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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Vaginal scan?

45 replies

VJONES1985 · 22/12/2013 18:05

Has anyone had fanny cam before? If so, what is involved and does it hurt? Will be 5+6 tomorrow and presume this is what I'll have.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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schmalex · 22/12/2013 18:11

Yes, that's what you'll have. It's fine, not painful (and I find smear tests painful).

Original poster

VJONES1985 · 22/12/2013 18:15

Thanks. Hope to be able to see a heartbeat but I know it could go either way.

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firsttimekat · 22/12/2013 18:18

I've had a couple, not painful and not really uncomfortable either. The probe (not really sure what to call it!) is fairly thin and they use lots of lube. Just try and relax which I know isn't always easy.

Armadale · 22/12/2013 18:23

Yes would be internal scan at this point.

It is like a long thin probe. They put a condom on it and then some lube before they insert it, so it doesn't hurt at all.

The worst bit is stripping off everything waist down. If you are self concious a long loose a line skirt can be a good bet as you can slip your knickers off and then just gather it up around your waist, and then pull down again quickly afterwards to cover yourself, whereas with trousers you have to take them off completely and then walk over to the bed. They give you a bit of paper towel stuff normally to put over your bare legs.

They generally have a look without saying anything for a minute or two, and then if it is positive tend to let you have a look at the screen for a minute or two, then spend another few minutes taking measurements.

Then finally they usually have a look at the ovaries, which can feel a bit weird as they really have to wiggle the probe around to get the right angle for this.

All the lube tends to fall down afterwards so your knickers get a bit claggy so if you've got to wear them to work etc for the rest of the day, a sanitary towel is useful.

Good luck

Original poster

VJONES1985 · 22/12/2013 18:26

Am dreading it, as it sounds so tense. It's supposed to be a good thing but I can't get excited about it.

OP posts:

Mmolly2013 · 22/12/2013 18:26

do they not let you remove your clothes in privacy?

CatsCantFlyFast · 22/12/2013 18:30

At mine I got undressed from the waist down behind a screen and then on the table and put the sheet over me. It wasn't uncomfortable or painful at all. 5 weeks is early so please don't feel terrible if you can't see a heartbeat yet

RaRa1988 · 22/12/2013 18:43

It can be uncomfortable or even painful - more so if you're nervous, tense, or have a retroverted uterus or any problems with sensitivity up there. Just try to relax. Have you got someone you can take with you? I'm used to them now as I've had loads, but at first I was much better having my partner with me than alone.

You probably won't be able to see much - when I've had them at your stage, all they can really tell you is that it's in the right place (ie not in your tubes) and is the right size for your gestation.

Original poster

VJONES1985 · 22/12/2013 18:45

I haven't found smear tests painful but they were uncomfortable. I also had a STD check which was quite thorough and found it a little painful.

My husband is going with me.

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Dusty04 · 22/12/2013 18:49

I had an internal at 36 weeks and I didn't find it painful. However I did have a bleed as there was an erosion on my cervix. It was nothing to do with the pregnancy and they said sometimes the probe can irritate as mine did..

Original poster

VJONES1985 · 22/12/2013 19:09

Well, I think it's safe to say I'm absolutely dreading it!

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MyNameIsWinkly · 22/12/2013 19:15

I've had several, and honestly find them less uncomfortable than an external ultrasound, with all that poking and pushing. The probe is thin and well lubed, you'll barely feel it.

At the clinic I went to, I wore a skirt, and the doc left the room while I pulled off my undies. At hospital this week,when the eexternal wasn't doing the job, I threw a gown on top of my clothes and yanked jeans and pants off quickly while the technicians' backs were turned.

Honestly, it sounds awful but you will come out of it thinking 'what was I worrying about?' It is far less unpleasant than a smear.

Hope it goes well for you.

Original poster

VJONES1985 · 22/12/2013 19:18

Thank you, I hope I can stop focusing on the negative things they may find. I suppose it's hard to believe I'm actually pregnant at the moment!

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bonzo77 · 22/12/2013 19:35

Honestly, they're fine. Much easier than a smear or speculum exam. They may well do a normal abdominal scan first, to check that everything is where it should be. You need a full bladder for that, and you just push your trousers down a bit. Then you go for a wee, they close the curtain and you take off your bottoms and knickers, get back on the couch, cover yourself with the sheet and tell them you're ready. Then they insert the probe, have a look. They'll tell you what they found, offer you a look (I've been with good news and bad, they always seem to offer), and take some measurement. They tend to be very thorough, they'll look at your ovaries and tubes check for ectopic. After they'll give you some paper towel and close the curtain so you can tidy up in private. Take a panty liner as you'll be a bit wet from the lube. Once you're dressed they'll sit with you and discuss what they found.

bonzo77 · 22/12/2013 19:36

Meant to add, at 5+ 6 don't expect to see a heart beat.

Original poster

VJONES1985 · 22/12/2013 19:39

I think it's the 'bad news' prospect that's also scaring me.

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99redbafoons · 22/12/2013 19:44

Can I ask why you are having one this early? Is there an issue or is it for reassurance?

blueberryboybait · 22/12/2013 19:47

I had one scan at 5+4 with DD1 and they saw a yolk sac but no HB - HB seen 10 days of the longest days of my life later! DD2 Scan at 5+2 HB seen but too small to measure for dates so repeat scan at 9w then nuchal at 12+2.

bellsandbutterflies · 22/12/2013 19:48

I had one in the early stages of labour with ds2. It wasn't uncomfortable at all. I hope yours goes well.

Original poster

VJONES1985 · 22/12/2013 19:49

I'm having an early scan because I have type one diabetes and apparently it's normal procedure.

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99redbafoons · 22/12/2013 19:53

I'm sure all will be well, try not to worry too much.

Feelingfatty · 22/12/2013 20:01

Good luck Vjones

ChazzerChaser · 22/12/2013 20:06

I had an early scan, similar gestation to you. They tried externally but couldn't see, wanted to do an interval one, I freaked out as I really really hate anything like that, so they tried again externally and found it and saw a heartbeat. Although I think it was pretty unusual to see one that early from what I've read. Good luck with it.

Pigsmummy · 22/12/2013 20:16

I had one at about 5/6 weeks due to bleeding and I wasn't expecting it, they tried a normal scan (scanner on tummy) and they couldn't see enough so cheerfully said that they would do a vaginal sac and sent me off for a pee. So make sure you have a wee first. I was given a sheet to cover my modesty and being truely honest it didn't hurt one bit. Good luck xx

SugarCaneShortCake · 22/12/2013 20:18

This test is offered to you. If you are uncomfortable with the thought of this procedure, you do not have to go ahead with the exam. You must not feel obliged to agree because it's described as a "normal procedure". It might be for the HCP, but you, as an individual have the right to decline any test or procedure you are not comfortable with. So many women seem to have tests "done" to them when they are pregnant.

Good luck with your pregnancy.

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