Tell me all about Nuchal scans please

[IckleJess]

I'm 9 weeks pregnant and had my booking appointment with the midwife today.

Nuchal scans aren't offered to women under 35 in my area, I'll be a month away from my 32nd birthday when I deliver. I was told that I can book a private scan at a cost of around £150 though.

I can't decide whether to have one or not. I'd like some advice which to go for - the Nuchal scan or Triple Test at 16 weeks (I understand that there's no need for a Triple test if I've had the scan). Does the Nuchal scan check for everything the triple test screens for? Is it better to have the scan rather than the blood test?

The MW told me that as I am on the lower end of the 'average' weight for my height that the triple test may not be as efective in determining any abnormalities with my baby - is this right?

I've already had 3 children without any problems but feel that I'm getting on a bit now lol and would like to reassure myself that all is ok. I'm also thinking that as the Nuchal scan is done much earlier than the triple test, if there are any problems I would rather know sooner rather than later.

Any advice would be very welcome, I need to contact the hospital asap to get booked in for the scan if I'm going to have it.

Thanks all.

Ok, thanks for that. When you say they aren't that accurate - in what way? Less accurate than the blood test?

I know what I would do if the tests came back with bad news, my mind has always been firmly made up on that right since I had my first baby 14 years ago.

Hiya

We had a nuchal earlier this week. I am 33 (34 when LO is born) and was 32 with DD and had one too.

We had is done as the detection rate of chromasomal abromalities is higher than the triple test. Our consultant said the detection rate with nuchal is about 90% and 70% with triple test. At 32 my age only risk (without any further tests) was 1:583 but with the nuchal was 1:6782 this time my age risk was 1:472 and 1:10981 with the nuchal. All the results are weel out of the 'high' risk category which is 1:150.

Not sure of the weight thing but they do weigh you for the nuchal test and it goes into the computer along with nuchal measurement, blood results, age, smoker/nonsmoker and then it produces your risk factor.

HTH

In our area they combine the results of the nuchal scan and the triple test to increase the accuracy.

Speaking as an over 40, I wouldn't say that 32 is getting on a bit either! Think I'd save the money if it were me.

I'm 42 and had a nuchal test combined with a triple test. So, the scan plus two blood tests which are combined to give a final ratio. Worth every penny in my opinion. If you have one done and it comes with a ratio that indicates high risk, then you could consider whether to have amniocentesis which is invasive but the only diagnostic test. But if you would have the baby no matter what then you may think its not worth the money.

Hi IckleJess! i am 31 and was in almost an identical situation to you. Nuchal test only available privately and MW advised if I went for that, not to go for triple test as it would only confuse matters. We decided to pay for the private test and luckily it came back as a very low risk factor. I know that there is still a risk, albeit low, and that cannot be totally discounted, but it made us feel a bit better about everything. Good luck with it all.