Scans

[xmelx]

Hi Im 5 weeks preg and have been thinking about test and scans that you are offered when preg to check all is ok with baby, already have a little boy but cant remember can anyone shed any light?

The routine scans are at 12 and 20 weeks, although you are sometimes offered an early scan at about 7/8 weeks if there's a reason or if you're not sure when you got pregnant. Think it's at the 12/13 wk one where they measure baby's neck to check for Down's Syndrome.
They would also do extra scans later on through pregnancy if there's a reason to monitor you/baby.

The routine scans are at 12 and 20 weeks, or as near as -

The nuchal fold scan (the one luciemule refers to) is not usually part of a standard NHS 12 week scan - it depends very much on where you are. It seems some women in 'higher risk' categories, e.g older mums, are offered it, but in some areas, the NHS don't provide it at all, and the only option is to have it done privately.

Of course, lots of people don't want a nuchal fold scan, in which case, it's not a problem.

that's right barkfox - the area where my sister has just had her's do offer it and she's not high category.

I had the nuchal fold scan and I am not high risk, it's offered to everyone where I am.

In addition to the scans you should have a booking appointment with midwife around 10 weeks where they will take blood to test for glucose levels, immunity to Rubella, blood type, thalassaemia, HIV, Syphilus and Hepatitis.

If you have nuchal fold scan they will take blood at the same time otherwise you will go back to midwife 14-16 weeks for the triple test if you want it.

I am rhesus negative so I have to have an anti D injection at 28 weeks as well, which is done at the hospital.

You will visit midwife around every 4-6weeks for blood pressure and urine check which get more frequent the closer you get to the end of your pregnancy and also includes fundal height measurements as you get further along.

That's all I can remember from where I am anyway, anyone feel free to correct me!

That's very good, then! It's so inconsistent, I had no idea until I got pregnant. In my PCT, they don't offer it at all, whatever age a woman is. I chose to shell out £180 for a private scan and test - which I could afford, but is a considerable spend on a tight budget...

Sorry, cross posted - the 'it' I was talking about was the nuchal fold scan/combined test, hope that's clearer.