what's the earliest a NTD can be detected?

[pootleflump]

Just found out I'm pg (very early days) but my last baby was born with a non-survivable NTD which I was aware of since my 20 wk scan.

My consultant said that it perhaps could have been picked up by my dating scan (different hospital), but because it was my 2nd pg I was literally on and off the bed in about 20 secs - even though baby was measuring small which would have been an indication.

Anyway, I can't get in to see my doctor until next week and I wondered if anyone knows whether I'll get an early scan?

Earliest that I'm aware of is either CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) from 10 - 11 weeks (has risks tho) or the non-invasive nuchal scan at 11 - 13 weeks. Was it suggested that you up your folic acid supplement?

Yes Kerry, I've been taking 5mg folic acid for 18 months now.

Ok, just wondered, not attempting to be patronising, have had experience of folic acid being missed - one medic thinks another has talked about it and nothing gets said.

Are the consultants not prepared to talk about the available tests?

As far as I am aware, its just not possible to get a clear picture before 9 - 10 weeks, either by scan or by biochemical tests.

Tbh I thought that would be the case, hopefully they'll just spend a bit more time on measurements etc at my 12 week scan this time.

Sorry, the consultant I was talking about was from my last pg- I haven't seen anyone yet this time.

Thanks for your help.

Pootle, hope things are ok this time, but just make sure you mention to your sonographer what happened before- Sometimes all the scanning person gets told is 'dating scan' or 'reassurance scan' without ANY other details, which obviously would be relevant in your case. It'd just give them oppertunity to possibly look in more detail, but more likely, and importantly explain to you what they can (or can't!) see so you can feel confident they've had a good look for you. Actually 'doing' the scan, including having a good look can actually be very quick if your LO is co-operative, equally you can have a scan that takes ages but the sonographer can have low confidence in the findings, if your LO is being awkward (even in the early days they can try to hide!).
Hope it all works out for you this time

Thanks mumofk, I managed to see my doctor today and she said the only scan given in our area is the 20 week. She was very confident though that as I'm under the care of the 'assisted conception clinic' (needed clomid to conceive) they will give me as many scans as I'd like for my peace of mind, so that's good news.