Nuchal test ultrasound

[littlepickle]

Hi,

I was hoping that somebody could help me out in regards to the nuchal test. I asked my obs if I could have one, he said that it wasnt necessary because I am not in the risk group or something, I am 30yo, I dont know when the risk group begins, anyway, he reluctantly gave me a ultrasound form. I rang the ultrasound place to book in and the lady said I would need to get the blood tests done first, I said that my obs hadnt ordered any bloods, and she said that it doesnt matter as some doctrs do and some doctors dont, depending on what they think is the risk. Has anyone else had this?

I have to confess, the main reason for the ultrasound is that I wasnted DH to be able to see bub before the 19 week scan. Unfortunately he wasnt there for my first scan hence the fact I am going for this one. Does anyone think that this is wrong to do - for the wrong reasons? I mean, if I am not in the risk group should I not be having the test at all?

Any advice would really be appreciated
x

[Lunar]

Little Pickle,
If you ever want to know anything about the various tests I'm the one to call
(not boasting, I do know alot).
You would not be in the risk category as you are under 35, and if you have had no other problems in the past.
Some people do just want to have the test to see their bub and I don't blame them, it is a long wait until you reach 19 wks. It is prefered that the blood test be done around a week before the scan so the results can be calculated while you are there. The doctor may not have ordered the bloods because he knows you just want to see your baby. There is a cost involved with this test did you know?

You're doing the test for completely different reasons to others who have it done. Can I just ask you what would you do if the test came back and put you in a higher risk category and everything was really fine. Just so you know this test only picks up around 70% of babies with Down Syndrome and if you don't have the bloods the reliability is decreased.

Hope I have helped you out. PM me if you want anymore info.

[JellyBean06]

I'm having the NT Scan and Bloods on Monday for the same reasons (DH missed the Dating Scan) but I was never refused and I'm only 25. I was told that combined with the bloods it can detect 85-90% of all Downs & Spina Bifida cases. I don't expect to be in a high risk group, but DH and I wanted to make sure.

[littlepickle]

Thanks Jellybean and Emysmum

Yes, my reasons for having the test is purely so that DH can see the baby. I have to say though if the tests came back bad, it wouldnt change anything as far as I am concerned. I am kind of going to take my chances and hope for the best, my obs said that the nuchal test gave a kind of bookies odds and was not really accurate, he said that he didnt personally agree with it unless there was a gigh risk, in which case he said he would have recommended the amnio as most NT scans that come back with a risk are followed up with an amnio anyway, he said that it just causes a lot of worry and stress, and as it is not accurate alone. Also he said that he has had a ot of patients with a not so goog NT result have healthy babies therefore doesnt like them.
I guess it just depends on the obs and your own personal opinion. Its funny because before I was pg, I always said that I would have all of the tests to make sure that bub is healthy, but now that I am pg and have seen my bub on the screen, I dont feel the same, I just want to let my body make the decisions if that makes sense.
Out of interest, is the NT scan very expensive? I heard somewhere that you cant claim any of it back on medicare

[JellyBean06]

NT Scan is free for me here in Adelaide - completely bulk billed. Although now I'm going to triple check tomorrow to make sure but that's what I got told....something about only paying the gap for the first U/S and then all others were bullk billed?

[Lunar]

I know here in Sydney it costs around $90-$120 depending on where you go. And you don't get any rebate from medicare. Some places do bulk bill with medicare but that is only if you are in a high risk category. My NT scan was free this time around because I have Emily, and all the other tests would have been free if I chose to have them, but just like you Littlepickle I didn't want to take the risk of miscarriage if I wasn't going to act on a positive result. I believe in mother nature doing her thing and God only giving us what we can handle.
Good luck with everything and if you have anymore questions don't hesitate to ask.

[jonesso]

Yeah I had to pay and got $0 back for it, the reason being it is a diagnostic scan not a straight ultrasound and requires doctor to look at it and write a report or something???? I think mine was about $120 here in Brisbane. All other scans I could claim.

Sorry girls!

[Goosie22]

There is a place on the gold coast (story on Bris Extra) that just does Ultrasounds without a referal, they do DVD and pictures. On the story they said you had to sign a waiver to say it way just to look at the baby they don't do reports or check dates or wellbeing ect. I see if I can find a link to post. It isn't recommended to have lots of scans though some Private OBs have them in their rooms and do one each visit.

[Goosie22]

No I cant find a link It must have been a dream?:o

eddited to add this link from the age, this is were I heard about it. SORRY not available as far as I know in Australia YET as the article says.

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/11/08/1099781319936.html?from=storylhs

[kiwibird27]

Check out Nuchal Results under general chat