Dr. won't do an NT scan

meg1974

My dr. doesn't do u/s's in his office, and my next one isn't scheduled until I'm 18 wks. I read that NT scans are done via u/s, and they have to be done between 11 and 14 weeks, so I called and asked if I was going to have one. The response was that I'm not at high risk for choromosomal abnormalities (even though I'm 34, which is close enough to 35), and they will do a blood test at my next appt. (when I will be 12 wks), and then only do additional tests if that shows cause for concern.

I'm not going to terminate the pregnancy if there are issues, but I kind of just want to know for peace of mind. I also read that NT scans look for heart defects, which I would think the dr's would want to know prior to delivery. 

Am I being crazy? Should I just leave it be and wait to see what the blood tests show? Am I the only one who isn't getting one done as a routine measure, or is it optional for most?

mrsstocking

I read in WTEWYE that it was usually just if the person was high risk for certain defects, like ones that run in the family or if you're older.  That's all I know though. 

JCM052707

It is optional for me and I likely won't be doing it for a variety of reasons.  If it bothers you that much, you could switch doctors. 

Ree08.04.07

I've read that since it requires special training and equipment they do not offer it everywhere that you would normally be able to have an u/s so maybe that's the issue. I would ask him and mention that if it's possible you would like to be refered somewhere were they can do the NT Scan.  

jkipp82

Hmmm...it was offered to me as an optional screening.  I'm 26 and have no "high risk" factors - but I'm still able/having it done.  Could be a doctor by doctor decision though - sort of like when your first actual appointment is.

houndbaby

My dr. doesn't offer NT scans, they offer a quad screen, which is a blood test. When you get the big u/s they check out everything with the baby very carefully for any defects with the organs, spinal cord, etc.?

Leenie_89

Mine didn't either. We just recently did the Quad Screen and got the results back today. We also would not terminate but wanted peace of mind. You have options such as the triple and quad screen to get the same information.

lvisser

You really would find out at 20w too... during that U/S they didn't spot something in Rylee's heart and had me come back for a followup.  Everything was fine, but they would have caught it at that U/S.

*bunny*

not sure this will help but...i am having an IPS screen test done at 12 weeks, this looks for chromosomal and neural tube disorders, it is a blood test combined with an ultrasound, the ultrsound is done for measurements and the blood is drawn the same day.  then more blood is drawn at 15 weeks.  if the test shows cause for concern more definitive tests are done (amnio).  i am 33 and healthy.  i also live in canada so perhaps things are a bit different.

i would try not to worry about it and just stay positive.

calex33

We had the option of the NT scan and decided it was not the best choice for us for several reasons. ?As pp said, if you're that worried about it, either get more blood tests or change doctors. ?However, one thing you should know is that there is a high percentage of false positives with NT scans, which can lead to unneeded stress and follow-up tests. ?I know at least 3 people who had to go through that. ?So, before you make your decision, you may want to research the pros and cons and then decide what the best choice is for you.

Juniors_Wifey0709

I'm from 2nd tri. I'm almost 3rd tri. You're not going to have to get that done unless they find reason for it. It doesn't matter that you're close to 35. Don't stress over anything like that. If they see anything wrong they'll let you know and they'll complete the required tests.

mommy411

Im 31 and I wanted to do it...If the insurance pays then why not.Just call them (ins) and ask who participates and make a appt. then tel ur doctor that you want to do it! thats it...your body your choice..plus its a extra ultrasound and about a hour youll see your little one

julisa2982

Getting an NT scan is kinda all about how your doctor practices.  I know some who order them for all patients no matter what, and some only do them for patients who are high risk, like your doctor.  Some insurances don't cover them unless you are high risk.  But, if you are looking for heart defects, the 20 week ultrasound is best. While you can see a heartbeat during 11-14 weeks, you usually cannot see all of the heart chanbers, and definitely not the vessels. You can't really properly evaluate the heart, along with a lot of other things until the 18 to 20 week mark. I do ultrasound for a living... that how I know

melrrr

My doctor doesn't have the equipment to do them but she referred me to another clinic who did, and she left the decision to do it up to me.

kchoi

i'd switch docs.

tegl

*bunny*:

not sure this will help but...i am having an IPS screen test done at 12 weeks, this looks for chromosomal and neural tube disorders, it is a blood test combined with an ultrasound, the ultrsound is done for measurements and the blood is drawn the same day.  then more blood is drawn at 15 weeks.  if the test shows cause for concern more definitive tests are done (amnio).  i am 33 and healthy.  i also live in canada so perhaps things are a bit different.

i would try not to worry about it and just stay positive.

 

Ditto.  There are only certain imaging centres that offer NT scans, so you would need to find one, assuming you can get a doctor to give you a requisition if you wanted it done.  I'm barely 30, no risk factors.  It's just one of the options in prenatal screening that are available.  Tends to have more accurate results than other screening options. Good luck with whatever you choose.