NIPT test - firstScan/Window to the Womb

[Chocolateeggsarebetterthannormalchocolate]

Hello.

I posted earlier about my 12 week scan today and am just researching the NIPT test more. My 12 week scan was today (actually 13w1) and they couldn't measure NT due to baby position and my BMI 🫠

Would you personally pay for a NIPT in my case? If so, one that just tests for the 3 Syndromes or pay £27 more for more anomaly testing and the gender results? Or have you had the NIPT done at Window to the Womb (they apparently use firstScan - I've only heard of Harmony)?

Thanks - I'll stop pestering once I make up my mind as to what I'm doing!

I had mine done at Window to the Womb i think they use Concepto. I had it done at 10 weeks and 3 days. I have no other reason other than reassurance, and my midwife said they will do NIPT if the combined screening comes back as high risk as it’s more accurate although they’ll use a different company. Good luck whatever you decide.

Hiya I would pay for nipt. Only because we had a high nt a few months back and baby turned out to have pataus. I’m sure you’re fine but I’d cover everything asap. I’m pregnant again and as I’m high risk we get the nipt on the nhs. If I didn’t qualify then I would book it privately.

Thanks @Ivf4203, I do think it is the reassurance I want. If they'd have been able to measure the NT I'd have been happy with the combined screening, but I think now I'll just end up thinking about it constantly if I don't go for the NIPT.

Thanks @RT1620. I'm so sorry about your previous pregnancy, but congratulations on the new one. Fingers crossed all is well for this one. I think I will book it tomorrow. Do you know if it is recommended by midwives if they can't get an NT measurement? Not sure whether to ring up my midwife tomorrow to ask. At least I wouldn't need a private gender scan if I do get the NIPT!

I had the NIPT done at Window to the Womb purely because my midwife assured me that my combined screening would come back as high risk due to my age alone.
We spent out on the extended profile just to be sure and found out the sex too.
Test took around 1.5 weeks to come back. All was normal.
The NHS combined screening also came back low risk so did feel a waste of over £250!

If the hospital struggled with a NT measurement, shoulldnt they be booking you a rescan asap?

anyone can have a nipt. It will just give u extra peace of mind when it comes back low risk and yes you can find out gender! . I hope it all goes well for you x

Thanks again @RT1620! I'm going to book tomorrow.

Thanks for the reply @JungleRun21. Do you mind me asking how old you are/were? Obviously you don't have to answer! I do think I will pay for the Absolute package at it seems to be on offer for the same price as the Advance. Id also feel that way if we had the combined, but I guess now that's not happening I won't feel as bad, although it's still £303 😳 it's shocking! But they know pregnant women will pay it!

There was no mention of a rescan, just the quad bloods and then my 20 week anomaly scan!

I was 40 when I had the NIPT and will be 41 when baby is here.
It was good for peace of mind at the time but ill be honest and say we have had other complications along the way and have had to have more invasvie testing done too.
So while it does rule out some things, it doesnt rule out everything.

I think I saw a thread on here recently about someone in your position who didnt get a NT measurement at 12 weeks and was told by the NHS to pay for the NIPT.
Can you contact your midwife or hospital and ask about booking another scan before 14 weeks to try again?
Everyone I know who have had scans with baby in an awkward position have been told to go for a walk and try again.

@JungleRun21I am going to call tomorrow and question having the NIPT as the scan was unsuccessful. I'm not really a forward person though so, as ridiculous as it sounds and is, don't think I'd be able to ask for a rescan. I suppose part of the issue may be that if they measured me at 13+1 today, they may be full for the rest of the week as I'll be 14 weeks on Sunday and they don't offer the combined scan after that apparently.

I did a quick walk to the loo and emptied my bladder, which she said was still pretty full afterwards, and she tried an internal scan although couldn't see baby at all with that so went back to abdominal.

They may be able to fit you in at a different local hospital?
I do find it unfair that youre having to potentially pay because they couldnt get the measurement in 1 scan and havent seen you back again.
Its hardly your fault.

I agree. I'll see how I can word it tomorrow/try and be brave and just ask! Thanks again @JungleRun21

NIPT is funded by the national programme if a Combined screen or Quad screen is increased chance, or if you've had a previous pregnancy affected by aneuploidy. Trusts don't have a mechanism to fund NIPT based on request... you should still be offered Quad screen (T21 only - and slightly lower detection rate). If that is high chance you'll be offered NIPT. You could wait for that, or go private... good luck!

Thanks @Rhibreadjammy intention was always to pay private, not ask them about getting one off them. I did read that it is offered if high chance on quads, but as that covers Down Syndrome only I want it anyway for the other two.