5 weeks internal scan

[JoniR]

Hello,

We discovered that we are pregnant last Monday, a bit of a surprise as we had only been trying for a month and friends had told us that it would likely take us 6-12 months! Anyway, I was fine to start with but then started getting period like cramps that became more and more intense as the days passed. We went to my GP yesterday and he has referred me to EPU on Monday for an early scan to make sure that it's not ectopic. As you can imagine I'm a little worried and not just about the possible outcome. Has anyone had an internal ultrasound? I'm quite uncomfortable downstairs at the moment and I'm concerned about it being painful. Any reassurance would be gratefully received.

I have had loads !
Its not particularly painful - its a long narrow wand thing and it allows the sonographer to get accurate view.
I had the same, period type cramps so they scanned me at 5+ weeks and did an hcg then and the next day . I had to go back at 6+ weeks for a repeat scan and then a week later when they saw DD heartbeat.
They put the pain down to "stretching" I think.
If you get any symptoms like dizziness or feeling faint go straight to A&E- Im a bit concerned they are leaving this until Monday .

I had quite a few with this pregnancy and I was really worried at first as I always struggle when they use those speculum things and end up in loads of pain so thought it would be like that. But it was nothing like it didn't hurt at all! To be honest I hardly felt it but don't know if that is because I was focussing on baby.
Hope all goes well. Keep us informed xx

Thanks girls,

Dr has advised that I go to A&E if gets worse. At the moment it's not too bad and swimming seems to ease it so I'm spending quite a bit of time at the local baths. Just trying to stay calm as I'm a bit of a worrier at the best of times.

I was in exactly the same position as you at 5 weeks! If it was an ectopic and had ruptured, you'd have severe pain on one side, however it doesn't normally rupture this early. I was in the EPU for a suspected ectopic due to severe pain and had an internal ultrasound. It wasnt painful, just a bit uncomfortable. I had to have a pelvic examination after where they put a speculum inside and I found that much worse.
Don't worry either. My 'suspected ectopic' turned out to be horrid implantation cramping, and a scan 2 weeks later revealed a foetus with a beating heart. It's just a precaution they have to take because it can cause some serious issues if not caught in time. Hope alls okay xx

Internal scans are totally fine. They use loads of lube and tbh I've had worse transabdominal ones! At 5 weeks don't expect to see a heart beat (that's to stop you worrying about there not being one). If you get bleeding that looks like prune juice (brown and watery) and /or pain in your shoulder that is very suggestive of ectopic and you must go to a&e. Call an ambulance if there is no one to drive you immediately. Fwiw I had really bad implantation cramping in both my successful pregnancies. Both paracetamol and codeine are fine to take in early pregnancy. And use a hot water bottle. With my first I didn't realise what it was, and took lots of nurofen as I thought it was period pain! All was fine.

Just got back from scan, definitely a lot less uncomfortable than a smear! Everything is fine and where it should be. Nurse thinks that pain is probably a mix of what she called 'growing pains' and discomfort from cyst on ovary. I'm relieved!

That is great news!! Congrats xx

fantastic news

That's great news. I had a cyst on my right ovary on early scan. By the 12 week scan it had totally gone.