What happens in the first scan if it's not a nuchal fold scan? (Specifically at Chester hosp)

[DitaVonCheese]

Evening :)

I have my 12 week scan next week (eep :)). They're not yet doing the nuchal fold scan in this area (annoyingly, I'm about four weeks too early for that) and my letter says that it is just a DATING scan in big capital letters. I had my scans/antenatal care in a completely different area/hospital with DD, where they did do the NF scan so I'm just wondering how this one will be different.

With DD, they spent quite a long time checking her spine, lungs, heart etc etc - tbh I was amazed at how much you could see so early on. Is this one likely to be the same, just without the NF measurement, or will it literally just be a measurement and dating scan and all over in a couple of minutes?

Hospital this time round is the Countess of Chester in case anyone has had a scan there.

Thanks for reading :)

Hello

I had my scans (and my baby!) at the Countess and yes TBH my first scan was literally a measurement, date and that was it!

Oh, that sounds a bit rubbish! The MW seemed to suggest they'd at least look for soft markers etc.

Love your name btw :)

Thanks, have just changed my user name today

I was told they looked for soft markers at the 20 week scan?

I must say I didn't really ask a lot of questions so maybe if you ask them to check things more thoroughly they will do?

Good luck anyway!

(I will just add as well that I had a very positive birth experience at the Countess - birthing pool, gas and air and very relaxed, calming midwife)

That's good to hear, thanks

I didn't have an nf scan (don't do them here). The 12 week scan was much more detailed than a quick measurement and out though. They checked lots of things. Took about 15 minutes.

My PCT is the same. They only doing dating stuff at 12 weeks. The Downs type testing they do at 20 weeks . So yesterday we went for a private NT scan. I'm 11+5weeks. It put our mind at rest. We were in there over an hour and it was very much worth the money.

I'm at Countess of Chester too, currently 36+2 with DC2. If you want an NT scan (as we did) you can have it done at the 'Wellness Centre' by Chester business park, costs £200 and you get the results there and then.

My first scan for this pregnancy felt very brief with just the dating measurement, however I know they look at other stuff routinely. With DS1 (dating scan) they found a large volume of fluid behind neck (I ended up with a CVS) and a large ovarian cyst (which was surgically removed after delivery).

Just because they don't necessarily communicate findings, it does not mean they are not checking. Do ask any questions you have.

Also note that at the 20 wk scan they did not offer to tell us the sex of the baby. We did'nt want to know but if you do, make sure you ask during the scan.

Thanks both :) I'm not particularly fussed about the NT scan as it wouldn't make a difference either way, just wondering whether I'm going to be in and out in five minutes! Looking forward to seeing LO anyway :)