Early (private) 'Reassurance' Scan tomorrow - and boy do I need reassuring!

[Mikocat]

Hello all, I'm currently 8 wks pg and it's my first ever pregnancy so I'm incredibly nervous.

My first 'proper' NHS scan isn't scheduled until 7th November, when I'll be over 13 weeks and I find I just can't stand the wait.

Logic (not to mention all the nausea, bloating, tiredness, dizziness etc etc) tells me that of course there is something there, but sometimes I hardly believe it - is that weird?

I've booked a scan with Leeds Screening Centre tomorrow and was wondering how much help people have found these early scans to be? Did you find it reassuring? I know that I won't be able to find out anything about Downs etc. at this stage, but I feel this weird urge to know that there is really something 'in there'.

[eaglewings]

I had an early scan at 8 weeks with 2 of mine and it was wonderful to see the little sea horse each time.

Sadly you can find out there is a problem but remember you have a 3 in 4 chance of everything going well

Are you taking someone wit you?

[HardCheese]

I'm 15 weeks into my first pregnancy, and didn't have an early scan, just the usual 12 week one, so no ideas about what you will be able to see - but I had to have a kidney scan for unrelated reasons before the baby scan, and I was so relieved and moved to see the baby bopping about unconcernedly onscreen above my kidneys that I cried, and the very nice sonographer moved the scanner up so I could have a first look at my baby.

Not in the least surprised you can't believe it - enjoy your scan!

[Ticklemonster2]

Bless you. Congratulations.
I had a scan at five weeks due to a bleed and another one at six weeks. This was my first pregnancy and I found it so reassuring to see my ds on the screen.
If you are bloated etc then all is going well, although you may feel rough!
You will only see a little White bean on the screen, but you may see the heart flicker which will make you cry!
Enjoy it all. It's so easy to worry with the first, but come 35 weeks believe me there will be no mistaking there is a baby in there!
Good luck and don't forget to take some tissues for the tears of joy xx

[mumt1]

Congratulations. Well I'm 11 weeks and already had 3 scans due to complications (pain and bleeding) one bad thing with early scans is my first one didn't show the heartbeat, this was because the baby was still very young, another scan 10 days later showed the heart beat. As ur 8 weeks, u are probably only rly about 6 weeks which is touch and go whether ul see much and the heartbeat. Maybe try postponing it to get the best reassurance next week? I hope all goes well tho and the symptoms are a very good sign that all is well. Sorry to put a damper on it but I just said what happened to me. Good luck tho xx

[banana87]

"As ur 8 weeks, u are probably only rly about 6 weeks which is touch and go whether ul see much and the heartbeat. Maybe try postponing it to get the best reassurance next week?"

What? That makes no sense. 8 weeks is 8 weeks, presuming the OP has done her calculations right (1st day of last period).

8 weeks is a very good time for a reassurance scan. They do them regularly at 8 weeks in the US.

Congratulations and enjoy!

[kat2504]

It is reassuring and in my experience if you are 8 weeks or more it is a good idea. Below 8 weeks it may actually cause you more worry if it is too early to tell if the pregnancy is viable. Some people go at 6 weeks and get told they will need rescanning at 8 weeks and spend 2 weeks worrying themselves silly.

Since you are 8 weeks, seeing the little heartbeat will be very reassuring for you and a lot of people think it is money well spent to break up the long first trimester wait. Obviously there is a chance there will be a problem but often people find it better to have found out earlier. That did happen to me last time, but when you get to 8 weeks your risk has gone down a bit anyway.

I had one at 9 weeks this time and it looked like a really cute little jelllybaby!

Hope you get on well tomorrow, it is so wonderful to see your baby for the very first time

[LargeGlassofRed]

I had a private reassurance scan at about 7 weeks was the best £60 I've spent the clinic was great and it turned out to be twins, so was lovely knowing so early.

[Mikocat]

Thank you everyone for your reassurances and kind words.

Wow LargeGlassofRed (I wish) - twins is one of the things I've had on my mind lately, there are a few sets in my Dad's family - congratulations!

eaglewings my DH is coming with me, so I will have someone with me if it isn't good news (or if it is!).

I doubt I'll sleep well tonight for all the nerves!

[Mikocat]

Well I did it and I'm so glad I did!

Everything is fine, we saw the bean (29mm long!) and heard it's heartbeat. I feel SO much better.

Also I'm a whole week further on than my original date so I'm actually 9+5 today - hoorah! I suspected as much because I was sure that I'd conceived very early on in my cycle. This also means that the NHS scan i going to be a bit late for the Down's screening, so I'm going to have to get it moved. Mind you, it's tempting to have that done at the Leeds Scrrening Centre too as they are SO nice and it's so quick there. It's also £195 however.

[themightyskim]

did you cry? I cried when I saw my baby for the first time much to OH's amusement glad it went well for you