New to BnB - panicking over screening (or lack of it)

[Izzybay]

Hi Ladies.

Am new to BnB. Did post over in the first trimester on this but didn't get a reply on this. Will try to be a bit more to the point. I'm 39 and currently 9 weeks pregnant with number 2 (DD is just about to turn one!). I've recently moved and apparently they don't offer the nuchal translucency screen in this area! This has me really worried as I found it really reassuring last time. Does anyone have any advice on alternatives/ options/ what to do next? Don't want an invasive test if possible.

P.S. I live in the UK and don't think I can afford to go private. Although if anyone knows how to go about this and likely cost would be grateful for any advice.

 

[Dorian]

Welcome and congrats Izzy. I'm sorry, I can't be of help. I just wanted to welcome you

 

[Izzybay]

Thank you.

 

[Andypanda6570]

Welcome I would think the only solution would be to travel to a different hospital where they could perform the test? I don't know what else can be offered in place of the Nuchal Translucency, there may be something but it is best to ask your doctor/midwife. Maybe they will allow you to travel somewhere just for that specific test/
let us know what they say? Good Luck
oh and congrats!!!

 

[amjon]

I have to drive to a larger city to get mine. (But I'm in the US and have to pay also.) Maybe you could ask if they could get you in another location. They also have blood tests that they can do.

 

[BeachComber]

Welcome and Congrats! Will you be getting the blood tests done? I just had the Quad screening tests done last week, but haven't heard from my doc yet.
I was also surprised that my doc didn't offer the NT scan.

 

[Sewergrrl]

I'm not of any help, but wanted to say congratulations!!!!

 

[jo14]

congrats and not much help Im afraid, Im in the Uk and going to the dr for the first time today, I had not heard of this test so dont know if I will be offered it, if you get anynmore info would you let me know please if they will let you travel etc as I would if I am able if they dont do it at my hospital

thanks

 

[truly_blessed]

I'm almost certain the usual private baby scanning places to it hun, maybe £100 or so.

Just checked and BabyBond is £169 but they are usually more expensive than other places.

 

[Izzybay]

Thank you all for your advice. I managed to speak to my midwife today for the first time who clarified the situation for me (and who incidently seems lovely). Hope the following is useful to anyone else in a similar situation.

I am currently living in Scotland, having moved here from England and the services offered do seem to differ slightly. As I understand it there are still areas in Scotland where the NT screen is not offered routinely. However, the area I've moved to has just rolled it out (in the last couple of weeks!) but their literature has yet to catch up - hence my panic yesterday!

Had I needed one a few weeks ago or lived where they don't yet offer it I'd have had the following options:
The blood screen at around 16 weeks (which is not as accurate) then the offer of a CVS or an amniocentisis if there were any concerns; or
I could request a referal to a private clinic for which I would have to pay. As Truly Blessed advised this would be between £150 and £200.

Jo14 - from what I've gathered today. Most areas in England and Wales offer the scan routinely, so it shouldn't be a problem and (from a reply I received in the 1st trimester forum) if your local hospital can't offer it they can refer you to another nearby that will (this should be free).

Hope this helps. Please feel free to correct any inaccuracies and thanks again for all the kind advice.

 

[jo14]

thats great info. Thanks for letting me know and glad your geting the test x x

 

[truly_blessed]

jo - your midwife will give you a booklet at your booking in appointment that explains all the tests they do now. Ask then for the screening tests booklet if you don't get it but I think it's standard practise now to give it out (at least in England and Wales)

 

[jo14]

will make sure i ask when i see the midwife. Dr said she thinks my hospital. Which is bolton do it now. I have tried to google but cant find anything. As my oh says stop mithering i got ages to go yet lol lol well he does not say stop mithering as he is from devon. But thats what he means lol

 

[truly_blessed]

I'll see if I can find the link to the book again, it is online. I'm sure Bolton do it, I'm in Wigan.

 

[truly_blessed]

it won't let me post links but try screening.nhs.uk with a www in front of it.

 

[jo14]

will do thanks your not far from me im actually near chorley but going to bolton. Will look it up on laptop later thanks x x oh being nosy now where did you have your 4d scan done and how much i want one done in a few months x x

 

[truly_blessed]

we went to before the stork just off the M57/M58 link in Liverpool but their website says now taking booking for Preston and Liverpool.

we had the gender scan a few weeks ago as the nhs one was rubbish and I need to go back as they couldn't see her face or heart, but they checked them both for me on the private scan. I think that one was £65 for 15 mins plus 4 photographs. She was only about 20 weeks on the picture.

we've got the getting to know you longer scan with dvd booked for 22nd Oct at 28 weeks but that's £150.

I can recommend them, it was so much nicer than the nhs one and you have a big screen in front of you where you can see everything in 3d/4d. they also take time to get you to move around so they can get the best views.
x

 

[jo14]

oh thats ok I was bargining on £200 ish so will prob save it till then and have the £150 one with the DVD, I dont want to know the sex but will like the guessing from what they look like

thanks xxx

 

[jo14]

EEEEKKK just read that back and said what "THEY" look like, wonder if thats a sign lol

 

[truly_blessed]

I keep saying 'they' even now and twice someone has pulled me up and said 'it's not twins is it', it's habit now as I hated saying 'it' lol x