Couldn't get measurement or screening test done at 12 weeks scan (im currently 13 and a half week)

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So i am pretty angry and upset now....i was waiting for this day so long, i didn't understand why i got this scan date for so late. I know it is usually done between 12-14 weeks but i read somewhere they put closer to the 12 week mark. Well, the lady wasn't really friendly to start with, i had appointment for 1:30 but at 1:40 we been still at the waiting room. Fair enough delay and stuff .. but at 15 to 2 she already mentioned she finish soon (at 2) baby wasn't in the right way, so i had to go out for a pee, shake myself all arojnd, and baby was moving but not to the right way. I know it is happening sometimes but because of that no any tests been done, i mean for down syndrome or anything. And the thing what made me angry when she said they call me back, i expected this to maybe this or next week but she said in the next THREE OR FOUR weeks....wtf??????? Ob and obviously we had to leave before 2 so she can go home. No way for have a wee walk or something maybe the baby can move so i dont have to eait weeks again. Obviously they can't search for any syndrome that time, they gonna take blood and get other tests. But the thing is im already 13 and a half weeks pregnant so i think this things should be done asap...maybe on my due date i will now the measurements too 🙄 .... should i go to a private scan? Anyone had the same experience before? Or im just taking this personally?

What measurements are you waiting for? Is it generally how big the baby is or the nuchal screening measurements?

They couldn't get the nuchal measurements at my 12 week scan because baby was being uncooperative and was lay facing forward (we got a really scary scan photo because of this). I had to go for blood tests at around 16 weeks and they did the quad test on me then.

I wouldn't go for a private scan as the majority (window to the womb etc) aren't medical scans and are "just for fun" if that makes sense. So they wouldn't be able to give you the screening that you want.

Hope this helps to ease your mind a little bit x

When I had the tests done they told me it would take 3 weeks to get results but I had my results in 1 week and all fine. It's so frustrating as you just want to know. I would go private if you want a quicker result, sounds like they are being a bit laid back x

Did they take your blood when you came in for the scan? It’s a combined screening and the scan is mainly to see if there’s anything that don’t look right plus it measures nuchal fold (the thickness of the fluid behind baby’s neck). Did they give you the report for the scan? If so it should be on there.
The next part depends on the blood test’s results. Together with the nuchal measurement, they’ll give you the probability of T18/21/23. This comes in the post at least 2 weeks later. Or if there’s any problem they call earlier.
Call your midwife and ask about the next appointment.

Oh OP, this is my worry- my scan is at 14 weeks and if they can’t get measurements I’ll be so worried!

If I were you I’d call your midwife and explain what happened, saying you’re really concerned as there’s only a few days left to take measurements and see if they can get you booked in again soon- not a few weeks! My appointment is also scheduled for half an hour- seems like yours was half of that? Did they manage to get any measurements/did you get a scan pic etc?

I don’t think you’re overreacting but then it’s something that’s playing on my mind too so I’m probably not being objective!

(I spoke to my midwife about my concerns but she said it’s fine because the tests can be done 14+1- not helpful as I doubt I’d get a rescan next day if needed...!)

Do you mean they couldn't get a NT measurement for the first trimester screening. They can do the quad test from 16 weeks which does give a risk for Downs but not trisomy 13 and 18.
You might be better paying for private NIPT screening if you are worried.

Did they called you back for an extra scan? Because the lady told me i have to go back...otherwise she said everything looks a way it should be, wich is good. She needed measurements for calculating the due date, (long story why but the midwife only give me a roughly date) and i meant to be tested for down, edward syndrome too, but couldn't happened.
It is actually helped, im less worried now :)

Thanks for all the comments!

I only had the ultrasound nothing else. No blood taken now no anything. My blood was taken at 9 weeks when i saw my midwife first. It meant to be now again i think for tests but the lady after couldn't get what she needed she was rushing home... so apart from an ultrasound pics i don't have any information about the baby

Just want to clarify. It sounds like the sonographer didn’t do measurements for predicted due date (which should be completed at the “12” week scan if possible) and they were unable to do the nuchal measurements? You should have had bloods taken at this scan as well, for the combined test but perhaps because they couldn’t do the measurements they felt there was no need?

