Nervous about 20 week scan - what to expect?

[HowAboutNo]

Just want to be as prepared as possible when I go in - i.e. how long it will take approximately and such as I am, once again, a nervous wreck about it (it's Friday).

I am dreading it - I found the 12 week scan really hard and was completely rigid with fear (and a bit of an emotional wreck!), and the midwives weren't very friendly at all. I figure that if I know what to expect that I can just kind of turn off and calm myself down when in there. I just feel so scared something will be seriously wrong!

Can I suggest you take someone with you if you didn't at your first one? I found the scanners silence unnerving (although it did make me feel confident they were looking properly!) the 20w scan is just better, you see more I honestly didn't even know where my dds head was at 12w and you can find out the sex if you want! I also made a point of buying something for baby afterwards, and it was the first time I properly acknowledged there was going to be a new addition to the family, so that could be something else to look forward to? Good luck!!

20w scan is a bit longer than the 12w. They take all sorts of measurements so generally you get a much better look at the baby

Agree that you should take someone with you if you can, and I hope you get happier staff for this scan.

Try not to worry, although easier said than done! I felt similar to u and was shaking throughout both scans due to nerves. My scan took approx 20-25mins and our sonographer was great, talked us through everything he was looking at which was really reassuring.

We found the whole experience amazing, the detail the sonographer goes into is amazing.

I always found it strange how uptight i got before the scans because logically the scans are more often than not completely reassuring that everything is well but I don't think anything having your baby in your arms takes away those pregnancy nerves. I'm 22 wks pregnant and the further on I get the more worried I get!

Good luck for Friday :)

Mine is on fri too!

I was so nervous for 12 wk scan too, and didn't find the staff particularly friendly (and was soooo desperate for a wee by the time I was called in!!).

I'm sure we will both be fine and enjoy getting a good look :)

Our scan took about 20 mins.

Be prepared for them to take a LOT of screen shots - DH and I were starting to panic as the sonographer took about 5 million photos of the heart! This is normal apparently.

She wasn't chatty and only said everything was fine at the end, rather than as she did each check, so there might be a lot of silences - fingers crossed yours is a bit more engaging!

The scan was lovely in hindsight, our baby was upside down having a big kick and you could see little hands, a real face with nose and lips... Amazing! It's a shame it's so nerve-racking in the moment, try to enjoy it.

Good luck to everyone awaiting scans!

Thanks for all the replies, I feel a little more "in control" if that makes sense! I just like to think that when I'm really nervous or whatever, I just say to myself "in half an hour this will all be over" etc. I know, I'm a bit crazy right now. Hope it all goes well for you aroha77!