16 Week Antenatal Check

[Enaj30]

Hi All

I have my 16 check tomorrow at the GP's with the midwife and just wondered what it entailed? Thanks in advance! x

Take a urine sample with you, they will probably want to dip test your wee.

If you've had bloods for the quad test, they should briefly discuss the results with you. They usually also test blood pressure. My mw was also very clear about the purpose/what to expect in the anomaly scan at 20 weeks at this appointment, which was really useful for me! Don't forget to go armed with any questions/worries you have written down on a piece of paper

Thanks Twiglet, is the quad test the test for downs? I had some bloods done at my 12 week scan so assume it'll be something to do with that, though I have had a letter with my results? Sorry if I sound silly, I am a first time mum so not done this before! x

They'll tell you the results of the blood tests that were done following your 12 week appointment, do a dip test on the urine sample you need to bring with you and possibly measure your bump (although for me they didn't start this until later). other than that, it's a quick verbal check that everything is ok with you and you'll be on your way :)

Sorry, the quad test is the blood test for indicators of chromosomal abnormalities, yes! They combine the results with your NT measurement from the scan to get your Downs risk factor if you're in England, but it also tests for several other conditions. Your mw should be able to tell you what the results on your letter mean, if you wanted her to clarify anything

Very unlikely to measure your bump at this stage! As CuttingOut has stated, they tend to start this much later as results are unreliable to the point of irrelevancy at your stage.

Midwife should hear for the heartbeat at your 16 week check. That's really lovely :-) I had mine last week x

Ah lovely, thanks for all your replies! x

I don't think everyone has the Quad test for abnormalities? I had to have that separately after my 12 week scan as baby didn't lie correctly to get the nuchal Fold measurement, it wasn't included in the first round of general blood tests and I think you have to ask to get it? I may be wrong but I wouldn't have had it if they'd got the measurements at the scan. Bump measuring won't happen until 25 weeks. The wait between 16 weeks and 25 week appointments seems massive as the 20 week scan is just that, a medical scan. So ask any questions you have but at 16 weeks there won't be a lot they will do regarding baby as still early days in pregnancy terms, as much as it seems like a lifetime when you're in it!

My MW didn't measure the bump, but examined my stomach to make sure my womb was vaguely where it was meant to be. The MW may also listen for the baby's heart beat. (But don't panic if she can't find it yet)

This is what they should be doing:
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg62/chapter/appendix-d-antenatal-appointments-schedule-and-content

Redling, you can opt out of the testing if you wish to. They should ask you whether you want it or not before taking bloods, but I believe it is offered as standard screening from the NHS. In Wales, for example, you only get the bloods tested, you are not offered the NT test. In England, they operate combined testing.

Can't believe I forgot about the heartbeat! Yes, they should also listen for that at this stage, though as above, don't panic if they don't find it yet. Sometimes baby just doesn't want to play ball