It sounds as if they are planning to skip trying to get the measurements within the 12-14 week period and do them later along with the quadruple test. I second what previous posters have said and I would contact your midwife. If nothing else she should be able to explain what is happening.

If I’m honest it sounds like you had a pretty unprofessional experience. I’m surprised there weren’t other members of staff who would cover for your sonographer, especially if they were running behind schedule.

Anyway, best of luck with everything.

It sounds like your baby wasn't in the right position for the sonographer to get the crown rump length, which before 14 weeks is the measurement used to give an EDD. They therefore wouldn't have been able to do the measurement for the combine screening for Down's, Edwards or Patau's syndromes, hence why no blood test was taken.

You'll be offered another scan in 2-4 weeks to date the pregnancy. They'll use the baby's head circumference at the second trimester scan to give you your baby's EDD. You'll be offered the second trimester screening test if you want the screening for Down's syndrome but it'll need to be after the scan because they'll need the EDD to analyse the results properly.

I'm in exactly the same situation as you. Had my scan last week at around 13+4. It's slightly frustrating I suppose, but it means we'll get an extra scan mid second trimester. Nothing the sonographer can do if baby's not in the right position (I had to jump and wriggle around too but to no avail) - it's just the way the baby's lying. Their criteria for being able to get a proper CRL measurement are quite strict so if the baby's in the wrong position they just have to bring you back at around 16 weeks.

Similar happened to me. Booking in around 8 weeks, then had my '12 week scan at what should have been 14+1. I queried it as it seemed too late, but they said don't worry, it'll be fine.

Well, I had a fever the day I was meant to get the scan '14+1'. Had to wait until I had a negative covid test and the fitted mr in the next week, where they dated me even further ahead (somehow I got pregnant before I had sex that cycle, apparently?). So my original '12 week scan' I would have been way too far ahead anyway.

Ended up having the quad test. Still not very happy that they booked my original scan for too late anyway...

At my trust they operate a ‘twice on the table’ rule for the NT scan meaning during the appointment they will attempt once, get you to move around if they can’t get the measurements then attempt again. If they are unable to on both occasions which isn’t uncommon then they will recall you for the quad test at 15/16 weeks. Which tests for Down syndrome using the head circumference and a sample of your blood so although frustrating you couldn’t get the test done, sounds pretty standard. You could pu for a private NIPT if you have concerns, but try not to worry, a lot of babies don’t want to play ball!

Thank you all for the kind comments, and who shared the same experience with me, after reading these im more relaxed and less angry now. The thing made me furious when she mentioned the 3-4 weeks time waiting, but i really hope this will be sooner. I couldn't reach the midwife so i texted her what happened in a nutshell and asked her to call me back so we can speak about my concerns. I really hope too next time won't be the same person on the scan..😅 now i just thinking about this on the way, i got an extra chance to see the baby. :)

Ps. Sorry for the spelling mistakes..can't write properly if im angry 😅 thanks again for everyone! Xxx

Hi OP. Exactly the same thing happened to me. The reason you have to wait 3/4 weeks is so that the babies head will be big enough to take the circumference and date the pregnancy that way. Try not to be furious, it's just the system. Think of it this way you get another opportunity to see your little baby for free on the NHS, where most people have nothing from 12 all the way to 20 weeks!

Just a wee update: had a chat with my midwife, and im so glad i messaged her! Yesterday i saw in my maternity notes app, they booked my 20 weeks scan, but nothing about this extra one. My midwife said, they actually just skipped to get my extra appointment.. so she organised it. 😌 i need to go to another town's hospital, and now i saw in the app i got 2 extra appoinment 😂 i don't now what for they never put the subject there. I guess a letter will coming anyway, but until then i have to go the midwife too so i can ask what is the 2 dates for 😆 one just before i turn 17 weeks, and the next a week later. It could be possible they separated the scan and the blood test? 🤔