12 Week Scan - What to expect?

[itsliz]

I've got my 12 week scan tomorrow morning and just wondered if anyone can tell me what I can expect?

Will it just be a straightforward scan, or are they likely to do any tests etc while I'm there?
Will we be able to hear a heartbeat?
Will they be able to determine the sex this early on?
And is there anything that I should wear or take with me to make the whole experience a bit easier?!

Sorry for all the stupid questions, I've just heard so many different things so I want to put my mind at ease :)

It's very exciting.

Take water as you might have a long wait. And tissues

Wear clothes which make your tummy accessible obviously.

Yes you'll hear heartbeat and see baby.

I went to kings college for my first one and the guy who did it was a top doctor so was able to hazard a guess at the sex as they were using top equipment. The difference was amazing compared to the scan I had with my second baby (different hospital). And he got it right (obviously 50:50 chance).

Is it a scan or a proper test for downs? If the later you have blood tests as well. If just a dating scan then just a scan. They usually want you to have a full bladder, so dont wee beforehand, but don't drink seven litres.

If they offer the nuchal test at your hospital they will do it at the 12 weeks scan. I had to go back because I was 12 weeks by dates by was a week behind which I thought I was from when I got the BFP.
You should be able to see the heartbeating on the screen but couldn't hear it at ours.
They are measuring the baby to date the pregnancy plus checking for a heartbeat an checking that everything looks ok.
They can't tell the sex that early from a scan.
You will have to expose your belly so clothes that give easy access is a good idea. I wore jeans that I could pull down and a top that I could pull up. Make sure you drink water before hand my letter recommended 2 pints an hour before.
Hope it goes well

Thanks very much, everyone :)

I had an initial dating scan at 7 weeks but obviously the 12 week scan is very different... And since I haven't received any letters or been assigned a midwife yet, I was starting to get a bit nervous!
Good to know it all sounds nice and straightforward though :)

Last time I was given a form to fill in, outlining which tests I'd like to have. I want to have everything done to put my mind at ease, but I'm not sure whether they'll offer to do the tests tomorrow or at a later date...

And I usually wear leggings and vest tops so hopefully that will be ok. Definitely going to go and fill up a water bottle now though so I don't forget to take it with me in the morning!