August 2016 Moms

Ultrasound question

I am hoping someone can help me out.....I am expecting my second baby this August and already a proud Mommy to a beautiful little girl.  I went in for my first appointment on Tuesday and they had mentioned doing an ultrasound on my next appointment for check for Down Syndrome and other chromosomal defects and my doctor had mentioned that I had done this with my first one but after asking some family members I did confirm I did not have this with my first one.  Granted my first child is 7 (8 in September), so my question is.....is this a new test or something the doctor has seen on the screen and I should be worried about?

Re: Ultrasound question

  • I think this is a pretty regular test if it's the one I'm thinking of, first trimester screening? All my family members and friends who've had a kid recently have had it done.
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  • * Stuck in a quote box sorry

    With my first we declined the first tri NT scan because our OOP for insurance would be really high.  They check for a lot of the same stuff in the second trimester screening.  Another friend at a new practice said they dont even offer first tri NT unless there is a reason.  So its really up to you.  There is a risk of false positives but its a chance to see the baby again. 

  • My doc gave me the option of this screening; I declined. So, if you don't want to do it for some reason, you don't have to, but, yay ultrasound!

    Married May 2014
    DD born August 2016
    Baby #2 due December 2017
  • I think it's been around for awhile. It was already a standard test when my sister in law went for her 12 week scan with my now 5.5 yr old nephew. It could be that you were very low risk and your doctor's office does not offer it unless there is a risk. The 12 week is the best in my opinion, the baby isn't cramped in there yet and you get to see everything. They are usually even sucking their thumb or waving or touching their face. So cute.
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  • The standard first trimester screen to check for down syndrome is called an NT scan.  All it checks are some soft markers and blood levels to determines your RISK of having a child with DS.  It doesn't provide a "positive" or "negative".  It basically allows you determine if more invasive tests are warranted if those results shows a greater risk for DS.  This test does NOT mean your child does or does not have DS.  
  • It checks for more than just DS, I did it with my first and found out I had low Papp A ( a placenta issue) I am thnakful I did it because I needed extra monitoring throughout my pregnancy to make sure baby was growing ok. It is a pretty standard test now that is offered.
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  • It depends on your insurance, but from what I understand, the scan is usually recommended for AMA moms and anyone with family history, otherwise it may not be covered.

    I had it done with DD and have it scheduled with this one because of family history, so I didn't have to pay OOP. If it weren't covered, I don't think I'd opt to have it done.
  • I asked the Dr. a few more question regarding the "extra" testing (he does a quad screen). I asked if the results would affect what hospital I would need to deliver at. He said that if there was something that would affect not delivering at our local hospital (if the child needed early intervention after birth) it would likely be seen in the 20 weeks scan. 

    BabyFruit Ticker
  • Thanks everyone for the info, I feel much better knowing this is a standard test! :)
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