12 week scan...what to expect?

[oldermama2021]

Hi all,
I have my 12 week scan later and I'm just wondering what to expect? I'm a bit anxious as I haven't had any of the "normal" pregnancy symptoms such as sickness...Mainly just tired and a little nausea. Trying not to over think and hope that all will be ok. Do they do any tests to check that all is ok? I've read that in some places they measure the fluid to check for downs syndrome but not sure is that everywhere? Also do you have to drink a lot before the scan? I haven't saw a midwife yet due to the new procedures but after my scan this will take bloods, weight, etc and then a few days later the booking appt will be completed over the phone. Any advice is welcome.

You need to drink about a pint of water an hour before so you've got a full bladder. During the scan they take lots of different measurements, there's a lot of clicking away, you'll get to have a look at baby and they get a photo (or a few) for you - you might have to pay for these so it's worth having cash/some change on you. Blood tests after at my local hospital - I take the opportunity to pee after the scan but before the blood tests!

Thank you @Footlooseandfancy for the advice. I'll drink some water before going got the scan...I've had a pelvic ultrasound before and has to do that. I've read that some places check for downs syndrome by checking the nt fluid...Im an older ftm just wondered what the protocol is. Hopefully I can relax a bit more when I have the scan...such a worrying time.

Might be best to ring the hospital to check as everywhere seems so different. I was sent all the information through before the scan which explained about the screening for Downs etc. I had to sign a consent form for them to do the combined screening. They take the measurements and I then had a blood test after, along with bloods and urine check that should have been done at booking in appointment. It took her ages to get the measurements needed due to baby’s position so had to walk around the block a few times and have a drink before going back.

Also I had to go with an empty bladder. As my husband wasn’t allowed in they gave me loads of photos for free and I could record a short video at the end.

Yeah they'll ask if you want the checks - they measure the NT and then you can opt for the combined blood test which looks at the risk for DS, Edwards and Patau syndromes. I'm not sure that's for all of the UK though - certainly it is in England. You normally get a letter about a week later with your risk on but I would imagine you get a call if there is a concern.

This is my second pregnancy and I've found it to be fairly brisk both times but staff friendly and explain everything to you.

Thanks @Pea1984 and @Footlooseandfancy for your help. I haven't received any letters or information..a midwife from the hospital rang with my scan appt and said they were not sending out letters due to covid. I will ask about the tests but it could be different as I live in NI and they may have different procedures. I think with the new covid guidelines I've kind of felt on my own these past three months as haven't even saw a midwife yet! Thanks again for your help.

It varies trust to trust, it may say more on your scan letter. But here’s what I experienced so far (I was 7 weeks pregnant as we went into lockdown).

• booking appointment done via phone at 10 weeks to talk about medical history and discuss if I wanted the the combined test (The one you are talking about for downs, Edwards and Patau syndrome).

The 12 week scan had three elements to it:

1. I had the scan and she asking if I wanted the NT measurement done
2. A midwife appointment where she checked bp, dipped urine and checked my bmi.
3. Bloods taken by a different nurse for everything: blood type etc.

The combined test then uses a combination of your bmi, NT measurement and info from bloods to give you a 1 out of... chance of downs or Edwards/pataus. If there isn’t a concern, you’ll get a letter within two weeks but if there is a concern they say they ring you within a week to discuss follow up tests.

I hope I’ve not missed anything there but the nhs website is pretty good for info on tests.

Also for the scans (I’ve had 4 so far), I go to the loo before I leave the house then drink half a bottle of squash in the car. If I drink it too early I’m uncomfortable plus they are sometimes running late. At 12 weeks it should be an abdominal scan but if they have to do a trans vaginal one, ask to go to the loo in between (I’ve got a low placenta (nothing to worry about) so I usually have both types of scan.

Thank you @Rainbowafterthestorm for all your help. I didn't receive a letter about the scan but I will ask at the appt if they are doing the measurement and tests for those conditions. They will do a telephone consultation after the scan to get my medical history but after the scan they will take my bloods, urine etc. I'm anxious a bit but my husband is allowed in for the scan and then has to wait in car while I get the blood tests etc done. Think I'll be happier once the scan is over and hopefully can see that everything is ok.