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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

is is ok to have my 20 week scan early?

19 replies

YummyMummyBella · 15/03/2011 15:51

My 20 week scan was booked for when I would be 22+ weeks pregnant, I couldn't wait that long so have managed to get a new appointment but I will be 19+5, so basically 2 days early. Is this ok? Can 2 days make much difference? So desperate to know if its a boy or girl!

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Bramshott · 15/03/2011 16:06

I thought you had to be at least 20 weeks for them to check all the important things they need to check, which is why some trusts book them in for 21-22 weeks. Hopefully someone will be along who knows more in a minute though.

StiffyByng · 15/03/2011 16:06

Personally I'd wait as late as possible as they can see more the further along you are. Having said that, I had my scan at 23 weeks because of Christmas/New Year stuff and was a bit worried that it would be horrible to be that much more pregnant if I had big decisions to make. I've no idea though exactly what the difference between what they can see at 19 and 22 weeks is, or what they look for at your hospital. Mine is very, very full-on (Harris Birthright) so they do a lot of investigations, and I know other hospitals look less closely!

ALovelyBunchOfCoconuts · 15/03/2011 16:09

I was also led to believe it was best to wait as long as possible. Is it something to do with the development and the visibility of the chambers in the heart.

I have a similar situation. My 12 week scan is falling at 11+4 does that make a difference? Sorry for the hijack.

lolajane2009 · 15/03/2011 16:11

oh i'm 19 + 5 too on my scan... how odd

owlbooty · 15/03/2011 16:13

I've just had mine at 19+1. It was fine and they could see everything. I had the 12 week one at 11+3. That was also fine. :)

SnapFrakkleAndPop · 15/03/2011 16:18

I had mine at 23 because they wouldn't do it at 19 and then I was away, then it was Christmas etc.

I shouldn't think 2 days would make that much of a difference though.

The 12 week, however, can be done anywhere between 11 and 13 (assuming that the timeframe is due to NT scan being done). If it's just a dating scan then it could be any time around then.

Alibabaandthe40nappies · 15/03/2011 16:19

It is better if you wait longer, because otherwise they can't see the chambers of the heart so clearly.

FeralGirlCambs · 15/03/2011 16:28

Not had mine yet but a friend did, at 20 weeks and some days and they could not see everything due to baby being uncooperative and refusing to move, so they had her back a week later. I expect they would if anything was unclear at yours too?

cowboylover · 15/03/2011 16:44

I had mine at 19 + 4 because of Christmas ect and they could see everything fine. I dont think 2 days can really make that much of a difference or they would not have sent you the appointment for then.

As feralgirl said they can always ask you to go back if not everything is clear.

urbandaisy · 15/03/2011 16:51

My hospital does the anatomy scan between 18-20 weeks (though they've scheduled mine for 21 weeks due to Easter and the giant Bank Holiday weekend messing up all their appointments) -- as others have said, if they don't get everything they need they'll ask you to come back.

Original poster

YummyMummyBella · 15/03/2011 16:55

Thanks everyone. I think I will go and see what they say, hopefully they will be able to see everything if not I'll have to go back. I phoned the hospital and their advise was a few days either side shouldn't be a problem. @ AlovelyBunch, I'm sure you should be fine too! If it was a week + difference I would be more concerned, but might be best to call and ask.

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cowboylover · 15/03/2011 16:57

I just looked in my 'Your Tests explained' booklet they gave me and it says suitable for when you are 18-22 weeks pregnant

Original poster

YummyMummyBella · 15/03/2011 17:15

Cowboylover, your right just looked in what I think is a similar booklet called 'screening programmes' and it does say from 18+0 to 20+6.

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jenga079 · 15/03/2011 17:32

I asked my midwife about this as mine (tomorrow, argh! I always get so scared before scans!) is at 21 week and the posters on the wall of my local hospital say it should be done at 18 - 20+6.

She said that the later they are the more they can see (so no problem being a little later than normal) but that they prefer to do them earlier as it is less traumatic if there's anything wrong. Sounds like you're fine.

nunnie · 15/03/2011 17:34

I rang to cancel mine as I was unable to do the date given, and I was told it is called a 20 week scan for a reason, she told me it would be too late if something needed to be done if I left it till 21 weeks, when I asked her if she was referring to termination she said yes I explained it was my belief this could be done till term for medical reasons if I so desired, I was then told she was only a receptionist she didn't know (thought it was her that started it but must have been wrong , she advised me to have it at 19 weeks but said it might be too early and would probably have to come back, so I said maybe 21 is better then, to which I was told my BMI is low so shouldn't be a problem at 19 weeks it's larger ladies they struggle with. I am going at 19 weeks now .

Sparklies · 15/03/2011 17:37

My local hospital used to be 21-24 weeks but two years later (now) it seems to be 18-21 weeks - go figure.

For reasons I won't bore you with, I suddenly needed mine in a hurry and went to the Fetal Medicine Centre at 18 weeks and they said it was fine and not a problem. In fact most Americans have theirs done by 20 weeks.

So 19w5d is absolutely okay I'd have thought.

AppleyEverAfter · 15/03/2011 17:48

My hospital wanted to book me in for 18 weeks but I'm on hols so will be going in at 19weeks. I thought the recommended time was 18-20 weeks?

mamamona · 15/03/2011 18:27

I had mine at 19 + 4 and they could see everything, it wasn't a problem. If you wait too much longer the baby gets too big to assess properly... aparently.

OffToNarnia · 15/03/2011 19:01

I had a few scans in my last pregnancy as early as poss cos of bad previous pregnancy experience. Had 19 week scan with consultant. [Like others have said he did say me being slim made things 'clearer' on scan]. As others have said if they can't see everything they will reschedule you. Mine was detailed and fine though at 19 weeks. [They could see gender clearly by the way!].

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