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Original poster

First scan

15 replies

MrsMP123 · 17/07/2017 20:40

Would like to know people's thoughts about their first scan. This is my first baby and need to decide what scan we want - just a dating scan or a Dowds Syndrome, Edwards and Patau scan? What do most people go for?

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NoCapes · 17/07/2017 20:44

The tests for Downs, Edwards & Patau is a blood test, nothing to do with your scan

Original poster
MrsMP123 · 17/07/2017 20:46

Midwife told me it is done at the same time as the scan as it is a combined scan?

OP posts:
IndianaMoleWoman · 17/07/2017 20:52

I didn't ask for the screening with my first as I had no plans to abort. On reflection, this was incredibly naive - even if you wouldn't terminate, you still need to be prepared.

With my second I requested the testing as I would've terminated in certain circumstances; when it's not your first, you need to think of the impact on your other DC. I know this is a controversial opinion on a sensitive topic, but that's just my opinion.

At the scan, the baby was in an awkward position and they couldn't get the measurements. I had to go back a few weeks later for a blood test.

mortificado · 17/07/2017 20:54

The downs test is to check a measurement on the back of baby's neck during the scan. (Takes 2minutes) and was told baby's measurement was within normal limit. and I thought the other 2 were through a blood test?
Just had my scan and that's what I understood from it.

mummytooneprincess · 17/07/2017 20:55

They take bloods as part of the screening process at the same appointment as your scan (well at least they do in the area where I live), when they do the scan they also look at the foetus' neck as part of the screening process for Down's syndrome, but only if you opt to have it done it's not compulsory. Good luck x

HoneyWheeler · 17/07/2017 21:06

Yeah it's a combined screening, the Edwards and Patau bit will come from the blood test. Downs too, but they have a look at the scan for that as well the measure the nuchal fold. Unless you specifically withhold permission, they will do all of it as a matter of course. Or at least, that's what happened to me!

Oysterbabe · 17/07/2017 21:07

Some people choose not have it because they wouldn't terminate and it can cause unnecessary worry. It's not always the most accurate test and you can often get a high risk result when everything is fine.
Personally I would have terminated for Edwards or Patau at least and I wanted to know the risk.

NoCapes · 17/07/2017 21:12

Ah I forgot about the nuchal fold sorry
Part of the downs test is done through blood test aswell though isn't it?

HoneyWheeler · 17/07/2017 21:14

Yes I think all three are done through the blood test and Downs has the extra screening with the nuchal fold thing!

EekThreek · 17/07/2017 21:16

Yes @NoCapes, had mine today and the second time I've been jabbed for blood in 4 days. Wish they'd have done it at the same time as my booking bloods!

OP, I decided to have the tests. I'd rather know, and as this is DC3, we have the impact on the other two children to consider. I know, and love, three families of young children with DS and I know it can come in such varying degrees of concurrent health issues that it is definitely something we have to think carefully about this time. Especially for Edwards and Pataus.

Good luck with your scan and pregnancy Smile

eastegg · 17/07/2017 22:32

For me it's not just about whether you would terminate.

When my DS3 died in the womb at 16 weeks, as awful as it was it lessened the shock somewhat that I had had something of a 'heads up' from having the screening followed, when that showed my baby to be high risk, by CVS showing ring chromosomes. It was all down to the blood test as well because it was only the bloods that were dodgy, nothing appeared amiss on the scan itself.

I'm 38 weeks now and there's no way I wouldn't have had the screening this time, although it was terrifying!

Good luck OP.

InThisTogether · 17/07/2017 23:08

I was up for the nuchal translucency for Downs Syndrome because I thought "why not get as much info as possible" but the baby wasn't in the mood and kept turning his neck away!
So in the end I had a quad test (blood test) at 16 weeks which is for Edward's, Patau's and Downs all in one.

AnUtterIdiot · 17/07/2017 23:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

leighdinglady · 18/07/2017 20:56

The Nuchal measurement is for all chromosome problems. Including Edwards and pats. I know as unfortunately it spotted out LR Edwards syndrome. I really really
Don't understand why people wouldn't want to know if their baby had this. Edwards babies don't survive. The idea of carrying a baby, thinking it was all ok and then having a stillborn is horrific to me. We had a termination before that could happen. Devastating of course, but better than putting the baby (and us) through that

eastegg · 18/07/2017 22:38

I hear you leigh. Flowers

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