Q1. Is ultrasound safe?
Yes, as far as anyone can reasonably say. It has been in use for more than 20 years. Equipment is governed by strict regulations.

Q2. When can you tell if it’s a boy or a girl?
From about 22 weeks ultrasound can tell the sex of a baby.

Q3. Does ultrasound scanning hurt?
Definitely not.

Q4. Do I need a full bladder?
No.

Q5. Is it a tummy scan or an internal scan?
Usually a tummy scan. Internal scanning is used for gynaecological investigations and for some pregnancies of less than 8 weeks.

Q6. Why do babies with Down Syndrome have more fluid at the back of their necks?
Nobody is 100% sure. It may be something is wrong with the babies heart or lymphatic system.

Q7. How many scans should I have in pregnancy?
Three; nuchal thickness screening at 11-13 weeks, a detailed examination of the baby at 22-24 weeks (including cardiac connections, lips, palate & profile), a fetal/placental health check at 34-36 weeks.

Q8. Why doesn’t the NHS provide these examinations?
It can’t afford to. Different hospitals provide different types of care.

Q9. Can you see other abnormalities at the 11-13 week nuchal thickness scan?
Yes, but only if they are big and the ultrasound view is good.

Q10. Can an 11-13 week scan tell if the baby has spina bifida (neural tube defect)?
Only if it is severely effected.

Q11. Should I still have my spina bifida blood test at 16 weeks?
Yes.

Q12. What is Down Syndrome?
Down Syndrome is the condition caused by the commonest major chromosome abnormality – Trisomy 21.

Q13. Can I change my chance of having a baby with Down Syndrome?
Only by having babies when you are younger.

Q14. What is a diagnostic test?
A test which tells with absolute certainty, whether a baby has Down Syndrome or not.

Q15. What invasive diagnostic tests are there?
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS), amniocentesis and fetal blood sampling.

Q16. If I need a diagnostic test (CVS or amniocentesis) where will it be carried out?
At the Berkshire Independent Hospital. Fluid or tissue specimens are sent to CGS in London for analysis.

Q17. How much does diagnostic testing at the BIH cost?
£ 375.00 (test + analysis) plus the cost of blood tests if you need them.

Q18. How soon are the BIH diagnostic test results available?
A provisional result is usually available in 72 hours, a final result in 10-14 days.

Q19. How soon are the NHS diagnostic test results available?
Usually 10-14 days for a final result.

Q20. Are the final diagnostic test results correct?
Yes – 100%

Q21. Will the diagnostic test result include the sex of the baby?
Yes, if you want it to.

Q22. What will a diagnostic test look for?
All chromosome abnormalities, spina bifida, most cystic fibrosis and the sex of the baby.

Q23. What are the risks of diagnostic testing?
1 in 100 women (1%) miscarry as a direct result of CVS or amniocentesis.

Q24. When will a miscarriage happen?
Usually within 48 hours of the test.

Q25. How will I know if I am miscarrying?
After the test you will be given an information sheet which describes various symptoms and what you should do about them.

Q26. What will happen if the diagnostic test result is normal?
A detailed scan at 22-24 weeks is recommended.

Q27. What will happen if the diagnostic test is abnormal?
An urgent appointment (usually within the NHS) will be made for you to discuss what to do next.

Q28. Should I have more than one screening test for Down Syndrome?
Probably not. The same screening test should definitely not be used again. Blood tests are available at 10-14 & 16-18 weeks. Multiple testing seldom reassures worried parents. This question does not have a certain answer.

Q29. How do I make an appointment for a test?
Follow the appointments link.

Q30. Who does the scanning?
A Consultant in Feto-Maternal Medicine.

Q31. Can I have private care during my pregnancy?
Yes – see suggested schedule and discuss with Mrs Anne Marriott.

Q32. Will my medical insurance cover my costs?
Probably not unless something major goes wrong.

Q33. Can I have my caesarean section carried out as a private patient?
Yes – please discuss with Mrs Anne Marriott.