Late viability/nulchal scan date (booked for 14+6)

[MrsMonkeyWow]

Hi all

Just got my dates through for my scans and the viability & nulchal scan (combined where I live) has been booked for when I'm a day off 15 weeks pregnant.

I'm quite concerned and getting myself a bit worked up about this as I am over 40 so at higher risk for downs. I'm also concerned that this this is quite late if they find anything out of sorts.

Can't get through to the booking line to speak to someone further but was told over the phone when given the dates that no other appointment available.

Would you be concerned or is this fairly normal?

Thanks very much

I think that's pretty late. I thought they were supposed to happen before 14 weeks.

Mine last time was around 13 weeks and she couldn't get a good nuchal measure as ds was doing a great impression of a frog, bouncing every couple of seconds.

I asked about going back and she said there was no point because of dating and just to get the quad bloods done.

So I would be a bit concerned I think.

I'm 39 atm and it's looking increasingly likely that I'm pregnant. We've got holidays booked for weeks 11-13 so I've been panicking about the same thing.

Would a private scan be a possibility? I had a private gender scan and was thinking of getting a private scan if I am pregnant this time and there is a problem getting a NHS scan before we go away.

I was 14+3 as dated on the scan (but I thought I was a week ahead), it is really normal to have them this 'late' I was worried but actually it was lovely to see a more developed baby where everything was clear to see. They gave me scan report straight away so knew all was fine. My combined testing was done same day as scan too, got results 5 days later. Try not to worry xx

This is too late, while it is nice to see a more developed baby, the specific measurement that is taken to check the nuchal translucency has to be taken pre 14 weeks.

This is because after that time, the fluid at the back of the baby's neck (the 'translucency') starts to be reabsorbed by the lymphatic system and cannot be measured accurately.

N.b the Nuchal fold test is something completely different and happens at a later stage of pregnancy. It is not as accurate.

I'd kick up a huge fuss about this. In effect, you are being denied a NT scan which is unacceptable according to NICE's guidelines.

Good luck!

Thanks very much for your posts, I really appreciate your quick responses.

Actually managed to speak to someone and they moved me so I'll be about 13 weeks when it's done.

So relieved, thanks again for your time

I was booked in for when I should have been 13+4 but baby was measuring at 14+3 and I could only have the "quadruple" blood test after 16 weeks which only tests for Downs.

Luckily the risk came back as low and at scans since there have been no issues identified. If you are wanting the NT screening doing then I would ask to be moved much closer to the 12 week mark if possible, you never know if baby will be just those few days ahead or not.