12 week scan ?

[Pregy E]

Hi guys

I am due for my 12 week scan this week and wondered what to expect. Do you get told anything useful at the time? and when do you announce the pregnancy officially is it after the scan or at 13 weeks or other??

Thanks ladies.. I love this forum!

[SamiH]

Hi and congrats

The 12 week scan is usually the screening for downs syndrome - not anatomy check etc. So really nothing much happens - apart from seeing your bub and their beautiful little heartbeat etc - and measurements of nuchal fold and dating done too - if you need it.

So 12 week scan is not mandatory - and recommended for women over 35 due to chromosomal issues - if you have it, just treat it like a normal scan (but it will cost you more!)

[[M]umma[M]ia]

you can expect them to (not always, just going off mine)
- measure bub
- record heartbeat
-check organs (stomach)
- check nuchal fold

some ultrasound ppl do tell you some info but some dont. depends on the person and the rules they have to follow iykwim.

the 12 week scan is great u will be suprised how much u can see.

You can announce your pregnancy now if you wish, making it to the 12 week mark is great as the risk of misscarriage is reduced.

HTH

[puppies]

I loved my 12 week scan. It was the first time I saw my bubs and I was thrilled. They did the NT scan and worked out my risk of abnormalities such as DS etc. We passed with flying colours. I found it was great for bonding more than anything

[satya]

You can announce it whenever you like. We waited til after the 12 week scan to announce it to most people (apart from close family who already knew).

My 12 week scan was quite a long one. The recorded the heartbeat, checked everything was developing as it should be and did the NT measurement which turned out to be quite high so it turned out to be a not so good experience for me. I knew something was wrong because they kept measuring and measuring in the one place before they finally told me how high it was. All turned out well in the end though, so don't go into a mad panic like I did if they do suggest there is a problem with the nuchal fold. It doesn't necessarily mean there is an issue at all.

I got one of the best 3D pics I ever got throughout the entire pregnancy at the 12 week scan. It was just amazing how much detail you can see if your scan is done on the best equipment.