First scan tomorrow

[zestardust]

Hi,

I’m 13 weeks today and have my first scan tomorrow - just wondering what I can expect really?

One of my friends said she had a blood test at hers but there’s nothing on the letter about it and I’ve got a severe phobia of needles (had to be sedated for the tests at my booking appt) so I’m a bit worried about that.

It also says there’s a charge for pictures but not how much - do they send you an image online?

Sorry for all the questions, I’m so new to this!

I think it all depends where you are! I’m up in Scotland and I’ve had blood taken for the Downs Syndrome check for both my pregnancies at the first scan. (You can refuse this if you want but obviously then they can’t do the check) The area I’m in don’t charge for photos, but I know of at least one area in Scotland that do!

I'm in Essex in the UK.

I did have the blood test at the scan for the Down's, Edward's and Pautu's(?) syndrome test, as it helps determine your risk levels. However I was told I could refuse this, and am sure you can too.

As for the photos, they were given to us as we left the scan room, and were: £5 for 1, £10 for 3 or £15 for 5. We got 5 and it felt very worth it. They asked before the scan how many we wanted, and after the scan was a machine to pay for the pictures in the waiting room (though you paid after you got the photos, rather than before).

Hope this helps, and congratulations!!

Thanks both! Arghhh I wish they told you on the letter about the blood tests, I need so much time to prepare myself for them. I was a mess at the booking appt.