I posted last night on this subject so thanks to those who already gave some advice!



Well I had my first appointment with the midwife today - mainly form filling TBH but still nice to feel like its real etc.

So we talked about screening tests. Here you get the triple test at about 15 weeks, then if appropriate you are offered the diagnostic tests such as amnio.

I cant decide if I should pay for a nuchal scan/screening. I live near Leeds so I can have it easily but obv there is a cost (£190). I'm going on holiday the day I am 10 weeks and come back the day I am 12 weeks so I could have it as soon as I returned.

If I dont have the nuchal screening then I'd be about 15 weeks before establishing how high a risk of Downs. If I was 'high risk' I'd have another couple of weeks while I got the amnio and the results of that so there is an obvious advantage in terms of time with the nuchal scan.

I've talked to my hubby about but he's being a man and quite non commital about what he thinks we should do.

What are you girls doing and if you dont mind me being nosey, what are your reasons??

Just need some help.

I had the blood test for my Nuchal yesterday. i go in for the scan next Friday (was going to be Monday, but can't afford it til Friday).

At the scan they check for the fluid at the back of the neck... the nasal bone, as it isn't present/is flatter in a Downs, the fluid pumping through the heart and the length of the thigh bone.

The first tri tests are supposedly more accurate than the second tri tests, but again, they both only give a risk indicator, not a definite answer.

What made you decide to have the nuchal rather than just the standard tests if you dont mind me asking??

I've had all the blood tests at the first appointment but I don't wanna take the risk of having the downs on purely because it's our first and I don't wanna risk that we might M/C...

Thanks hun.
I think they tend to only offer amnio when your bloods come back 'high risk' - with the nuchal scan their is no risk as its non invasive.

Well... I know everyone has different opinions on this, so I'm sorry f this offends anyone, but it's what's right for us this time round.

I decided to have the early test because it is more accurate than the later test, and anything wrong would be picked up sooner rather than later. With my forst two, I dodn't want to know as it wouldn't have changed anything. But now I have my two boys to think about, and I just don't think it would be fair on them......

Again... I'm sorry if this offends.. please don't be judgemental

Well I'm certainly not offended and I'm really pleased that you replied.
If I am honest I think my reason for the scan would be so I could find out as soon as possible because I'm not sure I would continue either for many reasons, including my own experiences of Downs.
Thanks Anne-Marie. x

Thanks. I was really worried then that I mght upset people by saying that. I know some people have tried for a long time to concieve, and others work with/have family that have disabilities, and they probably would have a different view. And I really admre that

Absolutely.

I think from what I have learnt about the people on B&B so far, we seem to have enough people who are intelligent enough to understand a persons perspective without having to agree with it.

Thanks again.

....I'm sat here now feeling guilty as hell.... especally knowing how the termination is carried out, after the midwife explained everything from beginning to end to me. To be honest, I don't know if I could do t, but the idea of having a baby with down scares me so much........ I shouldn't think about it really until I have the test, but I can't help it now