Harmony test - do I still need the NHS 12 week scan?

[tacosplease]

I had a 10 week scan and blood test at the Fetal Medicine Centre this morning for the first part of the Harmony test. I go back in two weeks' time for the results and a 12 week "nuchal test".

Does this mean I should cancel my NHS 12 week scan, which is currently scheduled for two days after the next FMC appointment? Is it exactly the same procedure or does the NHS scan give you information about other things that the FMC scan doesn't?

It's probably a stupid question but I just want to be 100% sure that I won't be missing out on anything before I cancel the NHS scan!

The NHS 12 week one is the one they'll use to date your pregnancy from going forward.

Might be worth speaking to a midwife I'm not sure if your other scan would cancel out the need for it or not

Thanks Minty. The FMC said they will give me an updated due date at their 12 week scan as well, which I suppose the NHS could use going forward?

I went along to my NHS 12 week scan and they said they wouldn't bother doing any testing because the Harmony was more accurate but they did measurements for dating - regardless of private or early scans the 12 weeks NHS is what they have used for my dates moving forward.

I had a private scan and didn’t attend the NHS one. They just used my dates from the private scan.

The Harmony test does not provide information on physical defects, such as heart or brain abnormalities and spina bifida, or fetal growth. It is therefore advisable that you still have ultrasound scans at 11-13 weeks and at 20-22 weeks to examine the fetal anatomy.

fetalmedicine.com/harmony-test

OP - did you have a good experience?

I had both - all the NHS screening and the harmony. Nobody seemed bothered about my results from the harmony (which were fine) they just carried on as normal.

I asked in advance and was told I'd still need the NHS 12 week scan because they don't take private scan dates (and actually, they were two days different anyway), but that I didn't need to have the blood tests/nuchal fold measurements as the Harmony was more accurate.

@Chaosonthehorizon Yes, it's been great so far. The scan went well and the lady who did the blood test was incredibly gentle - I barely even felt the needle (and I hate injections!) Now I have the two-week wait to get the results.

Are you thinking of getting a Harmony test done?

Interesting, thanks @RubaiyatOfAnyone. So the NHS literally just checked the measurements of the baby for the due date and that was it? Perhaps I should go along anyway in that case and mention that I've already had the Harmony/nuchal test when I'm there.

The NHS early pregnancy scan at 8 and 14 weeks is a dating scan to check gestation and it also checks it’s a singleton pregnancy. As part of this scan you can also have the combined test (antenatal screening test for Down’s syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities), so yes you’d just be having the dating/confirmation of a singleton pregnancy scan if you still have the NHS one.

Broadly yes, although I'd add that they did also check the baby over as much as they are able at 12 weeks - they can also look for obvious disability (missing limbs, brain or heart beat problems, limbs of different sizes etc). Obviously it cannot be as full and complete as the 20 week scan because of the size of the foetus at that stage, but they don't just get a measurement, heartbeat and a photo and then switch the machine off. They were very thorough.

I would say, though, that I also booked the 20 week scan at the Fetal Medicine Centre (as well as having the NHS one) because I thought they were really excellent and thorough in their scans.

Thanks @RubaiyatOfAnyone. Did you have a nuchal test at the FMC as well, as part of the Harmony package? I'm also considering booking a 20 week scan there too as I've had a really good experience with them so far.

Yes, i was very impressed by their 10 and 12 week scans/tests, so i booked again for the 20 week test.

But i am a worrier, and any second opinion to calm me down seemed like a good investment
Good luck with everything!