What can they test for at 12 wks?

[PuffPants]

I didn't have any tests last time so am not very clued up on it all. Are they just testing for Down's at the 12 week scan or other conditions too? And what happens? Presumably the sonographer doesn't take the blood?

The screening is either a double or triple test to check your risk of your baby having a chromosomal anomaly. Midwife usually does blood test but not if it is a multiple pgcy as results are not accurate.

Nuchal transluceny scan checks the thickness of the nuchal fold at the back of the baby's neck and looks for other markers of Downs eg lack of nasal bone.

The combined scan and blood test results gives you a risk factor for your baby having a genetic condition. If above a certain level where you are considered high risk, you would be offered a CVS or amnio to find out definitively whether your baby does have a condition or not. There are lots of them but the main ones are things like Edwards, Patau, Turners, Downs.

Not all areas do the NT test and you may be offered a different one at 16 weeks.

Basically testing for genetic conditions but you get a 1in ???? Result rather than a definitive one.

And in my case they identified that our baby had an exomphalos - his tummy wall hasn't formed so his bowel, liver, etc were in a large mass about the size of his head where his tummy would have been.

Although I then had a traumatic pregnancy, we were able to give birth in the right hospital for immediate treatment. Our ds is now nearly 5 and just off to bed (I hope!!!)

Thanks - got my 12 week scan tomorrow and just not sure what procedure will be. Will I be sent elsewhere in the hospital for the blood test (after the sonographer has done the measurements etc)?

DH isn't keen on us having the test at all. Last time we just said no outright but somehow I am much more anxious second time round. I seem to know of far too many babies born with difficulties. Plus I'm obviously that bit older now. Half wondering though if its one of those things where the results can have you worrying needlessly.

But the likelihood of something being wrong is very low anyway. Having a check means that you know everything is ok, and if you are one of the very few then you are informed and able to be in the right place for the best help.

Consider the fact that the nt test could come back as 1 in 150 chance of having baby with downs. Fingers crossed your odds will be much lower but if you end up with high ( but not that high) odds you will be offered an amnio, the risk of which (1%) could be higher than risk of downs baby. Which is a hard choice.
So have little think about that before you have it.
I had to o elsewhere for blod test and wait around for a bit, so be prepared for that too. Best of luck.