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2nd Trimester
BabyH2010
member
NT scan and other testing questions
BabyH2010
member
Hi, ok so at my last appointment when I was around 11weeks, I asked my doctor when he was planning on doing the NT scan and all the other genetic testing. I've decided I want everything (personal reasons) and I want to be as proactive about it as possible. He said they usually do all of that at 14 weeks. Well.... I'm 15 weeks 3 days now (avatar is a few days off) and don't go back until next week. And I'm getting really anxious because everything I'm reading says you only have between 11 and 13 weeks to do all of the tests. Help - I'm so confused... and nervous. Can someone help me understand?
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Re: NT scan and other testing questions
I"ve never heard of NT screen after 13 weeks.
Maybe your dr. is thinking you just wanted the quad screen bloodwork, which is the 16-19 week range.
My understanding is that the NT scan is done from 11-13 weeks, and you'll have missed that window (sorry!). They do bloodwork testing around 16 weeks for genetic abnormalities - perhaps that's what your dr was referring to?
I would call and ask the office tomorrow. Good luck!
Thanks ladies - but now I'm just freaking out more.
See, I've already changed doctors once because I was treated really horribly during the first few weeks of this pregnancy. It's hard not to feel like every doctors office I visit is just one big buzzkill. Now what? Will the other tests check for Down Syndrome and other genetic issues?
(Please understand that I have not been given one piece of paper with ANY information on it... not even an "eat this, not that" sheet from my doctors' office - all I have is the Internet, books & friends....)
An NT scan will only give you odds for Down's and other genetic issues. It's not a definitive test. If you want to get the most definitive results, ask your doctor to do amniocentesis (sp?), which I believe you can get around 20 weeks or so.
i'd definitely be finding another doctor. they are supposed to provide you with everything you need information-wise...he should have told YOU about that test and when it could be performed. sure, friends & books and the internet are helpful, but your doctor should be your #1 source of information during your pregnancy as far as i'm concerned. he/she should have listened to your concerns & wants and scheduled you for that test in the 11-13 week timeframe. i know it's frustrating to be mislead, but at least you're this early on and not about to deliver-- it's not too late to find a better doctor for the rest of your pregnancy. good luck to you! it'll all work out, try not to worry!
I would not go directly to an amnio. You can get the quad screen at about 16 weeks or so. This is a blood draw that screens for Downs and other genetic trisomys, the end result of which is risk numbers. If your risks are elevated, you can get a Level II ultrasound, which is a more detailed ultrasound that can look for other markers of conditions. Only after that would I consider an amnio. Further, your 20 week ultrasound is an "anatomy scan" where they are looking at things such as bone length and spots on organs, which could be markers for conditions.
Sorry to hear that you are having issues with OBs. But you have not missed the entire window for screening.
Good luck!
they do it around 16 wks (I had one); personally I vote not to get one if there isn't a risk factor. Its not a pleasant thing.
The quad screen is notoriously unrelilable; not good enough in most people's opinions if you're really significantly interested in knowing. Everyone else is right - you should have scheduled your NT scan for 11w4d-13w6d. If you want real answers I think you should get an amnio scheduled for 15-17w ASAP. If you wait until your 20w anatomy scan you'll be looking at a late 2nd trimester termination (if that is where your mind is going with your need to know. no judgement, btw!).
From now on, you need to take your medical care into your own hands, rather than relying on the doctor to 'do what is right'. I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, but in today's medical environment you usually don't get the best care if you don't advocate strongly for what you want; usually that means you have to research on your own and decide what you want and not expect the doc to tell you everything.
I also think you should switch providers again. You may have a much more positive experience if you switch to a certified nurse-midwife.