Wanting a scan before 20 weeks

[newmama91]

I am currently 17 weeks pregnant today. And my 20 week scan is in three weeks, on the 31st.

I understand if this comes off as me being incredibly paranoid but I would like to know if it is possible to request a scan before your 20 week anomaly scan?

I think I'm being overly paranoid but I don't appear to have a baby bump yet, just looks like I'm bloated now and then and it deflates in the morning, and I don't feel any fluttering in my belly.
Also I'm having a bit of cramping and some abdominal/pelvic pain

This may be completely normal so if you are in the same position or have been please let me know.

I have suffered a miscarriage previously at 8 weeks and only found this out at the 12 week scan in 2011. I had no signs at all of a miscarriage. Is probably making me even more scared.

Please let me know.

[sizethree]

Pregnancy is terrifying after a miscarriage, I really empathise.
I didn't feel movement nor have a bump until I was about 19 weeks or so, and I too was worrying. But at my 20 week scan the sonographer said my placenta is anterior (at the front) so it's been cushioning the movement so that's why I felt it later. Plus, although I have never been particularly athletic, I was told I have good abdominal muscles which help hold the bump in for longer, which is common for a first pregnancy.
As long as you have no bleeding or worrying symptoms, you won't be scanned earlier. However, you can pay for a private scan if you need the reassurance. A quick Google of them locally will locate a few.
But do try to relax and hope for the best.

[NerrSnerr]

I don't think the NHS would do this, but you could pay for a private scan at any time.

[sizethree]

Ps. Cramping and abdominal pain is normal. It's everything stretching, making way for your growing baby.

[ItsNotAsPerfectAsItSeems]

Why don't you just book and pay for a private scan?

[PosterEh]

It all sounds normal to me.

[Gobbolinothewitchscat]

I don't think you would get a reassurance scan - there doesn't seem to be any clinical reason

Is this your first baby? I am currently pregnant with DC1 and didn't have a noticeable bump until around 24 weeks and wasn't feeling reliable movement u til about then either

What might be worthwhile is looking into a private scan and paying for that and also discussing your concerns with your midwife generally. There is a caveat to having a private scan - they only really address the symptoms of any anxiety and not the root cause of the anxiety. So you could find that you might feel better for a few days and then feel that you want another scan. You would be better chatti g through your concerns with a midwife/consultant and try to deal with the causes of the anxiety

[blueistheonlycolourwefeel]

I didn't have a "proper" bump until I was 24 weeks and just felt fat!!
I also didn't feel my baby move until I was 22 weeks. It's quite normal to not feel flutterings until then.

[Gobbolinothewitchscat]

Sorry - meant to say, I'm currently pregnant with DC3 bit with DC1 didn't have much of a bump etc

[sarkymare]

I doubt you will be offered a scan due to the lack of baby bump. Usually 'extra' scans are only given if complications arise. You can of course pay for a private scan though.

When I was pregnant with my son I had a completely flat stomach until gone 24 weeks. The size of your middle in no way predicts the viability of your pregnancy.

Honestly no baby bump or movement at 17 weeks is nothing at all to worry about. Relax.

Have you checked out the ante-natal boards? You might find it helpful to chat to ladies who are due around the same time as you.

[lauraa4]

I know how you feel, I suffered a miscarriage January 2014, and like you didn't find out until the 12 week scan.

The NHS will not provide additional scans unless you have any serious need to have one, e.g pain or bleeding. However there are a number of private ultrasound clinics that will be able to do one for you :)

[Strokethefurrywall]

All normal, I didn't have a bump until 22-23 weeks and even then it was a pie bump rather than proper baby bump. That didn't come until 26 -27 weeks.
Stretching cramps are all normal and I didn't feel either of my babies move until 20 weeks with dS1 and 21 weeks with DS2. Both were small babies which is why I think it took so long. We just don't breed 'Em big in our family!
If you're concerned though, arrange a private scan. I don't know how much they are in UK though...

