Northern Ireland 12 week scan

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Thinking ahead to 12 week scan in a few weeks time - does anyone know if Nuchal Translucency is tested via NHS in N.I./ if any abnormality screening is offered at this stage (and if not, if it can be requested?). Thanks

I don't think it's routinely done although I think you can get it privately?
Not 100% sure but I'm pretty sure we were asked if we wanted it - we didn't. We went privately for the pregnancy care due to anxiety from previous miscarriages.

There isn't a screening programme in place in NI as until very recently there was nothing they could offer you if you wished to terminate. However you can get the harmony test etc you just have to pay for it. They do check for abnormalities on scans as well and that would be pointed out to you if there was anything concerning. Just no formal nuchal measurement or blood stats not sure if you can request it though

Thanks for the replies. Had read a lot of posts on this board about it from people from the rest of the UK and had wondered whether it was the same here.

Hi im from ni and has a scan at booking appointment last week was 11+6 I said about the screening test and she said they dont do it that if I wanted it I would have to go private. Not getting seen again until 16 weeks seems all has changed since I had my last child although that was 8 years ago had booking in scan then and seen again at 13 weeks xx

No screening offered, they do bloods, urine, bp, weight and family history stuff as well as dating scan. Then if you are going to be consultant led (if they pick up something in your medical history or you’re a high bmi) you go to see the consultant that day too and they talk through things like taking aspirin for preeclampsia etc

I had my booking appt and scan at the Ulster, and the midwife got all awkward and said “Err we don’t do that here...” when I asked if the checked the NT measurement 😂.

My sister paid for the Harmony test from one of the consultants at the Ulster who does some private work.

Hi OP, the NT measurement is not offered here. I asked around a couple of places but all that is available is the Harmony test or it's equivalent at around £400. I found a forum post saying that you can request the combined test or quad test (I can never remember which one!) which I did at my 12 week scan. The doctor was a bit surprised but it was no issue at all to get the test. I went at a later date and gave bloods and within a few days I got a letter giving me a score of likelihood of Down's syndrome and spina bifida (i think). It did give me a bit of peace of mind and I'd probably do it again, though the doctor said given my age (33) and no family history of genetic abnormalities there was no real need for it. I was at the Ulster hospital.

Thanks for the replies everyone. @toomuchteaandcake that's really helpful to know. Thanks 😊

Again I got one privately from one of the consultants at the royal. About £400.