NHS test early pregnancy

[Berrymargarita]

Hi all

I've had some chemical pregnancy in the past abroad. Now I'm back in the uk and wanted to know in early pregnancy can I request a few HCG test via the NHS to make sure it's all going well. I know I need a few 48h apart to make sure the hormone doubles. Also do they send you for progesterone and thyroid blood test?

You can buy pregnancy tests from the pound shop, you don't need the doctor to do them. I don't know about the other tests.

No.

No, you can get pregnancy tests from the supermarket and poundshop.

You can also book a private scan after 6 or so weeks if you want to.

No, we all do pregnancy tests from the shop.

Yes I know about the home tests. I mean after I have done this what does the NHS do to check the pregnacy is going OK ( vitamin levels, blood cells...) apart from 2 scans you are entitled to. The home test is not showing anything apart from pregnacy.

You can either pay for an early private scan from 6 weeks, or wait till 12 weeks to have your NHS scan, it's what we all have to do I'm afraid, by the sounds of it unless you have bleeding then the NHS won't do anything. We all have to do the waiting game regardless of our situations.

Nothing as far as I'm aware. There's not a lot of point in just monitoring an early pregnancy unless there is some treatment they are going to give. I know some countries prescribe progesterone but I'm not sure if you can get that on the NHS in pregnancy. I'm sorry to sound callous (I've had miscarriages myself) but in early pregnancy it's either going to stick or it's not. Regular monitoring won't change that.

A relative had the tests you describe, by the NHS and not long ago,, to check HCG was doubling before a scan was viable to check - however it was because of original concern re an ectopic pregnancy/bleeding, and they said they would tell if it were a chemical pregnancy, so they can do it but I'm not sure if they do it for just chemical with no other symptoms - surely can't hurt to ask?

If you have a documented history of at least 3 miscarriages you can see your GP and ask to be referred to the multiple miscarriage clinic. If their investigations warrant it, you may be prescribed progesterone to take in a future pregnancy. I have no idea if the GP would prescribe it to you in your current pregnancy without first knowing if it would actually help (ie whether low progesterone is the cause, or something else). I'd think it unlikely, but you could make an appointment to ask.

I had 3 miscarriages and I thought I was finally going to get extra care/tests but the midwife then said no because it wasn't 3 miscarriages in a row and I had living children in between. 2 of my miscarriages were missed miscarriages discovered several weeks after the babies died so it would have been a lot less physically and emotionally traumatic to have found out when it actually happened rather than 6 and 4 weeks later.

There is a blood test that comes as standard when you are about 10-14 weeks pregnant that is a full blood count and some other stuff, can't remember what. Then there is the blood test with the nuchal scan. Used to be called the triple test but I think it's called something different now.

There is nothing the NHS can do which will tell you whether any future pregnancy will have a positive outcome, you will just be wasting resource. Unless you have significant pain or bleeding there isn't need for any testing before your 12 week scan. You could opt for a private scan but after 8 weeks is best - most miscarriages occur between 6 and 8 weeks so one prior to then can give false hope.

Hi OP,
You would need to get the HCG tests done privately as unfortunately there isn't the support to it on the NHS unless you are under a recurrent miscarriage clinic or under an Early Pregnancy Unit for bleeding/pain. You could ask your GP given the previous chemicals, I think it is fairly hit and miss whether they will do it. If you look for a private gynaecologist or look at local IVF clinics in your area you will likely find someone able to do the blood tests.
There's a Facebook group for UK recurrent miscarriage which you main find helpful as it lists what tests you can get at what stage in the NHS Vs privately.
Keeping everything crossed for you.