Combined screening at 14 weeks

[LuckyTraveller]

Hi,

This is my first pregnancy and I'm just looking for other people's experiences of the combined screening.

I received my letter for my scan & combined screening appointment today, however, I will be exactly 14 weeks at that point. I called my midwife as I was concerned this was going to be quite late (I know the cut off for the screening is 14 +1 weeks) and she suggested calling the hospital to get an earlier appointment. Unfortunately, the hospital is fully booked and so it's likely 14 weeks is the only time I can have it. Did anyone else have their scan and screening this late? Was everything alright and did the screening work okay?

I'm also pretty disappointed that I have to wait even longer. My husband and I have decided to wait until we have the scan until we tell anyone, but I'm struggling to keep the secret from everyone. Plus I don't feel like I can get excited about it until I know everything is okay.

Any opinions/ thoughts welcome! Thanks!

[cmbxm]

Have you thought about having a private scan just for reassurance and so you can then spill the beans to the family?? xx

[roxannacar]

It's not great to be honest. And if your dates are any different.on scan they might not be able to do it. You could opt for private screening test which is more accurate (harmony testing) but its fairly expensive. I paid around £400 for mine. Was fortunate I had it at 10 weeks as ended up self isolating for 2 weeks hence was just over 14 weeks so couldn't have the NHS screening.

Are they able.to.accomodate you at a different hospital site? Personally I would kick up a fuss if it's due they them slotting you in late (rather than yourself booking in late).

[kt_11]

I agree this is not ideal. I had mine at 13+3. Dates were 100% correct as it was IVF pregnancy but baby was measuring ahead at 14 weeks. They did the test but sonographer had to seek advice from the team lead who manages the genetic testing etc and warned me it may be inaccurate due to his size.

As it was, it came back fairly low risk and all was fine but they’d warned it could appear falsely high risk which I think would have been a huge worry at the time.

If you’re sure of your dates I’d recommend trying to get an alternative as there’s no room for manoeuvre here.

Maybe try voicing your concerns to your midwife again and seeing if she has any further advice. Obviously private scans and tests are available (I had a private scan at 10+5 due to anxiety) but if this is due to lack of appointment availability at the hospital I think it should ideally be down to them to manage this situation rather than you paying because they can’t provide a vital service. Good luck x

[LuckyTraveller]

Thank you all for your comments.

I am considering going private, it is a lot of money though. Although I will pay it if it's best for us and the baby.

You are right, I think i'll talk to the midwife again. I referred myself at 5 weeks and had my booking appointment at 10 weeks, at which they immediately sent over request for the scan. So It'd definitely not me being late.

Thanks again!

P.S. congratulations on the pregnancies

[Claireeeeeeeeeeeee]

I would ask if there is space at another hospital. If you are measuring correctly and baby behaves it will be fine but I just had a dating scan and even though we knew the date I ovulated baby was measuring 4 days bigger.

[Flora631]

I wonder if they just didn’t have space for the scan earlier but maybe you could still have the bloods done earlier?

[nsha in reply to Flora631]

The combined depends on the nuchal fold from so the scan itself would have to be in that window unfortunately... they can do the bloods after 14 weeks x

[LuckyTraveller]

Hi all!

Just a quick update in case you are interested.

I called the midwife again. I can't go to another hospital apparently, as it would be the same problem.

I was ready to go private but decided to check again with the hospital and managed to get a slot that had been cancelled.

I'm really relieved that it's sorted but also quite frustrated about the stress it's caused me and feel sorry for anyone else who is in the same boat.

Thanks all for your help.

[nsha in reply to LuckyTraveller]

Glad you got a slot. Really not good enough tbh. I work at a busy hospital where we get a lot of out of area bookings as well, especially now with covid as they are all single rooms so it’s getting ridiculously busy. Even then you wouldn’t wait until 14 weeks. You shouldn’t be penalized because of their shortage.

[LuckyTraveller in reply to nsha]

I kind of feel the same. I want to be understanding as I know resources are massively stretched but I did everything I was supposed to and in plenty of time. I feel lucky i have a slot but that's only because I chased it. The only other option was private, which we would have 100% if needed but paying nearly £500 when its not my fault would have been frustrating.

Thanks for your comment.

[Cheekymonkey85]

I was 13+6 when I eventually had my scan with first baby, combined test came back low risk and everything was fine. My dated were exact and my due date didn't change at all so I made it just in time really. Try and push for earlier if you can but try not to worry yourself too much x