What tests did you have in the first 12 weeks?

Hi Ladies,

As most first time pregnant ladies, I think I am being paranoid...But what better way to help me out than the trusted women at BB!

I found out at four weeks that I was pregnant...I did 2 x POAS and headed straight to the GP. She said that I didn't need any other tests because a BFP is a BFP, so I didn't get any HCG or anything like that (I also had blood tests done before TTC so I knew iron, folate, rubella etc were all fine).

So I had my first appointment with the Ob a couple of weeks ago and all went well and I am really happy except he doesn't have an US at his office so my first US will be at the 12 week NT scan.

I just feel like is hasn't 'offically' been confirmed and sadly a close friend recently had a missed miscarriage so I am a little paranoid I guess.

Sooooooo..... My question is, is this normal NOT to have blood tests and no scans until 12 weeks?
Also, do most Obs have an US machine or only some?

Thanks everyone :)

Congrats on preg!!!!!!

If you are having combined screening test you have bloods done about 10 days before scan.

You generally have bloods for blood group and antibodies, rubella, iron levels, somewhere early on often with combined screen bloods.

Depends on ob if they have a scanner in room my OB does have one and when preg with DS i was scanned a few times due to previous mc but my best friend only got 1 scan in his rooms at first appt.

good luck

Hey there,

Congrats on the pg!!

It is common, yep! I had an u/s at my Obs office, but it was more for the Ob to confirm it, not because it was really necessary. It wasn't a very good u/s, I got a really grainy pic and couldn't even really tell what it was, LOL.

I did have a blood test slightly before the 12 week u/s, but you will have that if you have opted for the nuchal translucency and downs syndrome screening test, which combines the u/s with BT for a downs syndrome risk factor. The BT for this is done around the same time as the u/s.

Don't stress - enjoy this time when it is still a special secret!

Hi everyone I was just wondering what you all thought about the necessity of the 12 week scan, I got it done with my first pregnancy, but my GP says its not important unless I have a history of down syndrome in my family which i don't, we want to get it done but can't really afford it. Is there any other reason I should get it done?? I want a VBAC this time around, I am 11 weeks at the moment.

I will get it done again next time just so i can see bubba on the screen!!!

But no if low risk not really necessraily apart from to see baby!

I've had nothing, just wee tests, no hcg, no other bloods. Having NT scan, Dr wants me to, and by all reports it's a good one to get.

Good luck!

I didn't have any blood tests etc until I had the one for my 12 week NT scan. They checked a few different things then. I did actually ask about why they didn't do bloods to measure HCG levels early on and my OB said that he doesn't think it's wise because there is nothing you can do about the results. In his opinion it can cause unnecessary worry and if you are going to miscarry, you will regardless of whether or not you have blood tests. But if it your HCG levels just take a little while to get there, the unnecessary stress doesn't help you or the baby.

So I wouldn't worry about tests etc, just enjoy being pregnant!

Thanks Everyone

All of your answers have been really helpful!

I am getting my scan next week, so I am REALLY excited!! :)

I called my GP, ahead of my appointment, and asked her to leave a blood test referral for me to collect so the results would get to her before my appointment but she said they rarely do blood tests to confirm pregnancy because the home tests are so accurate.

However, when I went there, I did a pregnancy test and the second line was very faint so she sent me for a blood test afterall which was POSITIVE!

So, I guess if the line on your test is dark, then I wouldn't worry about it (although you have probably already had your scan by now). :doh: