12 wk scan

[first_timer]

hi all,

just wondering if it is vital for a 12 week scan, i went to my gp last week and the hospital only have requested a 18-20 wk scan, but of course i would want to hear heartbeat etc before than and was wondering about other experiences.

does the hospital or gp normally request 12 wk scan or is it up to the individual??

i am currently 10 wks.

thanks guys!!

[Arimeh]

If it helps any, with DS I had a scan at 9 weeks, just to make sure everything was going ok and to hear the heartbeat - and a GP referred me to the scanning place for that. Then I had the 18-20 week scan referred by my OB.

With this pregnancy, I heard the heartbeat at 8 weeks in my OB's rooms (cos she has a really old ultrasound machine) and didn't have a 12 week scan (I don't think she refers you to them unless there is a problem?) and have only had my 18-20 week scan, and that is all I get unless I specifically ask for a 3D one.

Hope this helps !!

[SamiH]

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.

[Heaven]

I just had my first appointment with my GP this morning and she recommended not having the 12 week scan due to my age and no history of downs in the family.

She said the downs test is not very accurate and a lot of ppl get told they are high risk and have a normal healthy bub so it often just causes more stress than it's worth. She just recommended an 18-20wk scan assuming all is going well so that's what I'm having.

I hope that helps! It's your choice whatever you want to do! If you want the scan you can ask your GP for a referral.

[Georgi]

As Sami said it's not necessary to have a 12 week scan though my GP recommended I have one to check for Downs, even though it's not in my family, but she said it is best to prepare yourself & your family in case there is a risk.
Although I'm not concerned about the risk, I did want the chance to be sure my pregnancy is progessing as it should, and that there is a healthy bub in there. I would rather know now than in another 9 weeks. Basically, I'm just having the scan to get the chance to see the heartbeat & be sure it is a viable pregnancy.
Talk to your GP / Ob & ask what they suggest for you.

[Beach Mama]

I didn't have one with Isabelle and had one yesterday...... I stressed alot with Isabelle about downs, but then having said that have been worried sick leading up to the scan yesterday. My age factors into it too, I'm 32 and my risk now is much greater than for a 22-23 year old for example. Anyway I just loved hearing bubs heartbeat and seeing it waving arms and legs about in there! Luckily my risk came back as low so I don't need to worry about an amnio.

I guess it really is up to you and how you feel about the testing.... the way I was asked initially was if it was confirmed that I was having a DS child would I termnate or continue with the pregnancy, because the risk of miscarriage is high with an amnio. I couldn't make that decision without knowing for sure, but I knew this time around I wanted to know my risk to put my mind at ease a bit.
Everyone is different, speak to your carers and see how you go!
WIshing you a happy and healthy 9 mths hun!

[SamiH]

Just wanted to reiterate that the assessment is screening, not diagnostic, so no, they can't tell you definitively - but amnio can - hence why it really won't be recommended as an option unless high risk and age factors cos of the associated risk of potential m/c.

I had it screening with both my kids, but I was 31 already with my first.

If you just wanna see the heartbeat and all the bits etc, just ask for a normal obstetric scan - half the price too

Good luck!

[first_timer]

Thank you to all for sharing your stories with me (and everyone else of course)

I feel bamboozled...but all good info to know and share.

I suppose at the end of the day its up to the individual but i know i definetely want a 12 wk to see our little one happily floating around

All the best guys!!

[nangari]

Just wanted to let you know too that having a baby with Down Syndrome is not the end of the world!! You can have a test to see if your in utero baby has it or not but I don't think you can have a test (besides checking heart which can be fixed) that tells you if your baby will be healthy or not. My daughter has Trisomy 21 and is hardly ever sick and does not suffer at all and really, there's nothing wrong with her. Sure she takes a little longer to do stuff but hey, I know other kids without DS who are slow to do stuff too!!

Congrats on your pregnancy First Timer! Try not to let all the pre-baby stuff worry you. It's not worth it and I believe worrying is harmful for growing bubs Hope the rest of the pregnancy goes well and if you want some really good info on pregnancy and birth, check out the secondhand bookshop of your local uni or even pop down to your local library. There's some really great info out there

Cas

[ShootingStar]

My hospital was willing to give me a referal, but i had already obtained one from my GP. I think best bet like the others have said is get it from your GP.