Nuchal u/s and pelvic u/s only 6 weeks apart?

[m_jelly]

I've just got my apppointment notices for my first 2 ultrasound appointments, but the first (nuchal) is at 14 weeks, while I've got the regular one (pelvic) scheduled for 20 weeks.

My question is, is there a point in taking unpaid hours off work, drinking copious amounts of water, and paying for the first scan if I'm having the proper scan 6 weeks later?

I just got the idea that everyone else had their nuchal scans quite early.

[drewid]

Hi there

Its my understanding that the nuchal test is taken early on so that you can make decisions based on the results IYKWIM.

The 20 week is a check up on the baby generally, to check on growth, position, placenta etc.

The nuchal scan is not a 'must have' scan. Come to think of it, NO scans are must have. But if you dont' intend to DO anything if your test results with the nuchal come back bad, I would be more inclined to skip that one, and only have the 20 week one.

Just my 2 cents worth

[Lunar]

You really don't NEED the NT scan if you are not in a high risk category and Nicole is right, if you know that you wouldn't do anything based on the results of the NT scan there is really no point in having it as it is quite expensive and I don't think you get anything back from medicare. The reliabilty of the NT scan is only 70-80% anyway and greatly dependant on the skill of the person doing the scan.
It is totally your choice and ALOT of ppl have the scan purely to see their baby. All in all it's your choice and one only you can make. Good luck with your pregnancy!

[BlessedWithBlue]

if you know that you wouldn't do anything based on the results of the NT scan there is really no point in having it

This is exactly what my midwife and the ob told me, i didn't have the NT with either of my pregnancies and won't next time either.

[shed]

Isn't the nuchal supposed to be done before 14 weeks?

[Rachael]

Nuchal is supposed to be done at 12weeks.

[Lunar]

I am pretty sure that the cut off is 13 weeks. That was what I was told when I had mine a few months ago.
And before anyone starts I had it because I already have a DD with Down syndrome and just wanted to get a better idea of our chances of it happening again, as without it our chances were 1:100 and I had not had a dating scan as of previous early m/c's and the way my uterus sits I would need an internal u/sound early and doc didn't want that for me.
Just thought I would add that as some of you may have noticed how I am with people testing JUST for down syndrome as if it's the worst thing in the world.
Anyway, I have posted my views about this many times on other threads about NT scan and other testing.
Good luck with your decision anyway and hope you have a smooth pregnancy.

[HoopDeeDoo]

It's usually done at 12 weeks, but can be done between 12-14 I'm pretty sure. And as long as you only have one US per trimester you do get some back from medicare.
If you are not concerned about your bub having downs syndrome then I wouldn't worry about doing it. We did it just to see our baby - I found it to be a really great experience, it's makes everthing feel real. But if you don't have the spare cash then it's not important

The one at 20 weeks measures all the organs and makes sure bubs is healthy, and the right size etc. Checks that your plancenta is out of the way of the exit, and the it's working properly. That one is fantastic bubba is usually really easy to make out.

[RachWA]

The NT (Nuchal translucency aka - FTS First Trimester Scan) is done between 11weeks and 13 week 5 days. It does check for other abnormalities other than the Anantomy scan (done between 18-22 week aka 20 week scan) (best done at around 20 weeks). The NT scan measures a skin fold on the back on your back babies neck and is correlated with a blood test done around 10 weeks up to the scan (the blood test used to confirm pregnancy is not the same). After 13week 5days the skin fold can no longer be measured. It is not necessary unless you are at high risk but is now very commonly done for everyone. It is not usually rebate by medicare unless you fit their requirements (eg: over 35 or previous downs syndrome births). It is quite accurate and usually followed up by amniocentis if your risk is assessed as high.
The anatomy scan assess abnormailities of the heart, kidney, cleft palate, club foot etc. Although you don't have to have any scan it certainly is useful for your own peace of mind and first pitcures!!!!!

Sorry about the long reply - I work for a radiology company and answer these questions all day. (The dates of doing each scan may differ slightly at other practices and specialists.)

[RachWA]

You do receive a rebate on your anatomy scan. You can have one scan per trimester rebated unless there is a medical reason (usually specialist referral) to be rebated for more. The NT scan is the exception to which you have to meet medicare requirements for rebate.