Hi

It is not a 'routine' scan, so is requested normally through your gp or ob. depends on your age too - they are mainly recommended for women over 30, and definitely if over 35 but a lot of other ladies have them so they can have a look at the baby and go forward etc. The 12 week (which is actually 11.5 - 13.5wks) scan is for a combined risk assessment, which is a screening for downs syndrome predominantly - they take measurements from fluid of bubs neck, and you have a blood test and do the analysis from there as to what risk you may have for downs syndrome. I think amnio is sometimes recommended if results come back under 1/300.

I hope that info helps, and sorry if gave you too much, but wasn't sure what you knew and didn't

Sam

It is also up to you whether you have it or not, it is not mandatory.