IMAP?!

IMAP is free 😊 it’s basically a face to face assessment - they ask you about your health history in depth, take some measurements and do an ultrasound scan of your baby. (Mine took about 2 hours in total). NIPT is a blood test and ultrasound thats seperate to IMAPs visit that specifically looks at genetic abnormality risks. Hope that helps 😄

IMAP at the JHH is free, and is not the same as NIPT. IMAP is just the name of the clinic. I asked one of the antenatal endocrinologists what IMAP meant and she said she didn’t know, it’s just their name for it.

No fee for IMAP at JHH, from memory they do a scan, and then you talk to someone separatly regarding home life, health, any mental health conditions (they go really deep into these questions), when I had my IMAP appt at JHH just under a year ago I was there for a few hours so take water and snacks!

That’s super helpful thank you! I’ll go ahead with my NIPT and get my IMAP booked in ☺️

I'm pretty sure when I was booked for my IMAP visit I also had to get bloods done before the appointment (PAPP-A or something) and then the ultrasound at JHH. I wasn't aware I was going to have an ultrasound the day of my appointment either so it was a pleasant surprise!

IMAP appointment stands for “initial maternity assessment & planning” it’s free but is different to the NIPT test. They get you to do a blood test at least 3 days prior which can help detect the three most common chromosomal abnormalities, go through a detailed history, 12 week ultrasound and nuchal translucency & also talk about your future appointments and care pathway.
With my daughter & now this bub we opted not to get a NIPT unless something came back high risk :)

You won’t be able to book yourself in with IMAP, it is done via referral from your GP after the pregnancy is confirmed with bloods with your GP. It doesn’t work like a private practice. Generally, they tell you when your appointment will be and you’ll have to go when they say. Eg they’ll say “11am Tuesday 9/1/24” and it may take a few hours. Dont be shocked if they’re running super late. Definitely take a book or something to occupy yourself (phone reception can be spotty), and water and food.

I work in private sector scanning, you either have a NIPT and an anatomical scan or a papa blood test to close follow a nuchal. The NIPT is much more reliable an indication than the Nuchal and papa. The nuchal and papa are more cost effective. No idea about the IMAP though