Early pregnancy scan

[FRowlands]

Hi,

My GP has referred me for an early pregnancy scan due to a pre-exisiting medical condition. I'm going next Thursday morning This is my first pregnancy and am already quite anxious. Can anyone tell me what to expect at the scan?

Thanks!

If it's an early scan it will probably be done internally rather than through your belly. It's not the most fun you'll ever have, but it doesn't hurt and it gives them a much better picture. They'll put jelly on the probe and insert it and the doctor/operator will move it around to see what he/she needs to.

Depending on how pregnant you are, they'll be looking for a sac and for a heartbeat (if you're over 6 or 7 weeks) and they'll also want to check that the remains of the egg are lurking and producing hormones (I can't remember what that is called).

They will probably try with an external one first, and then try internally if they don't see anything.

Do you know how early you are?

My main advice is to be prepared to have to go back for another scan a week or so later. When I had my first (of 3) early scans, they couldn't see anything internally or externally. I had to go back over a week later, and I felt really crestfallen that there was more anxious waiting!

If they don't see anything, they may offer you a blood test. (I guess this might depend on your previous history. I had an ectopic pg before, hence early scan).

Other than that, the scan is not uncomfortable. More that with your full bladder you will need the loo.

Good luck, I know from my own experience is an anxious time.

Thanks both. I'm 7.5 weeks at the mo so will be 8.5 when I have the scan. I think it's going to be a long week!!

I know, the waiting is rubbish. If you will be 8.5 weeks, then it's probably not too early to see something there. My last early scan was at 7.5 weeks and they saw the heartbeat at that point.

Having said that, I would try not to compare yourself with others at the same stage, because it's likely to add to the anxiety if your experience doesn't compare. I know, because I couldn't stop googling to see what I should be seeing, and turned myself slightly crazy in the process. Every pg is slightly different.

Good luck - best wishes to you xxx