Nuchal scan/blood tests

[Kdw01]

Hiya :)

I am 13 weeks 1 day pregnant and finally have my 12 week scan next week. Please can anyone tell me what to expect from this scan? Will I get the results of the down syndrome tests on the same day or will I have to wait?

I also haven't been offered any blood tests throughout my pregnancy yet whereas other friends of mine have had theirs already (different hospitals/counties). I'm now worried they wont let me have my scan because i havent had any blood tests and I;m not sure who else to ask.

Xxx

You need bloods on the same day as the scan.

You will get the risk results a week or two after the scan.

On what day do you have your scan booked in for as after 13+6 you won't be offered the quad screening for downs/Edwards/pateus - you'd only get a basic blood test for downs?

I'm 21 weeks and didn't do a blood test until the 12 week scan

You’ll probably have your blood test on the day of the scan and they’ll tell you when to expect your results for the Down syndrome test.

I was told that results can take 4 weeks, but if it is a high risk result, it would be given within 1 week.
I got my (low risk) result in the post a few weeks later.

Also, you don’t need to have a blood test before having a scan, so don’t worry. You do need to have a full bladder though for the scan.

Thank you so much everyone - that's reassuring :)

My scan will be on 13 weeks + 4 days so just within the time frame for the test which is lucky.

Thanks for the heads up on the full bladder - I hope it doesn't make the scan too uncomfortable! xx

Actually you shouldn't need a full bladder at that point in pregnancy - I've never had an NHS scan after 10 weeks which required one. You'll just need enough to do a small urine sample so I wouldn't drink till your busting for the loo otherwise you'll find it very uncomfortable!

Where in the UK are you OP? I recently moved to scotland and was shocked they don't do the Edwards/Patau's test here, only downs

OP, for your screening tests, you'll be scanned and a sample of blood taken. It doesn't matter that you've not had one yet. The combined results of the NT measurement (fluid at back of baby's neck), your age and levels of pregnancy hormones will be combined to give you your risk of Downs, Edwards and Patau's. If you're high risk, they aim to call you very quickly (within a week). But if low risk, they'll just send a letter. They say two or three weeks for this, but in reality it's usually much quicker.

You will have bloods done when you have the scan. You do need a full bladder for the first scan as baby is still small but you won’t need one for your 20 week scan. My letter just said try not to have a wee for 45 minutes before the scan and I drank about a pint of water. You don’t need to guzzle lots of water, but if your bladder isn’t full you may have to sit in the waiting room and drink more. Take a urine sample with you as well, much easier than trying to do one there.