First trimester screening

Ashesha13 · January 2013

So I'm just today 11 weeks and 1 day and I have my paper work to get the bloodwork done for my first trimester screening, however the doctor isn't doing an ultrasound for it. My nurse practitioner originally said an ultrasound but the doctor said no ultrasound until AS at like 18 weeks since he found the heartbeat at our last appointment with the doppler he was set on the due date. Is it normal not to have an ultrasound for the 1st trimester screening? I'm just dying to see out little one already!

MommyAmes2 · January 2013

Yes, some OB practices don't do them. A lot of women only get one ultrasound around 18-22 ish weeks.

lilybit01 · January 2013

At my Dr. that is pretty much what the first tri screening is. FTR, I'm not doing it, so I dont' know with 100% certainty, but she stated that the first tri would be an ultrasound to measure the back of the baby's neck, and then blood work to test HCG and something else. Those two tests essentially make up the first tri screening... at least through Kaiser!

Good luck!

plunderb · January 2013

As far as I know, it usually includes an us to measure the nuchal fold.

Be sure to ask why. It may just be that you are low risk and your doc doesn't do that test routinely. But if you want it, be sure to ask for it.

saralondos · January 2013

lilybit01:
At my Dr. that is pretty much what the first tri screening is.nbsp; FTR, I'm not doing it, so I dont' know with 100 certainty, but she stated that the first tri would be an ultrasound to measure the back of the baby's neck, and then blood work to test HCG and something else.nbsp; Those two tests essentially make up the first tri screening... at least through Kaiser!
nbsp;
Good luck!

I'm in the same boat with Kaiser...they asked if I wanted and said Kaiser covers it so mine will be on Feb 4..middle of week 13.

I have had several ladies ask 'at your age they test for that?' So maybe you're just low risk! Call and confirm..be firm with those ppl! Lol I'm a first time mom and worried I'll get pushed around since I wouldn't know either way! Good luck!

cortneyloo · January 2013

Have you already had blood tests done at any prior visits? If you already had the basics done like checking for STDs and rubella immunity then this bloodwork is probably for a quad screen instead of an NT scan. The quad screen doesn't involve an u/s and checks for different disorders in your serum like spina bifida, Trisomy 18 and Down Syndrome. It will include an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), hcg level, dimeric inhibin A, and estriol level. The NT scan is the test that also includes an u/s to check the neck of the fetus and for any heart defects. If you are really set on seeing your baby earlier than 18 weeks then you could always request the NT scan in theory. It's done between 11 and 14 weeks.

Marbs1022 · January 2013

We will have the Doppler detect the heartbeat at 12 weeks Feb 5th and then the first ultrasound between 1820 weeks. If for some reason the Doppler can't pick up the heartbeat, they will order an ultrasound for that day. I pray the Doppler will have no problems detecting that little but strong heartbeat! I know a lot of people get ultrasounds earlier, not sure if its because they are high risk or if its just a preference doctor by doctor/clinic by clinic.

Mumma Meg · January 2013

The ultrasound component measures the nuchal fold, this measurement combined with your blood tests gives an estimated risk of your risk of having a baby with downs syndrome, eg 1:1000. I think it's strange he is not doing the ultrasound.

Ashesha13 · January 2013

Yea I just called the office and since insurance only covers two ultrasounds they sai it's not routine to do the NT scan unless you have been sent to a specialist for some reason. All they do us the first trimester blood and second trimester blood. Kind of upset.. And we don't have any private u/s places in my area that I could even go pay and get one done. Do you think my GP would be able to prescribe one or only if there is an issue?

kahlan82 · January 2013

I had a my u/s today (11 weeks) but only because I choose to get the NT scan. I don't think I would have had an u/s at this time if I didn't choose to get the scan. My next u/s won't be until 20 weeks. I think every place is different. If you want the scan because you just want "to make sure" the baby is still growing, you can ask for it. The doctor is there to help with any anxiety. If you heard the heart beating I am sure there is nothing to worry about but seeing that baby is awesome for the soul. Push for what you want.

kahlan82 · January 2013

Marbs1022:
We will have the Doppler detect the heartbeat at 12 weeks Feb 5th and then the first ultrasound between 1820 weeks. If for some reason the Doppler can't pick up the heartbeat, they will order an ultrasound for that day. I pray the Doppler will have no problems detecting that little but strong heartbeat! I know a lot of people get ultrasounds earlier, not sure if its because they are high risk or if its just a preference doctor by doctor/clinic by clinic.

I had a u/s at 7 weeks, doctor's preference (and mine). I wasn't high risk. My office may also do it because they are "accredited" and aren't allowed to use a Doppler during the first trimester at all.

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