Pregnancy Scans
When you believe you are pregnant you should contact your GP and inform them, your GP will inform your community midwife who will then contact you. Your Community midwife will give you her contact details and she and your GP will be available for you if you have any health concerns. Your midwife will arrange for your pregnancy scans and you will be contacted by the hospital with your scan dates.
You will generally be offered 2 ultrasound scans, a dating scan at 12 weeks and an Anatomy scan at 20 weeks. The actual dates of the scans may vary depending on the area in which you live. In some areas a single scan at around 16 weeks is offered.
Dating Scan
The early scan confirms pregnancy and ensures the pregnancy is developing correctly. The baby will be measured to give you an Expected Delivery date (EDD). Any major abnormalities can be identified at this scan.
Anatomy Scan
At this scan an extensive check of the baby is performed. The examination will check the baby's face, brain, kidneys, spine, limbs and heart. If you wish to have your baby's gender confirmed at this stage then some hospitals will do this for you.
If you wish to have a unique gift for yourself then you may have a scan recorded to video or dvd to a soundtrack of your choice. Visit Babybond
Abnormality Tests
These tests check for chromosome abnormality such as Down's Syndrome, some carry risks and others do not. These tests vary in their accuracy and are not compulsory. Carefully consider how you would deal with the information from these tests before requesting them.
Blood Test
This test is normally offered between weeks 11-20 of the pregnancy. Chemical levels in the mother's blood are measured to estimate percentage chances of Down's Syndrome and spina bifida.
Nuchal Scan
A Nuchal scan is performed between 11 to 14 weeks. This scan measures the collection of fluid under the skin at the back of a child's neck (the nuchal translucency (NT)). As the NT measurement increases so does the risk of the baby having Down's Syndrome. The results of the test will be given to you immediately and your risk level for Down's Syndrome will be given. A high risk is classed as greater than 1 in 300 i.e. for every 300 pregnant women I will have a Down's syndrome baby. A high risk result can be very worrying for both parents but consider that even in a 1 in 10 risk 9 babies will be born healthy. The Nuchal scan is around 75% accurate. These scans are available in very few NHS hospitals and will generally be performed in private clinics.
Amniocentesis
This test is usually performed between weeks 15 and 19 of the pregnancy at the request of the mother. A needle is inserted into the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby to extract some cells. These cells are sent to a laboratory and results can take up to 4 weeks. This test is very accurate in diagnosing Down's Syndrome and cystic fibrosis, it does however carry a 1% risk of miscarriage. The test is not normally offered unless the mother has a high risk of having a child with a genetic disorder.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
This test involves a fine instrument being inserted into the uteris via the cervix, a small sample of the chorionic villi (same genetic material as the baby) is removed. This test is carried out between weeks 10 and 12 of the pregnancy and is not as accurate as Amniocentesis. The results are available within a few days and carries a 1-2% risk of miscarriage.
NOTE: The health section of Parenting.co.uk is not to be used as a substitute for your GP; if your child is ill then seek the advice of a qualified doctor or other health professional without delay.
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