First US timing

catmw21 · September 2013

With my previous two pregnancies, I only had one US at 20 weeksish. Now I am pregnant at 37. I already scheduled my 20 week US, but my sister who goes to the same OB/MW practice insists that when she was pregnant at 38, she had to have an earlier US because of her age. I'm not sure if they missed this or if they just changed how they do things, but I'm just wondering what most of you had. Thanks!

LucyRicardo3 · September 2013

It's somewhat common to have a NT Scan offered around 11-13 weeks where the space behind the baby's neck is measured, among other things. The bonus for that is that you get to see your LO squirming around in there.
This scan has to been done within that time window or the measurements are not reliable.

ETA: The NT scan measurements are used to determine "possible" presence of Downs Syndrome (trisomy 21), and is typically compiled with information from a series of blood draws (Quad Screen) that check for levels of certain proteins in your blood. The numbers are put into an algorithm and they give you information on the risk of the baby having T21. This test is recommended, but you can decline.

There are some very new blood tests available within the past year or so that use a blood draw from you (similar to any other typical blood test) yet it screens out for the fetal DNA and is highly more reliable than the quad screen. Look up MaterniT21, Harmony, Panorama, Verifi, and I can't remember some of the other names. Basically same test, but brand name depends on the lab that processes it.

jbelle · September 2013

LucyRicardo3 said:

This test is recommended, but you can decline.

There are some very new blood tests available within the past year or so that use a blood draw from you (similar to any other typical blood test) yet it screens out for the fetal DNA and is highly more reliable than the quad screen. Look up MaterniT21, Harmony, Panorama, Verifi, and I can't remember some of the other names. Basically same test, but brand name depends on the lab that processes it.

We did the Verifi blood test and because of that, our genetic counselor did not feel it necessary to do the NT scan. So my first ultrasound wouldn't be until the anatomy scan at 18-20 weeks (I'm 37).

Totally as an aside: I signed up for a study today and as part of it, will be getting a free dating ultrasound! We'll get to see our baby girl for the first time!

kelley72 · September 2013

Some practices do ultrasounds for better due date estimation, just depends on the practice and how reliable your lmp date is. For instance my lmp would make my edd 3/22/14 but by ultrasound my edd is 4/05/14, I will also have NT ultrasound during 12th wk and then anatomy scan around 18wks, then they expect a few more later ultrasounds ?.. I can always decline them and as some will be out of pocket I may decline some 3rd trimester ultrasounds but then again who can refuse another glimpse of LO? I suggest you call and ask them what they generally do and make sure if you want the NT you are scheduled within the guidelines, I think 11wks to 13wks 3 days - not sure about those exact time frames so research/ask your office

catmw21 · September 2013

Thanks, all. I did call the OB's office and yes, like some of you said, I just didn't realize that one of the optional, early screenings was an US. My sister must have elected to do it but I declined it. Thanks for your time!

Guennie · September 2013

I'm late replying but yes, it can get confusing figuring out what all the screenings are! Best of luck to you!

First US timing

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