Viability Scan - Internal or External?

[Pops1985]

Hello,

I am looking to book a viability scan for when I am 8-9 weeks, currently 5+3. A lot of threads seem to recommend the Fetal Medicine Centre in London, however it says on the website they usually do the scan internally. Most of the other threads I have read say that external scans should be able to pick up a heartbeat from 7 weeks, so why do you think they do an internal scan? Just worried about the complications that can come from an internal scan...

Thanks all!

[Sanch1]

I think at the early stages an internal scan is clearer. I've had both at early stages. To be honest the term 'internal' is scarier than it needs to sound, with mine the probe was covered with a condom, then ultra sound jelly and was inserted maybe an inch max, I couldn't even feel it and there was no discomfort.

[Wombat87]

Some do internal up until a heatbeat can be seen. 10 weeks and over most will be external but sometimes larger ladies need internal. An internal scan is no more invasive of risky than having sex in my opinion.... So unless you're planning on being celibate till after you pop I wouldn't worry either way.

[novemberchild]

I had a scan there at 11 weeks, which was abdominal.

I have never heard of complications from an internal scan - it's just a blunt-ended probe. No pain or discomfort at all. The reason it is done is because at that stage the pregnancy can be very small, and it makes it easier to see everything and assess it via the vagina, because the probe is closer to the uterus that way.

Don't be afraid of a vaginal scan, it's really easy and your dignity is respected.

[Persipan]

I would a thousand times rather have an internal scan than an abdominal one, just because I hate the whole full-bladder thing.

[novemberchild]

I didn't need a full bladder for mine. Agree it is not very nice, though, had it before!

[Pops1985]

Thanks so much ladies! Feeling a lot better about things now :-)

[Cakeymum]

I've had internal scans in both my pregnancies at about 8 weeks. they could see an heartbeat with external but wanted a better image

as people have said, its not uncomfortable at all and you are soon distracted looking at the screen at bubba. and yes, the external scans on a full bladder are much much worse!!

[FuzzyOwl]

Internal scans really don't hurt and if you have a tilted womb, it is much easier to see a clearer picture.

[Kirjava]

I had an internal scan at 10+4. It was absolutely fine.