Pros and cons of early scans

[hexagon01]

Hi everyone,

I'm 10 weeks pregnant and I've noticed that most of my symptoms seem to have faded quite drastically this week. I don't feel nauseous anymore, I'm far less exhausted, and my boobs are much less sore. I know that every pregnancy is different, and I've not had any spotting or cramps, but I do struggle with anxiety quite a lot and I was thinking of booking a private scan (my NHS dating scan is booked for the 24th).

I was wondering what other people's experiences of private early scans are? I'm naturally a little sceptical of private health care, and I'm wary of worrying myself more if the scan shows something inconclusive (but is 10 weeks far enough along that I should be able to get a good idea?). However, I'm driving myself slightly crazy with panic attacks and catastrophising so if it would help me then I'm willing to do it.

What do you think the pros and cons are?

[Dixiechick17]

I had a reassurance scan at 9 weeks, had barely any symptoms at all in the first trimester, it did reassure me but I was anxious again a couple of days before my 12 week scan. I was told that at around 10 weeks the placenta takes over and people's symptoms start to fade, I appreciate that's not the case with everyone though, some have them until the end of pregnancy and some like me have none at all.

[KayTee87]

I had a scan at about 8.5 weeks and it was great, we saw and heard heartbeat and was very emotional at seeing little bean (now 10 weeks old). I would say a lot of people's symptoms may fade around 10-14 weeks so don't panic.

[KayTee87]

Ps I can't think of any cons of having a scan around 10 weeks. If it was before 7/8 weeks I'd say the heartbeat could be hard to find which could cause panic but in your case I'd go for it.

[Becciilouisex3]

If you're around 10 weeks I can't see that there'd be any cons really. If you thought you a couple of weeks earlier I'd say to wait incase your dates are off and they can't detect a heartbeat which is common around 6 weeks but I hardly think you'd be 4 weeks off!

What I will say though is that the first trimester, your hormones are all over the place and as a result your symptoms will probably come and go and from the ladies I've spoken to, it's common for most if not all pregnant ladies. Just be aware that after the 12 week scan and as you go into your second trimester, it is highly likely that you won't have as many symptoms as it's generally the most comfortable time during pregnancy for most women. That being said, it's always best to get checked out if you're worried of course but if you find yourself overly anxious, maybe speak to your GP as if you have to pay for private scans to reassure yourself throughout pregnancy you'll be spending a lot of money!

Good luck!

[hexagon01]

Thanks everyone. I booked a scan for Thursday in the midst of another anxiety attack so we'll see how that goes.

Logically I know that this isn't a long term solution for dealing with my anxiety but if I go and see that everything is (hopefully) fine, I think it will settle me a bit more longer term.

[KayTee87]

I was very anxious until I had my first scan, calmed down a lot after that and calmed down even more when I started feeling movements. for you.

[Honeybee79]

I had IVF so had an early scan at 6 + 5 to confirm pregnancy (saw heartbeat) and then a further reassurance scan at 8.5. The latter in particular really helped calm my anxiety.

[NorthLondonMum83]

I had an early scan with both pregnancies - this time at 10 weeks Harley Street clinic and it our my
Mind at rest so much. I was about a week behind where I'd dated the pregnancy but at just 9+1 they could see plenty - and we were given photos and emailed link to a video! If you don't mind paying and it will help you I think it's worth doing. Personally after experience of MC it helped me relax and enjoy things