When to have 1st u/s to check for abnormalities????? Help!

We had our first visit with the doc today. She didn't know when we are meant to have our first ultrasound to check of foetus abnormalities.

She couldn't decide between 10, 11 or 12 weeks. She was fairly sure it wasn't 12 but though it was either 10 or 11.

We are seeing another doc in 2 weeks and he will know for sure but seeing as there is quite a wait at the imaging place I would like to get a jump on making a booking. There is a time between 10 and 11 weeks when DH will be able to come and if anyone could confirm the timing it might enable us to make a booking when can come too. ( He really wants to be there)

Can anyone help?

Well I know they do the NT scan by 12 weeks, after that you can't have it done (I was too late for it when I went to my Dr at 13 weeks). I'm not sure how early they can do the NT scan?

There is only a small window of opportunity (about a 2w period) in which to have the nuchal fold scan. It is usually done between 11 - 13w, most commonly at about 12w. The reason it can be done between 11 - 13w is because each baby's growth rate is so different, some people are able to successfully have the scan done earlier/later. It is not possible to have the scan done any later than 13w though. A blood test is normally done in conjunction with the scan to more accurately determine the chances of downs syndrome.

The other 'major' scan is usually done between 18 - 20w where all the organs are checked (and where people may find out the sex if they wish, and provided a clear image of the bits and pieces is available!).

HTH!!!

Thanks leeann and Melinda,

Will book for 11 weeks and confirm with the doc when I see him in 2 and a half weeks. This will help us to pick the date at the imaging centre. The doc appointment is too close to 11 weeks and would mean I would possibly miss the window of opportunity.

so thankyou very much. :smt023

Joy, just to be on the safe side, it would probably be best to try and schedule the scan for closer to 12w. Some people's babies are measuring ahead for dates, that's why they can successfully have the NT scan done early at 11w, but since you never know for certain if this is going to be the case with you, it's probably best to make it closer to 12w IYKWIM?

Good luck!!

Hi - I went for the NT scan at 10 weeks and 5 days and they told me to come back in two weeks. AAAARRRGGGHHH ...

Barb.

I was told must be 11w 4d for it to show correctly.

hi

i was told to have the blood test before 11wks and the ultrasound before 12wks - there is a fine line apparently.

thanks everyone, will try closer to 12 weeks and maybe ask imaging centre for advice on right date????

sound alright???


Joy.

my Dr will see me next Tuesday when I will be 11 weeks to have bloods done etc, then he says exactly 1 week later I need to have the NT scan done, and it must be 1 week to get the most accurate result. I don't care about the result, I just want a peek at my little bubba!

Jan xx

My doc told me it was between 9 & 11 weeks

I went to the Sydney Ultrasound for women to have my Ultrasound and they were very helpful.. perhaps they have a melbourne ultrasound for women? If anyone knows they will - they do scans only on women all day, every day!

I rang the imaging centre today, it is a womens only centre. The lady on the phone was very helpful, pleasant and knowledgeable.

The final decision is- scan must be between 11 weeks 4 days and 13 weeks 4 days. They prefer it to be 12 weeks 4 days as that is the middle time and therefore the best.

Bloods must be taken at 10 weeks which can then be matched with the scan. Results are available on the same day or can be received over the phone.

Thanks everyone for your help and much needed advice,
I'm booked in for a scan 12 weeks and 4 day.
cheers,

Sorry about the multiple posts, the computer was doing weird stuff and kept freezing. Didn't realised it had posted.

Joy

That's fine Joy, I've fixed up the multiple posts for you. I'm glad that you have arranged a good appt time too - good luck with it!