sorry I don’t know the answer but I also have a son with Down syndrome I had him at 19 and just gone on to have a daughter at 30 without Down syndrome. Did you have the blood tests at 12 weeks?

@PritiPatelsMaker thank you for your reply xx

@Kerri9 hi ya no I’m only 8 plus 3 today that’s what I’m asking if I can get the NIPT test on nhs due to the high risk? My midwife doesn’t seem to know xx

I got that test at 12 weeks, I thought everyone did anyway. Maybe it’s different depending where you live. I’m in London. I also got a few extra scans to check for any markers. Congratulations by the way!

I asked about whether this would be the case for us if we try again (after a confirmed T21 diagnosis this week) and was told it wouldn’t be offered as it would just be picked up by the normal screening but we could maybe push for a slightly quicker scan (so 11 weeks).

I got a call from midwife the other day at 11 weeks offering me one. They asked me at booking app too but they rang again to offer again.

Where I am you get offered one if the 12 weeks screening shows high likelihood. I guess it's different in different trusts. Can you Google yours and see if it says anything?

We had a TFMR years ago and in my subsequent pregnancy we weren't offered anything. However I got a high risk 12-week screening result again so was offered amnio instead.

I've been looking into this myself recently as I'm thinking of TTC at almost 38 years old, and I think at that age you're likely to get a high risk result anyway and they should offer the NIPT then. I thought that's quite a good way of doing it because most women in their late 30s and in their 40s get the high risk result, so the NIPT is pretty much guaranteed. The only thing is that if you're lucky enough to not get the high risk result then I think you would have to get a private NIPT if you want one?

I hope they offer you the test, and hope all goes well with your pregnancy.