Due December 2023 part 3

[Justanothercyster]

Starting a new thread as I can't see one, but if there is one please let me know! Will tag as many people as I can remember below

I received my letter in the post yesterday regarding the screening blood test. Which numbers am I meant to be looking at? I am currently 38 and will be 39 at at birth.

They try to listen to heartbeats at my trust, and it took the midwife a few mins but she found it. At 16 weeks is still very small and lots of places baby can be, so she said not to be worried if she couldn't find it. If baby is tucked right at the back, uterus pointed backwards, placenta in the way or if you have a higher BMI its all extra insulation between the heartbeat and doppler.

Individual chance at term. Basically your results personally are much better than your age related risk factors would suggest which is really good!

@RG84 I’ve never seen results presented like that but individual would seem the most relevant. It’s good you have low chance for both 😊

@FlyingHighFlyingLow thanks for advising. Its always so scary the unknown.

My 16 week appointment back in 2019, they listened to the heartbeat but not sure if anything has changed since then. I'll find out on the 3rd July.

@ThomasinaLivesHere thank you. I was debating whether to get the nipt test done as well but OH said it was fine not too. I guess it's just the worry again

My trust don't listen for heartbeat at 16 weeks either I think it's because it can be hard to find and if they can't find it they don't want to worry the women

I get pains too, the midwives say it's fine and probably round ligament pain, unless it because unbearable or there's bleeding to not worry

I've had my 16 week appointment last week, I didn't have heartbeat listened to.

@RG84 The ones in bold your individual which are good compared to average. Mine were written in a letter exactly the same as that my age related average chances were 1 in 54 I will be 43 in September so just shows how it increases rapidly after 40!
After my recent cramps and worries the EPU listened for heartbeat of little one and surprisingly they found it at 14 weeks which I'm holding onto as a good sign. But she did warn me that it's quite early to hear it and don't be alarmed if they can't. Maybe that's why they don't risk it at 16wk MW appointment causes unnecessary stress.

On the topic of heartbeats - did anyone else not get to hear their baby's heartbeat at their 12 week scan? It wasn't until afterwards when I heard about others' experiences that I realised this was a thing.

@Charlielechat I don't believe its a thing to hear the heartbeat at 12 week scan. It's to measure the baby and date and check the NT. Unless they use a doppler you wouldn't hear it on the ultrasound that early.
So no I didn't hear it.
Anyone correct me if I'm wrong.

I also didn't hear the heartbeat at my 12 week scan, the sonographer only said the baby's heart is beating at 155 but didn't physically hear it.

@Charlielechat
I didn't hear the heart beat at my scan either. I could see it on the scan but didn't hear it.

@Charlielechat no I didn't hear it at the scan. They showed us the movement of it beating though.

I didn’t hear it at my 12 week scan. I had a private at 10 weeks and was told they’re not allowed to let you hear it until you’ve had an NHS scan🤷‍♀️

I'm having a private scan next week at 16 weeks - will I be able to hear it then?

Thanks for the responses! Good to know it wasn't just me then! I was maybe expecting too much from the scan. All we found out was that there was a heartbeat and the crown-rump length. Didn't find out heart rate or get to see the baby side on at all - he/she lay with their back to us perfectly still. Hopefully get to see more at the 16 week scan!

@Charlielechat I had my 12 week scan yesterday, and same for me - saw baby's heart beating for a few seconds on the scan but didn't get to hear it, and they didn't write anything in my notes about the heart rate either.

Luckily the sonographer said all looked good with baby so far.
Now just a matter of waiting around 10 days for blood test results.

@Beans1982 that makes me feel better, thank you! People seemed so shocked when I said I didn't hear the heartbeat or anything else, which made me feel worse!

I have my quad test booked for 16 weeks, so won't know anything for quite a while either!

@Charlielechat So strange! I have heard it at all 4 of mine now and just thought it was part of the process. It’s funny how it is completely different everywhere and random, and everyone’s experience is so different!! NI vs England maybe but would think it to be standardised within England at least 🙈 says a lot really!

@smldnlove that's very interesting! I know, it's crazy how every hospital differs! Would be nice to hear it next time!

Can you believe second trimester begins this week? Where did that time go! 😱

Didn't hear the heartbeat at the 12 week scan but they did play it to use at our private 16 week scan

@Charlielechat It is wild isn’t it! I really do feel a lot better though compared to a few weeks ago, weeks 6-12 was pretty horrendous with nausea and loss of appetite. I’m now a bit more back in the world planning things to do and seeing friends which is nice. How are you feeling, have you noticed a change?

@smldnlove yeah definitely seeing a big difference in terms of nausea and appetite! I'm starting to eat meals that I haven't had since before pregnancy! Still waiting for this burst of second trimester energy though 😂

I’ve had my 16 week appointment today and they listened to the heart beat. She did have a student so one used the Doppler and the other listened to my pulse to make sure they could tell which was which. I basically get no appointments now until 28 weeks (except the scan) which seems a very long time!