Early scan on NHS (St Georges Tooting)

[Nelly09]

hey,

i am a few weeks pregnant and had an early scan last week (self-referral due to bleeding) but you could only see a gestational sac... it made me even more anxious (as these early scans do) and now i have had some more bleeding. i really want to go back to have another scan but i feel guilty as it's on the NHS and i have the feeling they think i am wasting their time as there are others visiting who have had several MC's etc....
do you reckon it's ok to self-refer and go and have another scan there?

[SpringHeeledJack]

I don't think you can, can you? don't you have to be referred by your GP?

I'd try that first, tbh

good luck- hope it's good news

[Nelly09]

no you don't have to be referred by your gp...

[SlightlyTubbyHali]

How far are you? If you can, my advice is to hold out to at least 6 weeks and preferably 8 weeks so that you can see a hb and have the reassurance of knowing that the odds are overwhelmingly on your side. Unfortunately any scan will only show that things are fine at that time - which is reassuring for about 5 minutes!

I know it's hard, but try to hold out, another scan really won't help IME.

[SpringHeeledJack]

oh sorry didn't read your first post properly



what Hali said. 8 weeks good

hang in there

[Nelly09]

i'll be 6 weeks on thursday.. we are going away for xmas and really wanted to see a hb before we went away but maybe i should just wait for the 12 wk scan eh? so hard to be patient!

[kat2504]

you are too early to see hb I think. If you see a good hb with a correct size baby at 8 weeks then your odds are exceptionally good. The waiting is hard. I had to wait 2 weeks between scans, which unfortunately did not go in my favour. But even at 7 and a half weeks, when things seemed ok-ish, the hb was only just detectable. All they can do at 6 weeks is show that you are indeed pregnant and it isn't ectopic.
I'm sure you are very worried by the bleeding but do remember that many people who have some bleeding do go on to be ok. Wait till 8 weeks. Really hope you have good news then, and if you do, you know that you have an overwhelmingly good chance of things progressing as they should. All the best!

[Sticki]

The Early Pregnancy Unit at St Georges is self referal so you can go (before 12 weeks). Ive been a few times there and they were always very nice under difficult circs, although you do have to wait a bit. Its open in the mornings - 8am to 10am I think.

As everyone says the hb isnt always visible (even though all is ok) before 7+ weeks.

If poss hang in there for a bit longer......

Good luck!

[Magic8ballhastheanswers]

Don't feel guilty I have had a few scans at St Gs EPU, and they told me to go back if I was concerned/had more bleeding etc, always been lovely. I was 6+3 and saw a hb but only measured 5+4 (am now 26 weeks).

Good luck.

[MrsCratchit]

Definitely don't feel guilty. The St.G's EPU staff are AMAZING! We're so lucky to have a self-referral system. I had early scans in my current pregnancy (following an ectopic), and first saw a heartbeat at 6+4. Good luck!

[Nelly09]

ok thanks everyone! we leave for xmas on 24 dec so perhaps if i wait until 23rd to go it should be ok (will be 7 wks then) hmmmm.... not sure it's worth the worry if i cannot see a hb. was thinking of telling family at xmas and felt better if i'd seen a hb.
maybe i'll just wait then as it'll ruin xmas too if i can't see all is ok

thanks ladies :)

[Nelly09]

i'm off my food quite a bit and feeling v nauseous so that's prob a good sign hcg levels are rising eh?

[Ruby9]

Early pregnancy scans
Hi All! I'm hoping you can help me.....I've just found out I'm 2-3 weeks pregnant but I'm having severe period like cramping which is keeping me up at night. My GP says it's nothing to worry about, but this is my first time so can't help but worry! Everything I've read doesn't really say if it's normal or not.....should I go to the early pregnancy unit for a scan or is it too early? Thanks! X

[Oysterbabe]

Hi Ruby,
It's too early for a scan.
Cramping without bleeding is entirely normal for your stage of pregnancy.
Best of luck!

[Ruby9]

Thank you so much for reassuring me! 😄

[DontKillMyVibe]

Ruby, I had cramping and sharp pains too. GP assured me it was entirely normal and they disappeared towards the end of week 7 (fingers crossed they stay away!)

I know it's not easy but try not to worry unless they are accompanied by excessive bleeding etc

[Ruby9]

That's great news, thanks for sharing.....fingers crossed they go away in a few more weeks then! 👍