Northern Ireland - Down’s syndrome screening

7 replies

El91 · 27/01/2022 20:23

Hi everyone 😊
I’m just wondering if anyone else on here is from Northern Ireland and can help.
I know in NI they don’t routinely do the screening for downs etc at the 12 week scan due to the abortion laws here, but would they check for any of the markers such as nasal bone or NT measurements etc at the 20 week scan?

I’m a first time mum and I’m stressing about absolutely everything. I was told everything looked fine at my 20 week scan but for some reason I’m still worried. If they don’t check for these things at the 12 week scan due to abortion laws then surely they wouldn’t check at 20 weeks either?

OP posts:

Atla · 27/01/2022 20:28

Hiya, no they don't as far as I know (my youngest DD is nearly 6 so check current policy in your trust). You can get a private scan though - my friend has a sibling with downs syndrome and paid privately for screening.

JourneyToParenthood · 27/01/2022 20:38

@El91

Hi everyone 😊 I’m just wondering if anyone else on here is from Northern Ireland and can help. I know in NI they don’t routinely do the screening for downs etc at the 12 week scan due to the abortion laws here, but would they check for any of the markers such as nasal bone or NT measurements etc at the 20 week scan?

Hello! I would ask if you are particularly worried. I didn't have any screening tests but when I queried it with the MW her response sounded like they would offer the test if you specifically requested it or were high risk. If not, you can go privately.

Original poster

El91 · 27/01/2022 20:44

I was given a leaflet about it at my first appointment but the midwife basically brushed it off when I asked about it and told me I didn’t need it so I didn’t push for it.
Just seems ridiculous that you have to wait til birth to find out and have no time to prepare/research etc 🙈

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TowerStork · 28/01/2022 08:52

I'm in southern Ireland so laws are a bit different but just because you can't terminate on the grounds of DS doesn't mean you can't find out. There's no law against that. Screening for DS isn't offered in public hospitals in southern Ireland either but you can do it privately. I was considering it because I wanted to be able to plan ahead, but decided not to bother in the end. I see there are private hospitals in Belfast that too do.

QueenLagertha · 28/01/2022 12:16

I recall getting a leaflet about the 20 week scan explaining about all the conditions they are likely to pick up on with a percentage likelihood of doing so? I think it said 60% of DS cases are noticed.

Original poster

El91 · 28/01/2022 12:46

@QueenLagertha

On the leaflet I have DS isn’t even on the list of conditions that be detected.

Unfortunately I can’t afford to go private to get the tests done.
I don’t know why I’m stressing about this all of a sudden, my anxiety had settled a bit after I was told everything was fine at my 20 week scan but since finding out they basically don’t even look for DS because of abortion laws I can’t help but stress 😫

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Tinkles78 · 28/01/2022 15:40

I'm in NI and just got my booking appointment through with a few leaflets and things. One of them said that screening for Down's syndrome was available and would be offered with a discussion with the midwife.

I don't remember this from my first pregnancy 3 years ago but the abortion laws have changed since then haven't they!

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