Has anyone ever asked if they can film their NHS 20 week scan?

[DisenchantedPlusBump]

Not with a big camcorder

Just get a clip on my phone of baby moving about on screen?

Or would there be some rules about it?

Don't want to look like a numpty asking!

[mummy2t]

i always record the heartbeat on my phone ( sound ) when i am at midwife. never asked about the scan though.

[DisenchantedPlusBump]

I have my own doppler so have that on my phone too

[kd73]

We got a leaflet that said that you weren't permitted to record the scan. Something about it being distracting for the sonographer and the purpose of the scan was to check the baby out and to not be a social meeting with the baby!!!!!!!!

[moaningminnie2020]

Been for my 20w scan this week, lots of signs in the waiting room stating that you are not allowed to film during the scans.

[DisenchantedPlusBump]

Ah thats no good

[MiniMarmite]

We took a digital photo of the screen but just the still photo that we then paid for the print out of IYSWIM (and admittedly when the sonographer wasn't looking)

[Flibbertyjibbet]

Why have you put all those !!!!! kd73?

The scan is to check for any abnormalities, the sonographers are highly trained doing a precise job, and the the prime objective of the scan is NOT for a social meeting with your baby.

Thats why you have to wait to ask questions etc (ie Be Quiet) until after all the checks on the baby are done by the sonographer.

If you have ever had a scan where you are told that something is wrong, like myself, my best friend and countless other mothers have, you might think that asking to record etc the scan is frivolous.

Presumably in my case we would have stopped filming at the point 'sorry we can't find a heartbeat'.

[FairyBasslet]

We did with DS but that was over 5 years ago. With DD about 3 years ago we were told we couldn't, so we didn't even bother asking with DC3.

They talk about the fact that the scan is for medical reasons but to be honest I think the real reason is to make sure you didn't have any evidence of negligence etc should things turn out badly in the end. Very sad but to be expected in our compensation culture.

[DisenchantedPlusBump]

So sorry flibberty

I just menat once everything medical was done, and they were 'showing us baby' like telling us the gender or just watching her kick we could get a 30 second or so film of her moving about.

[Flibbertyjibbet]

My message wasn't in response to you DPB, it was more at KD73 and all those who really do think that the purpose of a scan is to see your baby waving and then have a film to show everyone.
Its like people who want another scan because the gender couldn't be seen. Who cares as long as its healthy? The purpose of the scan is to see if there are problems, and perhaps its only those who have had scans showing problems can really appreciate that.

[FairyBasslet]

My sympathies Flibbery, but in response, when we were able to film with DS, we were asked to wait until the sonographer had verified everything she needed to, which of course we anticipated in any case. We were very aware that the scan is for medical reasons but most sonographers will check over everything then turn the screen round and let you have a look at the baby and point things out to you so I don't think it's unreasonable to have a desire to film a few seconds of this part of the scan.

I think most people are aware that things do not always turn out for the best.

For what it's worth Disenchanted, we had a nuchal scan with this baby and were given a DVD with footage of the baby as part of the price. I'm sure if you were able to have a private anomaly scan you'd receive a similar sort of deal.

[babylove123]

hi,

I had a 20 week scan on NHS and they wouldnt even let us take a pic let alone film it....they said they werent permitted to let you. We bought the pics (can you believe you have to pay for them?!) and i scanned them in to email to people. Sucks doesnt it!

[sonog123]

Hi,

I am a Sonographer so thought I would add my view.
I can fully appreciate, having a child myself how exciting it is at the scans to see your baby and to get pictures to show relatives etc. I am just a little concerned of the ever increasing expectations of Hospitals with all the cuts being made. And I know this should make no difference to a pregnant mother however adding time on the end of a scan for filming in another crutial appointment per list for a nuchal screening appointment for downs syndrome which is now a huge part of our daily work. These scans can take up to half hour each as the measurment is so precise and we are audited very stricly on our ability. I can assure you all that we have to go plenty of update seminars and internal assessment to keep up our skills. Machines are also getting better in terms of image quality therefore we have more checks on your baby to make. And our primary concern at the end of the day is to check your baby is healthy and to reassure you of this. The amount of bad news we give is more than people think which is very upsetting, and it always astonishes me how many peoples' main concern is whether they are having a boy or a girl. Videoing your scan is something most trusts do not allow, however privately I am sure there is capacity for this type of thing.

[VivaLeBeaver]

FairyBaslet - I don't think the reason for not allowing this is to make sure you don't have "evidence" incase something was missed.

Firstly - there's no way that a mobile film filming of a scan screen would ever show enough detail to show any evidence. Even zooming in on the scan screen it can be hard to make stuff out.

Secondly hospitals keep copies of detailed scan photos in your notes for this reason. So if a baby is born with an abnormality they can go back and see if its something that should have been spotted.

[Soupqueen]

I'm not sure how it would be possible, given all the signs reminding you turn your phone off?

Admittedly, most people seem to think the rules don't apply to them every time I've been in.....

[cogitosum]

Our nhs will give you a film of the scan (you have to pay for it)

[pinkr]

If your want video footage why don't you get one of the private scans that includes a DVD etc? My friend had 3d done for 100 or so and could have a long DVD etc.

[HystericalParoxysm]

Baby love why are you so outraged at paying for a scan pic? It's a nonessential part of the process after all. I was happy to pay to cover the cost of the paper, ink etc.

[workingonitagain]

HystericalParoxysm i agree to cover the cost of the paper and ink but don't tell me that a 10cmX10cm paper and ink cost them £5 especially when it used to be free and considering how much waste is going on in the nhs in other areas...

[sonog123]

I love working in the NHS, it also does amazing things people don't always see which is taken for granted. some of you are really missing the point of babyscanning!

[TheNobodies]

I'm not pregnant at the moment but don't think its appropriate to use your phones whilst in the room. There are many signs telling you to turn them off. Plus bein high risk myself, the health of your baby should be the thing you worry about most, private scans are where you get videos of your baby.

20 week scans are crucial for your baby, I don't even plan on asking the gender of my baby next time!