First Trimester Screening In Chiang Mai

[saki100]

Hi all, I did attempt a search but couldn't find the information I required...

Where is the best place to get a First Trimester Screening done in Chiang Mai (or Bangkok if required)?

I am Australian, have an Australian doctor who has advised I am to have a blood test and ultrasound at week 11 (a few weeks time).

I have been to Chiang Mai Ram for a dating scan a few weeks ago, they were thorough and good. I also had a B-HCG test there that only took a few hours to get the results. So, I know they are fairly quick.

Do I need to make an actual Doctors Appointment at Chiang Mai Ram to get the scan / blood test done?

We checked out Kulapat Women's Clinic who advised that the blood test results would take about 3 weeks to get back to me. They were also very busy!

Are you able to get D&Cs in Thailand (if need be)?

I know the process in Australia but am having a little trouble with finding out quality information in Thailand.

We will be back in Australia just before week 19, so I just need the info on first trimester screening.

Thanks in advance

[saki100]

ps. If you know me, I would prefer if you could keep this quiet!

[sbk]

Perhaps best in the Chiang Mai forum for local knowledge.

Also, please check this pinned thread regarding terminations in Thailand.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/143682-abortion-in-thailand/

Also, let me add a moderator note here. OP is NOT asking for judgements, or other types of advice but specifically advice on where to go for the medical tests listed in the OP.

[saki100]

thanks sbk!!!

[Sheryl]

What is the blood test in question?

For routine antenatal check and ultrasound, CM Ram would be OK. If the concern is possible fetal abnormality then I suggest 'd suggest Dr. WIRAWIT PIYAMONGKOL there.

http://www.chiangmairam.com/NEW%20CMR/Physician%20Eng/Obstetric%20Gynecological%20Clinic%20Eng%20.html

As you will note he is only there on Saturdays. Rest of the time he is on faculty at CMU Medical School and it may be possible to access him through Sripat (the Special Medical Services Center, a semi-private outpatient wing iof CMU Hospital). Sripat/CMU Hospital have the most extensive facilities do if there is a need for an unusual test they'd be most apt to be able to do it.

An appointment would be advisable.

if you can specify the blood test in question I may be able to advise further.

[saki100]

Hi Sheryl, Thanks for your response.

Going by an Aussie Women's website http://www.womensimagingservices.com.au/obstetric-ultrasound/first-trimester-screening.aspx)

The blood test would be testing the "level of two fetoplacental hormones in the woman’s blood. These hormones are

1. Free βhCG (a part of the pregnancy test hormone)
2. PAPP-A (Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein A – a growth promoting hormone in the placenta).

The levels of these two hormones are frequently abnormal when the fetus has a serious chromosome problem."

The ultrasound tests nuchal translucency for down syndrome.

The imaging and the blood test results will be emailed to my doctor in Australia. Any problems (hope not!) will be dealt with back in Australia.

Questions:

1. How do I go about making a doctors appointment with an Ob at Chiang Mai Ram? Do I just walk up to the info counter OR do I head over to the Ob section?

2. How long would it take to get the results of that blood test? Kulapat said 3 weeks. Would it be safe to presume CMRam would complete the testing that day or the next?

[Sheryl]

I am not certain they can do all this at Ram, may have to send it out to CMU Hospital.

For appointment at Ram, you can make on the phone or in person, do so at the OB clinic itself. No need to stop at reception if you already have a patient registration card as I gather you do.

However if I were you I'd try over at Sripat first, especially since the recommended doctor is not at Ram until Saturday and they may have to send these blood tests to CMU anyhow. Sripat I think you have to make appointment in person (you'll also need to get registered).