PS: blood results

Just for completion: At 13 weeks 6 days

Free beta hCG was 27.05 IU/l equivalent to 0.780 MoM (versus 0.91 MoM)

PAPP-A was 5.588 IU/l equivalent to 1.054 MoM (versus 1.06 MoM)

From what I understand there only is a higher risk of Down’s syndrome when the hCG is much higher and the PAPP-A much lower than the average. These values are very close to the average so no worries here.

Nuchal scan results

No, I haven’t got my NHS results back. It normally takes 7 days and it’s been 14 days now and I can’t reach anyone to let me know where my results are. I got really worried that the blood results are lost and the test couldn’t be repeated because I would be beyond 14 weeks then. So I decided to have the test repeated privately, also because at the private clinic they not only measure the nuchal fold but look for the absence of a nasal bone and if there is fluid in the heart. Both are strong indicators for Down’s syndrome. It was definitely worth spending the money. The doctor took almost an hour to look at my baby from all angles and showed me the developing brain, the nice and straight spine, we counted toes and fingers and saw the heart, the stomach and the bladder and what will eventually develop into male reproductive organs. ITS A BOY!!!! 8 cm at present. I always thought I wanted a girl but I am thrilled but realize I have no suitable boy names, not one. Please send suggestion.

Anyway, there is a nasal bone present and no leakage between the heart valves which lowered the risk from 1:60 (for age 41) to 1:1200. That was as much of an improvement as the doctor’s software allowed (it cuts of at a 20 fold improvement). The blood results come in on Friday and are likely to be absolutely fine. I am so relieved and now look for ward to the rest of my pregnancy.

If you can afford the luxury of a private scan here is a good clinic in Oxfordshire http://www.beardmillclinic.com/