Pregnancy scans

[Heaven_Sent]

Just wondering how many pregnancy scans ur meant to get?

I got a dating scan with my son, none at 12 weeks when i wanted one at this time and than again at 19 weeks, is this all i was meant to get?

Next time is it possible to get a dating scan? one at 12 weeks? than 19 weeks?

[msadelaide]

I had one at 5 weeks (dating scan), then 11 weeks, then 19 weeks.

[HollyC]

I think the only standard one is the gross morphology at 19 weeks.

A lot of people have dating scans in the early weeks, but it isn't necessary if you know when your last normal period was.

The 12 week scan is part of the down syndrome screening. This is optional.

I think the thing is that they need to have a medicare code for any scans you have. So you kind of need to have a reason for the scan, but there are places now where you can have non medical scans. They usually have 3d or 4d scanners and it is mostly about getting cool pics of bub.

[nickle730]

:yeahthat: I had the same for both my pregnancies. A dating scan early on, one at 11 weeks (where they measured the nuchal fold, also had a blood test for Down's syndrome markers, not related to my age I was under 30, just standard procedure) and then another US at 19 weeks to check fetal development.

[Heaven_Sent]

is the one at 12 weeks covered by medicare? does having that one done risk M/C? is it just a normal scan? wats involved?

[Traveller]

none of the general scans risk miscarriage, they 12 week downs test just measures the fluid at the baby's neck and gives a risk factor based on this. If you are considered high risk you will be offered a further test, such as the amnio where a fine needle withdraws some of the amniotic fluid from around the baby and this is tested. I believe this test has a 1% risk of miscarriage.

It depends where you are but when I had my kids in Geelong the 12 and 19 weeks scans were done in the hospital and fully covered by medicare. Any early scans due to early bleeding I had were at my own cost.

[SammyRo]

I think the number of scans you get depends if you go public or private. The only one you will definately get gonig public is the 19 week one, unless you opt to get the screening scan at 12 weeks. But I know a friend who is going with an ob has a quick scan each time.

We went public both times, and with DD, I had a scan at 6weeks when I went into the WCH with a bleed, and then one at 19weeks. This time, I was asked to take part in a study and so we've had the regular scan at 19 weeks, then an additional scan at 28weeks and one coming up at 36weeks.

[Cupcake]

Ive had 2 dating scans, a 12wk scan and am about to get a referal for my 18-20wk scan

[*LittleMissSummer*]

I had a scan at 6 weeks as i had bad cramping was to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. Then had my NT scan at 12 weeks and my next is at 18 weeks. Then my doctor said another at 20 weeks i guess to find out the sex.

[MrsB26]

With my first i only had one scan at 20weeks. With this one i am having an early dating scan (as i only had 1 period then fell pg and unsure of my exact dates) and again the 20week scan. I hav to pay for both of these. I opted not to have the NT scan at 12 weeks for personal reasons.

[Evee]

In regards to payment (since you already seem to have lots of people giving you info on the three 'general' scans!), all radiology places charge different amounts. Usually you end up paying about $50-150 AFTER medicare's rebate.

However, I'm having my 18-20wk scan soon, and found that just by asking the Gp they are able to *make* it bulk billed, simply by writing on the form! How great is that. Wish I'd known that earlier!

[fourthontheway]

My first pregnancy I had care through a hospital and I had a dating scan, a second dating scan, a 12w one, a 19w one, a 32w one, and another one later on but I can't remember how many weeks I was.

I'm pregnant with my fourth baby now and for the last three pregnancies I haven't had a single scan.

[Cupcake]

Ive not had to pay a cent for my scans yet; all have been bulk billed.

[Visitor7]

In regards to payment (since you already seem to have lots of people giving you info on the three 'general' scans!), all radiology places charge different amounts. Usually you end up paying about $50-150 AFTER medicare's rebate.

However, I'm having my 18-20wk scan soon, and found that just by asking the Gp they are able to *make* it bulk billed, simply by writing on the form! How great is that. Wish I'd known that earlier!

Yep, that's right. If it's for medical reasons, the morphology scan can be bulk bulled (this is for private billing practices). There are plenty of bulk-billing practices around as well where you won't need to pay. However there is usually a big difference with the quality of scans.