Downs scans

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Posted by: Penny | 2012/07/15

Q. Downs scans

HI

I just found out I am pregnant. I am 39. What downs screening is offered and who does it? Can my Gynea do the scans including the level 2 scans I have read about?

Thanks!

user comments

Posted by: Annie | 2012/07/16

My 14 week scan was R1800. So this is very expensive. Unfortunately I do not have the contact details for the one in Pretoria. Perhaps they are cheaper?

I guess it depends how important the test is for you.
I was not planning on going with either of my pregnancies, but DH thought as gyne advised it it is better we go.... so we did.

Reply to Annie

Posted by: Penny | 2012/07/16

Thanks for the replies! Annie how much does he charge? I am basically on a hospital plan so I have to pay out of pocket.

Reply to Penny

Posted by: Amy | 2012/07/16

Regularly what they do on the downs test is with a scan measure the nuchal fold (the skin of the neck at the back), the nosebone, and they draw blood and send away.

If any of these are suspicious they will suggest an amniocyntesis.

These tests are very accurate.

Reply to Amy

Posted by: Annie | 2012/07/16

Congrats Penny!

In Gauteng there are two gynes qualified to do the downs screening. Like specialists in their fields.
Prof Ermos Nicolaou in Morningside clinic (Santon) 011 883 3
070 and another in Fearie Glen.
This was what my gyne told me when she refered me to a specialist with my first pregnancy: All gynes can do the test, but these two are specialists in theiur field and can do it so much better.
I''ve been to Prof Ermos. Very professional and he is most defenately a perfectionist. He is the first doctor I have been to where I dont have to wait!
You walk in - there is nobody else in the waiting room, they do your blood test even before your appointment. By the time they have your blood to send away to the lab the previous couple come out of Prof''s office. We go in. He do the scan and some calculations on his computer. Then you wait in the waiting room for a few minutes. He calls you back in - with the results from your blood tests! This is the 12-14 week scan.
If I remember correctly the 20week scan''s blood tests you get after you left - but I''m not sure. I''ll be going for my 20 week scan with my second end of the month.
Were there with my first and this time I am going again. My chances were something like 1 in 10,000 with LG (aged 31) and now is 1 in 8,000 - aged 33.
Then he told me if we want we can do amniosintese but he dont think its nessasary. He also checks you chances for 2 other things, but I cant even remember what they are. Those chances were even less.
O, the differences in my results were only due to the 2 years increase in age!

Good luck. I dont know where you are situated, but ask your gyne about these spesialists?

Reply to Annie

Posted by: Nini | 2012/07/16

Congratulations Penny!!!

To answer your question, I think ALL gynea''s are experienced to ensure that you have all the necessary tests and scans done, especially at your age. They will most likely refer you for all the blood tests, which all Labs will be able to do. And as for the scans, they should be able to either do the scans themselves, or refer you to wherever necessary. Your gynea will be able to lead, guide and advise you on your whole journey.

Good luck.

Reply to Nini