NT Scans

[finallypregnant]

Can I be personal and ask why you decided to have one? I am 36 and I don't think we are going to have one done as they don't seem to be that accurate and I really don't want to go down the amnio route either. This baby has taken 3.5 years to conceive. Plus if our babe does have downs, I don't think it will be the end of the world but I'd like to know if I am thinking off the mark and I really should have it done. Would you mind sharing your thoughts/reasons with me?

Thanks so much.

First, Congratulations!!!! what wonderful news for you!!
I guess the general purpose of prenatal scans is reassurance that all is well and grwoing where it should be.
The NT scans can be quite good when done correctly but only give you a risk assessment, not anything definite. You can certainly have a scan at 12 or 13 weeks to check that the placenta is not too low etc.
and the size of the baby, your dates and all those other things. Also, regardless of anything else, it is incredible to see you baby on the scan, the heartbeat, the fingers and toes and all the other bits!! - you can also have a scan and decline the bloods and NT side, jsut like you can ask not to be told the sex of the baby at your 20 week scan.
I do understand your thoughts on DS and what you would or wouldn't do with the results and that is entirely your decision.
I do think that you are asking the right question which is not "should I have a scan?" but "what will I do with the info from the scan?" Best of luck with it all and enjoy your pregnancy!
P.S. I am 38 and expecting DC2 - I have had the NT scan as well as an early pregnancy scan, but I am one of those women who would prefer to know beforehand what is happening, any potential problems etc., but that is just me.

We had one down privately at a Nuffield Hospital cos the NHS 12 week dating scans are rubbish. We've just had DS2 (3 weeks old now) and his nhs 12 week scan took 2 minutes - honestly...2 minutes!

We went for the additional NT scan firstly to have a good look at our baby which was absolutely fab but also to get an idea of the potential risk of downs and other chromosomal abnormalities. Our reasons are very personal but we would have had the amnio and wouldn't have progressed with the pregnancy if the results had been positive for a serious abnormality. As coolmama says it really does depend on what you're going to do with the information.

there are lots of threads on this issue. congratulations and good luck with your pg
phee

Wonderful news and very happy for you.

I echo what coolmama says.

One of my friend's had bad placenta previa and it was picked up early cos she had a scan. The scan is not just to check the baby is ok, but can also see if the umbilical cord is healthy and the rest of womb 'bits'.

If you do find out the baby has Down's, you can also be prepared for its special needs.

Huge congratulations first of all. I am 38 and pregnant with my 3rd. I had the same dilemma over the NT scan and baby made the decision for me as it wouldn't get in the right position for the Dr to take the measurements!!

You have to make the decision at the end of the day but I had decided that I would rather not have the worry through the rest of the pregnancy.

Good luck

Thanks for your input everyone although I am still unclear as to why the NHS scan does not pick this up when you have your 12 week scan? I was thinking that it was just private companies trying to make money out of you and give you one more thing to worry about!

the 12 week NHS scan may include a NT check. Ours did. Not that we realised until after the event. I'd contact the ultrasound department and ask if the 12 week scan does include this before paying for one.(Sorry confused about whether you've had your 12 week scan or not). And no your not doing anything wrong in avoiding all screening tests. I wish I had. If they flag up something may be wrong, the only way to be sure is through amnio which obviously carries it's own risk and the anxiety can absolutely blight your pregnancy.

Some midwives and doctors will assume you'll have these tests and act as though you're negligent if you don't. Ignore them and enjoy your pregnancy.

Thank you.