When is best time to get a scan?

[pringlebells]

Hi,

I'm currently 5 weeks pregnant, I've got my 3+ on a CB test today.

I didn't track ovulation this cycle due to becoming really down about ttc. My last pregnancy didn't progress past 1-2 weeks on CB tests so this is great. My last period was 17th November.

We want to book a private scan, just for reassurance really. As last time the scan identified that our baby was unfortunately to small and was going to result in a miscarriage.

What would be the best time to book a scan, how many weeks would they be able to identify a heart beat?

I think I can't settle until I see a heart beat and I can finally start getting excited.

I've wanted to see this 3+ on the test so much, I'm really happy I just want this pregnancy to work out

[Sway19]

Private tests really aren’t recommended. Just wait for your NHS scan at 12-13 weeks

[SleepingStandingUp]

We had a private one and were advised to wake until I was 7 weeks so they can see a heart beat.
There's no risk from having a private one

[serialplanner]

At what I thought was 7 weeks (was 6 weeks and a few days) we could see the sack and heart beat.

It was really special at 12 weeks to see the sack as a baby with a body and head!

A friend just had one at 6 weeks (you are always a bit behind!) and it was a bit too early. You could see the sack and a flutter heartbeat but she went back 2 weeks later for a much clearer experience so every week makes a difference.

Maybe cos of the time of year could you hang on until NY? That would be a good time :)

[cgirl16]

I’ve had a couple of MMC so understand how hard it is to wait until 12/13 weeks for your NHS scan. I would book a scan for 8.5 / 9 weeks - your chances of a healthy pregnancy if everything is OK at that point are very high. Sadly I’ve had a private scan at 7 weeks that looked fine only to miscarry afterwards so too early can give false hope. Best of luck with your pregnancy and congratulations!

[PurBal]

If you go down the private route just remember than the "cheap" ones aren't designed to be diagnostic. If you want an early private scan go via an obstetrician.

[PurBal]

FWIW I had a private "cheap" scan at 10 weeks and I didn't find it reassuring. Would rather have waited for the 12 week or done what I usually do and see an obstetrician. The private scan I had pre conception to check my polycystic ovaries (not polycystic ovary syndrome) was much better!!!

[calimommy]

I've been pregnant 7times and had three miscarriages. Don't go for a scan any earlier than 8weeks unless you have bleeding and m/or acute pain. Earlier than that it's very small and things can be misleading. Then you wait in limbo for the next scan. Personally, given my experiences, I think it's a good idea to go before 12 weeks as if it is bad news then you don't feel like you've been cheated all that time. My GP does them at 8weeks because she likes to rule out possible problems but many don't.

[pringlebells]

I'm thinking of booking when I'm 8 weeks

With my last pregnancy I thought I was 8 weeks, when the sonographer said I was 4-5 weeks I knew something was wrong and could mentally prepare myself

The thought of waiting till I'm 12 weeks only to find that things haven't progressed as they should terrifies me :(

[midinthenight]

I had a private scan at 9 weeks with both dc as couldn't wait for NHS one. They could see everything each time. I think it was recommended not to go before 8 weeks.

[BabyLlamaZen]

About 9/10 weeks you can see something and baby is more likely to be ok if ok at that point. However they can offer false hope so be careful op.

[Bleepers]

@PurBal out of interest what didn't you find reassuring? I'm currently trying to decide what to do...

[Garman]

@Sway19 since when are they not recommended??

I would advise 9-10 weeks at the earliest. I would've always been in the camp of having an early scan at about 7 weeks to confirm if there's a heartbeat, but having done that this time (I have 2 dc before this) at 6+5 and then having a miscarriage at 10 weeks during which I discovered it had basically died and not developed since the days immediately after the scan it was a total waste of time (and money!) and gave me a completely false sense of security. My symptoms were strong the whole way through until I started bleeding and cramping so between that and the scan I had really thought everything was going fine, naively for my third pregnancy!

[welshladywhois40]

Go at 8 weeks. Having had two miscarriages having an early scan helped me coped through the really hard weeks while all you expect to do is miscarry again.

There will be people stating not to do it etc. My midwife called to arrange my booking in appointment and had no concerns about me going for a private scan.

With this pregnancy I went at 8 weeks. I explained how scared I was to the sonographer and was already crying before she started. She found the heartbeat in seconds.

[BeautyAndTheBump1]

I had one at 8 weeks to allow some space if my dates were slightly out to make sure we saw a heart beat

[Grognonne]

I would try to leave it as long as you can. I’ve had three miscarriages, and after the first one I got early scans. Saw the heartbeat both times but sadly miscarried later on. It did give me a false sense of security and reassurance. Am now pregnant again and whilst they monitor me closely, I do get terrified every time I have a scan now!