19 Weeks Pregnant

[MaceMoo]

I have my 20 week scan next week on Thursday and feel so nervous, I had a mc in August last year and after a few gyne problems was told it would be difficult for me to conceive, however after 8 months and giving up hope I discovered I was pregnant, but with the same pains as the first mc, an early scan showed Bubba's hearbeat at 7 weeks, we were over the moon ! The pains have continued throughout the pregnancy but after midwife visits and 12 week scan, I felt this is how my pregnancy will be.
Recently a close friend had some sad news at her 20 week scan and sadly had to endure labour and lost her baby, since then I can't relax and I feel so worried for my little Bubba, Im 38 so no spring chicken - I'm so scared that they will tell me bad news at my scan ! Has anyone else felt this nervous at this stage ??

No helpful advice, I'm afraid, but I think it's normal to feel really nervous at this stage, especially if you have had gynae problems in the past and know people who have had bad news at this stage...
Maybe if you can accept the nervousness as normal, that might help a bit? And just try to distract yourself from thinking about it too much - as worrying won't help! - while also being kind to yourself and taking things gently over the next week.
Really hope it goes well.

I think it's very normal to be a bit nervous for scans whatever your circumstances. I think when you've had previous disappointments - as you have - then it can feel quite an ordeal and I really empathise with you.

I had a MC at 14 weeks last year, and lost a twin 7 weeks into this pregnancy (am now 31 weeks). I cried the whole night before my 20 week scan, convinced it would bring more bad news and I could not be lucky enough to have a healthy baby. When I walked into the room my heart was almost pounding out of my chest and I felt like I was about to face a firing squad.

I think it is helpful to accept that you are going to be worried - and I also spoke to the sonographer as soon as I got in about my history. She was very understanding and as soon as she began the scan she pointed out my baby's HB to me. She also spent time to explain to me what she was doing and what she was looking for - I also found this helpful.

All I can say is try and take it slowly, talk to your DP and family/friends about your fears in advance, and try to remind yourself as often as you can that you have far better chance of good news that bad. Even if anything is detected at this stage - which is unlikely - in the majority of cases it'll be easily fixed by medical science.

Good luck x