thread: Tests and Scans

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jan 2009
    Brisbane, Australia
    52

    Tests and Scans

    I phoned my OB to make my first appointment and it was made for my 11th week (a couple of days before 12 weeks).

    I have seen a few posts with people saying they heard heartbeats at 6 weeks and had blood tests at 10 weeks etc etc.

    What tests and scans have you all had before 12 weeks? Just wondering whether I should query my OB or perhaps my GP.

    Can anyone shed some light on this ...

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Feb 2007
    207

    Hi and congratulations on your pregnancy.

    I had a scan done at 8 weeks due to a missed m/c at 9 weeks with my first pregnancy. Otherwise I made an app with my OB who asked me to get my GP to get my antenatal bloods done, which I had done at 7 weeks then I will be getting my 12 week scan and bloods done at about 12 weeks.

    Hope this helps. Your OB sounds like he may organsie all the blood work and scans when you see him. All very normal as well. If you want an early scan done you can always ask your GP.

    Tracey

  3. #3
    Registered User
    Follow Early Kids On Twitter

    Oct 2007
    Eastern Wheatbelt WA
    3,282

    With Brendan, I had 2 dating scans (first one I was too early) and then nothing until 16 weeks when I started to haemorrage.

    With Tristan I had bloods taken at roughly 8 weeks and my first scan was at roughly 10 weeks, which was meant to be my 12 week NT scan. (long story but my dates were out)

    It really depends on if you need a dating scan and whether you are having the NT scan (for downs) done. Otherwise next 'routine' scan is roughly 20 weeks.
    In my experience each Dr have their own idea of 'routine' scans and tests

    All the best for your pregnancy

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Mar 2009
    2,269

    I didn't have any scans till 20 weeks.

    Most offer a 12 week and 20 week scan. Some people request an early dating scan but it (and all scans really) is an optional thing.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jan 2009
    Brisbane, Australia
    52

    Thank you for your replies.

    Sounds like there is no usual procedure. Frustrating

    I would like the NT test and don't want to miss out on the 10 week blood test so I may call my OB and check it out. I'm sure I won't be the first to have asked the question.

    Thanks again!

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Jan 2009
    Brisbane, Australia
    52

    Thank you for your replies.

    Sounds like there is no usual procedure. Frustrating

    I would like the NT test and don't want to miss out on the 10 week blood test so I may call my OB and check it out. I'm sure I won't be the first to have asked the question.

    Thanks again!

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Oct 2008
    Newport, VIC
    1,885

    Tests: I was in a similar boat to you for this pregnancy. I didn't go in to see my OB until week 11, so my normal GP organised the blood test part of the NT test. My GP also did a blood test at around 7 weeks when I went in for a pregnancy confirmation just to test vitamins, iron, general health etc.

    Scans: I don't have regular periods, so I needed a dating scan to get an idea of how far along I was. I had this at around 5 weeks at the same time I was put in hospital in London for dehydration due to continual vomiting (another story!).

    The second scan as part of the NT test my OB organised at 12 weeks.

    I hope it all goes smoothly!

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Jan 2009
    Brisbane, Australia
    52

    Fionaw, like you did, I think i'll get my GP to organise the NT blood test. That way the OB will have the results for my 11 week appt. I like to be organised

    Don't need a dating scan as was charting but may also ask GP about an earlier scan (as some other members have said they have done).
    Last edited by Nes; July 12th, 2009 at 11:33 AM. : incomplete entry

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    Perth
    3,686

    Hi Hon

    This is very normal when you're seeing an OB, unless you've had miscarriages or pregnancy complications in the past.

    I had a blood test at 4+1 with my GP to confirm my pregnancy but only because I asked for the BT. He was quite happy to take my word for it, didn't even bother with getting me to POAS!

    I then had my first OB appt at 10 weeks and he did a mini-scan (which he does at each visit) to check the heartbeat. I'll be perfectly honest so please don't take offence, but a lot of OB's do this as there is obviously a higher risk of miscarriage before 12 weeks so they would prefer to wait until the pregnancy is more established before they see you.

    I then had my NT scan at 13 weeks. I had my bloods done the week before and the results were sent to the ultrasound clinic so we got the scan results immediately after my scan.

    I know it feels like forever waiting for that first appointment but it really will be here before you know it. I hope it all goes fabulously for you! Enjoy

  10. #10
    Registered User
    Add ElleJay on Facebook Follow ElleJay On Twitter

    Jun 2007
    Western Australia
    6,587

    I had an early u/s with this one at 7wks because of the early loss 2 yrs ago, but booked straight through my GP (I have the added advantage of my GP being a former Ob ) and he booked all the scans and BTs that I needed for my early weeks - It wasn't until after my 19wk scan that I'd actually booked an appt with an Ob

    HTH