NHS genetic screening measurements failure

[ASmith88]

Hi

We've just had our 12 week scan and the sonographer was unable to get the measurements needed for the genetic screening. I was in there about 20mins in all sorts of positions, walked up and down the halls, wriggled around but still not able to get baby in the right position.
She booked me in for blood tests at 14 weeks instead.
Has this happened to anyone else? I'm worried that she couldn't get mesurements because there is something wrong.

It happens a lot, please don't worry! They're so small at this gestation that they can hide very well making measurement taking really hard. Rest your mind and try to relax before your next scan.

I don’t think you should be concerned, it might be that they’re just not very skilled at 12 week scans! (There’s a shortage of radiographers in the U.K.) You’re booked in for more tests so you’ll be a bit more informed about the health of your baby soon.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions at your appointment, and try not to let your imagination run away with you too much. I know it’s difficult.

I had to go back for a second scan to get my measurements as they couldn’t get them the first time. I had a scan and the blood test a week after the first scan. I now have a healthy baby boy. It is not an indication of a problem at all. Sometimes they just aren’t in a good position. Please don’t worry.

Oh this is so common! Happened to me in my last pregnancy and to a couple of my friends. Doesn’t mean anything is wrong, just means you’ll have the quadruple blood test rather than the combined screening. Will still give you an overview of risk etc. :)

This happened to me - baby just wouldn't cooperate! I had the quad test at 14 weeks and the results came back low risk.

Not at 12 weeks but this happened to me at my anomaly scan at 20 weeks so I had to go back a few weeks later.
It's not ideal for the screening but there is an alternative test they can do so I wouldn't worry about it.

This happened to me at both the 12 and 20 week scans.

12 weeks - Baby was performing a tumbling routine at the first attempt, so couldn't get the measurements. Twenty minutes, an empty bladder and some jumping jacks later, I returned for a second attempt. She'd now fallen asleep at just the wrong angle and again, couldn't get the measurements. Had the Quad test at 16 weeks and came back low risk for Downs.

20 weeks - The little minx wouldn't let the sonographer get the heart measurements. Tried again a week or so later, asleep with arm over heart. One hour later, a very long walk, breakfast and a fizzy, caffeinated beverage later, she was in the perfect position and everything was finally ticked off.

Fortunately she co-operated for all the growth scans after that.

Honestly don't worry. It's quite common, though somehow you never hear about it before the scan. It does suck you only get the result for Downs, but if you have the money, there's always the Harmony/NIPT tests you can have done privately.

I had to go for a walk, eat something sweet and have a cold drink at my 20-week scan because they couldn't see the heart properly. Fortunately DS had shifted when I went back. I imagine it's the same with the 12-week scan. They would tell you if they thought there was something wrong, really! Try not to worry!

Thanks so much ladies, makes me feel a lot better. Baby was wriggling around and everything else looked fine so think it's just me being overly anxious as this is our rainbow baby.