NIPT test without ultrasound

[hm8688]

I'm 13 weeks pregnant and have had a NIPT blood test (waiting for results). I now need to decide whether to have the first-trimester screening ultrasound as well (I live in Germany so the blood test is offered free at your gynaecologist but you have to book privately for the screening ultrasound).

Are there any advantages / disadvantages to only having the blood test and not the ultrasound as well? Is it best to do both?

Any advice would be really welcome!

Have you had any ultrasound? They can’t usually see loads on a first trimester scan but it does at least give some reassurance that you can see the basics. I had a NIPT done and told them when I had my NHS scan. They still checked things over and just skipped measuring nuchal fold as they said NIPT superseded anything they could do there.

I would, it will tell you if baby is measuring on track etc, the NIPT doesn’t do that. I’m surprised it wasn’t done before the NIPT! Hope it goes well for you.

Hi thanks for the responses! I've had the standard ultrasounds at my gynaecologist, but this would be a more detailed ultrasound that would measure the nuchal translucency (I think that is the phrase!) to check for any development issues. In Germany it is called the first trimester screening and it is paid for additional, so not part of the routine ultrasounds.

@hm8688 can your gynaecologist not give you a referral for the first trimester screening? I've had it twice, so worthwhile since they have so much better equipment and you see so much more. But I'm a fan of the more tests and more knowledge the better!
I think they have to give a reason for the referral z maybe that's why it's not free for you? Mine was due to age 🤣 But I would have paid for it if not. Got some great pictures!