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Original poster

Ultrasound at 8 weeks - damage?

27 replies

jh274 · 24/10/2023 13:29

Hello, I have just had NIPT (now over 10 weeks) and during the scan element, I mentioned I'd heard the heartbeat in my 8 week (private) scan. The sonographer freaked out and said that it is entirely against recommendations and there are no guarantees the baby won't be damaged because of it. I'm now distraught as I hadn't even asked to hear a heartbeat in 8 week scan.

OP posts:
Original poster
jh274 · 24/10/2023 21:39

Hiddenvoice · 24/10/2023 21:02

I’ve had lots of early scans, I’ve never been able to hear the heartbeat but that’s because they’ve explained it’s not always possible to hear it, they might mistake my heart beat for the baby’s and they wouldn’t want to worry me incase I think it doesn’t sound right.

I’ve never heard anything about it being risky but this person has upset and worried you. They shouldn’t be doing that, even if she was surprised about the heart beat, she could have left it with saying it’s not routine. I know my dh would say I’m being silly but I would consider putting in a complaint because this person has caused you unnecessary stress and panic.

Thank you so much. I am considering what to do as I don't want anyone else to have a similar experience. I had chosen the provider for NIPT, naturally anxious and expected a more caring setting (although I am pragmatic and know clinicians must be honest about pregnancy risks). My mum - the most genuinely uncomplaining person you'll meet - was with me today and she was horrified by the tone. It started with a casual "meh, you don't really see much at 10 weeks" and got worse! Seriously... I saw our baby, a little movement and the flickering heart. That's enough to see for me right now!

OP posts:
Hiddenvoice · 24/10/2023 21:57

jh274 · 24/10/2023 21:39

Thank you so much. I am considering what to do as I don't want anyone else to have a similar experience. I had chosen the provider for NIPT, naturally anxious and expected a more caring setting (although I am pragmatic and know clinicians must be honest about pregnancy risks). My mum - the most genuinely uncomplaining person you'll meet - was with me today and she was horrified by the tone. It started with a casual "meh, you don't really see much at 10 weeks" and got worse! Seriously... I saw our baby, a little movement and the flickering heart. That's enough to see for me right now!

Show quote history

I seen both my babies at 6 weeks now to some people there wouldn’t be much to see but to me I seen my world. My dh was excited too. The sonographers were lovely and let me have as much time as needed to watch the little heart beat flicker. I had a scare and had to go back at 8 weeks and again all staff were lovely and supportive. One held my hand and reassured me.

No one should fob you off. This person has obviously become a little bored and perhaps having a bad day. Doesn’t matter though, they’ve made you worry and that’s wrong. Definitely contact the place and give them this feedback.

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