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Antenatal tests

Fetal Medicine Centre

9 replies

Janzen · 19/02/2011 21:47

Hi everyone. I was wondering if anyone can share her experiences getting a nuchal scan or CVS at the Fetal Medicine Centre? I have an appointment there in a few weeks for a scan and blood test and it would be so helpful to know what to expect.

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joshark · 19/02/2011 22:37

hi hun which fetal medicine centre are you visiting? x x

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Strix · 19/02/2011 22:41

They are the best there is. I had a nuchal and CVS there in the last year.

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Janzen · 20/02/2011 10:24

Thanks. It's the FMC on Harley St. I'm glad to hear that everything went well there for you, Strix.

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Sparklies · 20/02/2011 13:31

I have been thoroughly impressed with them and given the expertise, the prices are so, so reasonable. I had my nuchal and 20 week scan there. If you see the professor (he's there on Wednesdays), you're in for a treat!

I always google whoever did my scan and each time they have at least half a dozen research papers on related subjects to what my scan is for. You cannot ask for a higher standard than that!

Be prepared for a wait (especially on Wednesdays) - you may need to ring up on the day to see what the delays are like. The waiting area is perfectly pleasant with sofas and a selection of magazines and a nice free coffee/hot choc etc machine. Everybody is very polite and kind. The toilets are like decent hotel toilets with handcream and all sorts.. about as far as you could get from an NHS hospital toilet! You never feel like your appointment is rushed, and you can ask lots of questions too.

You pay after your appointment, and you get several copies of the report to give to your doctor/s.

Hope that helps a little!

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Chynah · 23/02/2011 15:49

As Sparklies said. I have had 2 combined Scan/blood tests there with my pregnancies the second of which led to a CVS done by Prof Nickoledies (sp?)which came back all clear. They are fab!

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TooTiredtoGoogle · 23/02/2011 19:00

I had 12 week scan and the Professor did my CVS there.
Agree with what everyone else has already said and just wanted to add that it was worth every penny, and worth the wait for the Professor. (Had my CVS appointment booked with him for 4pm, and didn't have the procedure done till gone 9pm).

What impressed me most was how they put as much value on putting you at ease and relaxing you as the all the science and medical side to the procedure.

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mrsravelstein · 23/02/2011 19:03

been there with all 3 pregnancies. very impressed with them. had a scare at a scan with dc3, rang them in tears and they said come along now we'll see you straightaway. they then spent well over an hour rescanning me and going through everything again very patiently.

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Yaya70 · 23/02/2011 22:41

I had my nuchal and CVS there a few weeks ago with Prof Nicolaides. As others have said, the setting is very relaxed but if you are seeing the professor there's often quite a wait so take a good book.

Unlike most NHS places, they do the bloods on the same day, before the scan, so by the time you have the scan done they will have your blood results and will be able to discuss your results with you. The scan is very detailed and they will assess many more soft markers than other places to give you a more accurate risk assessment. With my CVS the professor put me totally at ease and the whole procedure, despite the difficult circumstances, was remarkably stress free.

Good luck!

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Janzen · 24/02/2011 09:47

Thanks, everyone! I'm reassured now that we'll be in very good hands. I have a Wednesday appointment with Prof Nicolaides. I'll be sure to bring a book, or two.