[ChazzerChaser]

I agree about speaking to someone about it as it's your concerns that need treating. The scan itself wouldn't necessarily solve that. There are situations you get scans before 20 weeks, but they're to do with problems.

I do empathise. I'm pregnant post miscarriage, and it worries me. But a scan would only solve just momentarily. Dealing with what's going on in your mind will solve it more.

[MrsGentlyBenevolent]

I felt exactly the same way, even posted my concerns on here. My 'bump' has only just come in - I'm 28 weeks pregnant! I can still wear a baggy jumper and not look pregnant at all. It took a while for me to get proper 'feelings' as well, due to an anterior placenta. It's a horrid stage you're at, you don't look that pregnant, can't really feel much and most first trimester symptoms have gone. However, it is very likely everything is fine. Others are quite right, a scan will only give a moment's peace - it's a case of learning to deal with the anxiety I'm afraid.

[newmama91]

It's my second pregnancy but first one that's gone further than 12 weeks. This 20 week scan can't come fast enough.

Thank you for replying everyone it's nice to know there are women who are going through similar things reassures me xxx

[WinterOfOurDiscountTents15]

All of that sounds completely normal for a usual pregnancy. You wont get a scan on the nhs, but you can get one privately any time you like.

[ItsNotAsPerfectAsItSeems]

Why don't you just phone up and book a private scan? You may even get a cancellation for tomorrow or sat? The cheaper ones around £80/£100 won't give you much detail but will pick up a heartbeat. Or you can book a private anomaly scan at a private diagnostic scanning place. Difference being you will be scanned by an actual sonographer. They're more expensive but can be booked from 18wks.

[TravellingToad]

sounds very normal to me (2 successful pregs, no miscarriages) but you can always pay for a private scan if you wish, nothing to stop you

[Cornettoninja]

I'm 20 weeks but back at 17 I was almost back in the frame of mind that I was possibly making it all up. The last two weeks I've started feeling movements and the bloat is gradually turning into a bump (still fairly jiggly though )

Have you spoken to your midwife? She may be happy to check you over and provide some reassurance.

[ARV1981]

I was the same. I did a STUPID thing and bought one of those dopplars, and I ended up in a right old pickle every night checking for baby's heartbeat. I stopped after around 20 weeks and haven't used it at all for weeks, it helped momentarily with my anxiety- unless I couldn't find the heartbeat.... I remember crying for about 2 hours when I couldn't find it once until my dp came home and helped me find it!

[RoganJosh]

I'm sure your baby is absolutely fine. I remember waiting for my 20 week scan and feeling nervous. I hadn't out on any weight at all, hadn't felt it, and didn't have a bump.
Scan was fine, size was average and it all went averagely and boringly till she was born an average weight.

[newmama91]

Just booked a private scan at babybond in Edinburgh for the 19th of this month. And they'll tell me the gender then too hopefully if they can.

[sizethree]

Hi, I'm in edinburgh too!
Hope the 19th comes along quickly and your worries are put to rest. X

[NoArmaniNoPunani]

I've got a baby bond scan booked for Tuesday, I'll be 16+1

[Bellabutterfly2014]

It's my 20wk scan next Tuesday (I'm exactly 20 weeks today) and I am both nervous and very excited so totally understand how you are feeling. I've had 3 miscarriages at 7wks, 18wks and last oct 10wks and having been through that has made me very paranoid.

I think I can feel fluttering in my stomach but I can't be sure - I have been scanned at 6,9 and 12 wks on the NHS owing to my medical history but I said to my partner I wish they could scan me every week!!!!!!

I was going to pay for a private scan but all my blood tests came back fine so we decided to save the money and wait for the 20wk one.

My GP gave me some great advice, she said keep yourself busy and calm otherwise you'll be counting down the days - which I am to a certain extent anyway!!!! But trying to stay relaxed x

[brickiemum2]

When I was having my first two children the nhs didn't do 20 week scans so I paid for private ones at babybond Edinburgh. They were excellent and very professional as well as caring. It was a good experience