First trimester screeing, how was it?

[Anonymous]

Hi,

My OBGYN recommended I head to GIVF for a first trimester screening; I am currently 9 wks pregnant, 33 years old. I want to know if any one has gone through first trimester screening at GIVF and if you have a preference for a doctor there, how was your overall experience there, and when did you go in for your appointment?

Thanks

[Anonymous]

You might get more responses if you refer to GIVF in your subject line.

I had a first trimester screening done elsewhere (GWMFM) and it's no big deal. I saw a woman I assumed was not a doctor, actually, though maybe she was. She did the ultrasound and gave me the results of the nuchal translucency test on the spot. Then a different staffer (like a medical assistant type) took blood from my fingertip for the blood test part, and those results came back in a week.

When you call to make the appt, they will tell you exactly when the window is that you need to come in. It's pretty exact.

[Anonymous]

The first trimester screening is pretty laid back. Haven't done it at GIVF, but generally speaking, the worst part about it is if you tend to get worked up worrying about the results (I never did, but always had great results).

[Anonymous]

Highly recommend you see if you can do your blood work a week prior to the sonogram (GWMFM does allow this). That way they can give you your full results at the same time as your sono. In my experience, the experience is as "good" as your results.

[Anonymous]

I didn't go to GIVF but my OB referred me to a maternal-fetal specialist, which I first found alarming, but then realized it's just the way the practice does things.

Agree that the actual screening was no big deal (though of course I had trouble sleeping the night before). I tried to get the bloodwork done before the sonogram but the specialist said that could delay the results of the screen, since they use the bloodwork results as part of the formula to calculate the risk of Down's. The sono tech gave me the NT measurement on the spot, which was a relief while I waited for the full result (1 in 10k) to come back, which took about a week.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure what you mean by first trimester screening but since you use the word screening I assume you don't mean CVS, which is diagnostic and happens at the very end of the first trimester. I have done that twice at GIVF and loved it. (If you are interested in that, you'll find lots of threads on it and Dr. Stern.) The people there are friendly and warm.