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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Need to get nuchal scan moved earlier- how to approach?

16 replies

Missmidden · 22/12/2013 19:36

Maybe this will be easier than I think, but fear I am in for a battle and wonder if anyone has any advice, please.

I have a nuchal scan booked for Jan 8th when I will be 13 wks exactly. I know that's OK for the scan but have just read the screening info and it says it can take up to 2 wks to get the combined results. So that means if it comes back high risk (I'm 37) it will be too late for a CVS and I will have to wait til 15-16 wks for an amino.

I hate the the idea of waiting any longer than necessary, plus I have a nearly 4 year old DD who we want to tell as soon as possible, as it is already tough to hide my belly and I'm only 11 wks. The thought of having to wait until 16+ wks to tell her seems impossible. Ditto work- telling them is going to be a big deal as I've just been promoted in a very male dominated industry and I am worried about leaving it so long here too.

So who do I speak to? Scanning dept admin people presumably have no knowledge of clinical arguments, but will the midwives hold any sway? I have a consultant appt on Froday but that's leaving it a bit late to make any changes. I was told when I booked it (just over a wk ago) that they were full until w/c Jan 7th so I doubt they have a lot of empty Appts.

Sorry, this has turned into an essay! Any thoughts, please?

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Beanypip · 22/12/2013 19:51

I had to change mine because I was going on holiday that week and just rang the anti natal department where u go for all your scans. the woman asked if I was having the combined test and made sure she got me in within the correct time scale. it was really easy to do. I thought id be in with a battle but I think they are used to it. just give them a call and explain the situation im sure they will fit you in somewhere. I remember she even said if she couldnt get me in I could be scanned else where. could that be an option for you too? x

Beanypip · 22/12/2013 19:52

plus my bloods came back high and they rang me within 2 days on the friday and got me in on the Monday. so the time scale with regards to that shouldn't be a problem

Original poster

Missmidden · 22/12/2013 19:58

Thanks for your reply, Beanypip, that's really encouraging. Will try the antenatal clinic number in the morning and see how I get on. Sorry to hear yours' came back high risk but good that there was no wait- hope everything turned out OK in the end.

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Phineyj · 22/12/2013 20:02

If it's that urgent you can get it done privately - it's not that expensive and they're more flexible about times. Google, or your GP will probably be able to point you in the right direction.

Original poster

Missmidden · 22/12/2013 20:06

I had thought the same , Phiney and I know you can get the nuchal scan, but not heard of the bloods for the combined test- will check if I get nowhere with the hospital tomorrow, though.

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PuppyMummy · 22/12/2013 20:40

I have changed both my scans without any problem. the 12 week was going to be pushing over 13 so I asked for it earlier. also my 20 week clashed with a work commitment so rang and they changed that too.

no problems and neither time did they ask why...

Tomkat79 · 22/12/2013 20:43

I had to move my dates because I'd had a private scan at 8 weeks which moved me to 9, consequently the 12 week scan came thru when I'd be 13+4 and I was worried that they may not be able to measure fluid and have to re-scan etc. Just be honest with the receptionist, they moved me forward a week.

You'll know your NT measurement on the day of the scan and then my full result after bloods came back 5 days later. Your MW would let you know ASAP if high risk.

Good luck x

Original poster

Missmidden · 22/12/2013 21:03

Brilliant, thanks all for your advice, I hope I have the same straight forward experience! I feel a bit thick for not realising the problem earlier, so hope I've not left it too late to change.

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Writerwannabe83 · 22/12/2013 21:25

You will be fine. I was told that I'd get the results in two weeks time if everything was ok, but if there were any concerns they would phone me direct within 3 days. As has been said, you'll know your Nuchal fold result on the day so that may give you some inkling that everything is likely to be ok.

roweeena · 22/12/2013 22:28

I got my high risk results back in the same day - ring the midwives and check but I doubt you would be waiting 2 weeks if there was anything to worry about or needed action

PenguinsDontEatStollen · 22/12/2013 22:32

I wouldn't bank on getting high risk results within a few days. It took them almost exactly two weeks to tell me I was high risk (although thankfully everything was fine), so if your area tell you it might be two weeks, it really might be.

I had scan and bloods done privately eaily with DD2 just outside London if it comes to that. May depend where in the country you are how many clinics are available.

Jcee · 22/12/2013 22:41

I'm with Penguin, I wouldn't bank on them telling you results ASAP as they didn't call me for 2 weeks and I was high risk and then I ended up in the position in the OP, which was horrible, but all was ok in end.

I'd try and bring forward your appointment if poss or look at a private test.

Original poster

Missmidden · 23/12/2013 13:06

Thanks for your input, everyone. It was as I feared, the scanning dept is totally stacked up due to Christmas so they have nothing they can move me to, though they were sympathetic (although not to my suggestion that they swap me with someone I their 20s who stands a very low chance of being high risk!).

I am not sure there's any point haranguing the midwives as they work at the same hospital so I guess they stick to the same line. Will Google private options after work- I am in Bucks near Milton Keynes of anyone has any suggestions?

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PenguinsDontEatStollen · 23/12/2013 13:22

It would be rather unfair to bump someone's appointment for you! (though I understand you are stressing).

Am sure you will find a private option if you look around.

Is your DD actually asking questions about your bump? We didn't tell my 4 year old until after the 20 week scan and, honestly, she hadn't really taken it in. I don't think they notice 'subtle over time' changes to your body as much as you might expect.

Original poster

Missmidden · 23/12/2013 14:30

Thanks Penguin. Unfortunately my DD is very fixated on having a sibling (well only a baby sister actually!) so often asks me if there is a baby in my tummy and I hate lying to her. This pregnancy comes after a long period of secondary infertility, investigations and treatments so I really want to be able to share the good news with her.

Anyway I'm a bit less stressed now as I managed to speak to a midwife at the hospital who said they happily do CVSs up until 15 wks so at least there won't be a huge delay for further testing if I need one.

Thanks everyone else for all your thoughts.

OP posts:

PenguinsDontEatStollen · 24/12/2013 10:15

Hope you find somewhere. If you can get down to London there are good options.

You might also want to look into Harmony testing if you haven't already as it is another option to CVS/amnio. Still a statistical risk rather than a diagnosis, but far, far more accurate than nuchal and bloods. You get something like either 1/2 or 1/10,000 as your outcome I think, not numbers in between (there are threads with people who know!).

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