Estimate individual risk for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormality. Screen for spina bifida. More accurately date the pregnancy. Diagnose multiple fetuses.

What can be diagnosed at 12-week scan?

The screening test for Downs syndrome used at this stage of pregnancy is called the combined test. It involves a blood test and measuring the fluid at the back of the babys neck (nuchal translucency) with an ultrasound scan. This is sometimes called a nuchal translucency scan.

How common is it to miscarry at 12 weeks?

The estimated figure is that miscarriage happens in around 1 in 4 recognised pregnancies, with 85% of those happening in the first trimester (weeks 1 to 12). A late miscarriage, which is much less common, may occur between weeks 13 to 24 of pregnancy.