Scans & Down's, Edwards' and Patau's syndrome screening

Every woman will be routinely offered two ultra sound scans during her pregnancy. Further scanning may be recommended depending on an individuals' circumstances. Most scans are performed with a probe being placed on your abdomen but occasionally internal scanning may be required. Only one person can accompany you at the scan. Please be aware that the professional scanning you may be male or female and children cannot attend. 

Scan 1 (at approximately 12 weeks of pregnancy)

This scan is sometimes called the nuchal translucency scan or the dating scan.

The purpose of this scan is to:

• Confirm that you are pregnant
• To check if you are expecting more than one baby
• Confirm your estimated date of delivery
• Measures your baby to estimate how many weeks’ pregnant you are
• Screen for Down's Syndrome, Edwards' Syndrome and Patau's Syndrome, if you choose this screening.

Down's, Edwards' and Patau's syndrome screening

At Frimley Health we offer the combined test for Down's, Edwards' and Patau's syndrome screening. This involves a nuchal translucency scan which measures the thickness of the nuchal fold in you baby's neck plus a blood test. The results of the scan and the blood test are combined and used together with your age and other details, to estimate the chance of your baby being born with Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome or Patau's syndrome. This screening can happen up until 14 weeks of pregnancy.

What if I am over 14 weeks pregnant?

If you are further along in you pregnancy (15+ weeks) and therefore miss the combined test described above, you will be offered the quadruple test which will calculate your chance of Down's syndrome only. To complete this screening you will need a dating scan and a blood test.

These test are screening tools, not a diagnosis.

Sometimes your result will be in the high chance category and we will contact you to discuss further tests that you may wish to consider. 

Scan 2 (at approximately 20 weeks of pregnancy)

This scan is sometimes called the mid-pregnancy scan or the anomaly scan. Please ensure you have this appointment made whilst you are at your first scan. 

The purpose of this scan is to:

• Check if your baby is developing normally
• Look for 11 different conditions in your baby but cannot find everything that might be wrong
• Check the position of your placenta

Whilst this is not the purpose of this scan, it may be possible to find out the gender of your baby at this scan if you wish to know. You are also able to purchase an ultrasound scan picture to take home.