Everyone in my local area gets offered the combined test - not just the nuchal translucency scan - they do the scan, measure the fluid behind the neck - you want a measurement below 3mm - they also check for a nasal bone on the baby. Then the blood test looks at lots of hormone levels and then analyses those together with the scan and your age to calculate a risk level.

My results are the same as Char - they contact you within a week or less if there is a problem, or you hear by letter within 2 weeks if not - so basically if you get past the week stage then the risk is low.

However, a good result in the combined test is not a definitive answer as it will give a level of risk - here if it is 1/249 or less then there may be a problem and they will offer you amniocentesis or CVS - this is a diagnostic - i.e. it will definitely say whether your baby has Down's syndrome. There is however a 1% chance of miscarriage with these tests.

Even if you get a good result i.e. risk of 1/251 and above, then that means there is still a chance of having a baby with Downs - only that risk is decreasing.

The only way to know for sure is amniocentesis, but for me even odds of 1/200 is good because that means that 199 babies will be born without Downs.

I had my scan last Thursday, so awaiting results. The NT measurement was 1.4mm which is good - but as I said they combine this with the hormone levels from the blood and your age - I'm 36. So I have fingers crossed.

CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so happy you finally got the chance to see your baby! I have seen mine three times already...and each and every time I get so excited to see him/her Just 1/2 hour to go!

This was really good information. Thank you so much!!

Wow 3 times already .. wow im jealous I just could have layed there all day to see the baby lol , it was just so amazing to see my baby, i cant wait to show you ladies later, We are going to scan them today so i can show all my friends and family Good luck today cant wait to hear from you how it goes Big hugs to you

Aubrey

The scan went really well! Measurements looked good and now I'll just have to wait for the blood test results in five days...and then a second set after that (for even better accuracy readings). Here's a picture of our lil' peanut...just getting bigger every day!

Thank you to everyone for the information they shared with me. I felt better walking into the appointment knowing what to expect.

Jeannie

Awwwwww I'm so happy everything went well The baby is just sooo precious Congrats

I had an ultrasound for bleeding. But, no photos. Matter fact they did not show me the screen until I asked! horrible.

Great picture! Congratulations!

Aww glad it went well hun, fingers crossed for you blood results, Its a great piccie xxxxx