12 weeks scan and screening results (combined test). I’m worried now

[Firstime1]

Hello everyone,
I’m new here and it’s my first post. I’m super worried and need a vent today :—(

27yo FTM, 14+4. I would describe myself as healthy; normal BMI (20.03).

I just got my 1st trimester screening results (combined test) and now I’m worried & sad/angry/hormonal…

#1 Annoying 12w scan.
My 12w scan was an unpleasant experience. I was examined by a trainee ultrasound technician. She seemed even more stressed than me (and I was shaking at one point).

She couldn’t get any clear pictures, she also mistook some organs once or twice (corrected by her supervisor)…

Baby wasn’t in the right position to measure NT and I was told that I might have to come back for another scan. The supervisor took over and just scolded me from not drinking more water before the scan (HG here).
Now, as far as I am aware (just from watching the monitor), baby didn’t really change the position.
I was told to leave the room and then handed a letter, which stated that NT measured 2mm (I was 12+1).

I probably should have asked where they got this measurement from.

(Irrelevant context: That was the week before Christmas when the U.K. industrial actions were about to happen. Is there a chance that it was impossible to reschedule the scan?)

#2 Upsetting results

Got the letter today.
“Down’s syndrome chances 1 chance in 499”

Which is a “lower chance”. I didn’t get any detailed blood test results etc. so don’t know where this number comes from.
I know that I should be happy that it’s in the ‘lower’ category.

HOWEVER, I am guilty of looking up other people’s results and they seem to be predominantly in thousands or ten thousands.

1:499 for a healthy 27yo just worried me.

I’m thinking about NIPT (but it is pricey).
As far as I understand, it gives more accurate odds rather than answers. Is it worth it? Alternatively, I can now wait and worry until 20w scan.

Do you have any similar experiences or pieces of advice? NIPT recommendations (South London)?
Is 1:499 worrying or am I irrational?

Happy new year everyone!

Sorry your scab experience was so terrible OP.
I've seen many people here who had very high risk results for the syndrome based on NHS testing but got much much lower risks after NIPT. I think NIPT might be worth it, just for putting your mind at rest x

*scan

Just letting you know they won't be able to do NT measurement again at 20 weeks. I had covid and missed the NT cut off by 2 days (think latest is 14 weeks) so have never been able to have it. Might be worth paying for NIPT if it puts your mind at ease.

Personally at 500-1 I would just wait for the 20 week scan - it’s much more thorough, all of my 12 week ones have been very brief.

I think those are good odds and you need not worry.

Can you get a private scan? They're usually around £60? I know the other tests were about £300-500 when I looked!

That sounds like a horrible scan, OP, I’m sorry. 2mm for NT at 12 weeks is normal and would on its own be considered low risk. Is your concern that the measurement may not be accurate and could therefore be falsely reassuring? If so, I think going for the NIPT is probably your best bet for peace of mind.

I had my NIPT at Harley Street Ultrasound.
They were amazing and went through as much anatomy as they could at that stage with us on a really detailed ultrasound too.
I think it was £550 but worth every penny.
You can’t put a price on piece of mind.

there Good results, you can pay for a nipt but chances are nothing would change the results. I scored 1 in 117 for downs and the Nhs did the nipt test which came back all clear. However I wish I had spoken to my consultant first as they said they don’t worry about anything that’s above 1 in 100.

My baby wouldn't move to the right position at my 12 week scan so I couldn't have combined screening and wasn't given an option for another scan. As far as I know they usually then take bloods at your 16 week midwife appointment and look at development at your 20 week scan as an alternative.

I'm mid-late 30s and didn't want to risk waiting as I know I'm higher risk so paid for a NIPT privately. I'm so glad I did, it was very low risk and completely reassured me. I was able to book a private NIPT through my NHS hospital for much less than private companies charge. It was around £200-250 but can't remember exactly, whereas other research had been £400-500. The only different seemed to be that I didn't get a scan as part of it, but I wasn't bothered about that. Maybe try your local hospital's website and see if they offer a private NIPT.

I'm really sorry for your experience.

I had the harmony test privately in South east London just for peace of mind (I'm 35), my combined score was 1 in 428 which was fine and low risk. It was £300 (I chose not to have the scan, just the blood test, as my scan was very thorough - I'm with Kings hospital) and came back all low risk.

It's pricey but may be worth it for your ease of mind? The results came back quickly in my experience.

DM if you want the name of the private women's health clinic I used and try not to worry (easier said than done!), it is a low risk score.

Does it help knowing that 1:500 is a 0.20% risk? I had a 'high' risk result of 1:80 at 43, paid for the NIPT and was all clear. I then had a 'low' risk aged 46, again paid for the NIPT due to my age, and got an ultra-low risk result again. If you want the reassurance, and can afford it, then have the extra test. But at 1:500, and at your age, I probably wouldn't.

I had an NIPT scan at Hey Baby in Wandsworth. They are really good! It is pricey but you can also find out the sex if you want! I had it because I have anxiety and just wanted peace of mind. Personally I think 1:500 is fine. (But I would feel exactly the same as you right now because anxiety sucks!)

Missed this part but how far along are u now??
id first pay for a private scan
my private scan lady checked NT again. I did get the feeling 2mm was really good
i dint get any blood results either dont think thats a thing unless u ring and ask?
1:499 is still low? But if i was as worried as u id pay for private ours was about £50 i had one before 12 weeks scan as mine wasnt till 13 plus 3 and i had bleeding at 11 weeks.