I want another scan. Neurotic and unnecessary or reassuring?!

[DRSLondon]

Hi, I am 16 weeks pregnant. I have a scan booked for 19 weeks. My last was at 12 weeks and was normal. I have become paranoid that something terrible has happened to the baby and would love another scan to put my mind at ease. Is that ridiculous? My husband thinks so! I've not bled. I have had cramps although I know that's to be expected. Help!

If you've got a spare £100 then just pay for one privately to put your mind at rest

Have you had your 16 week appointment yet? Your midwife might be able to find the baby's heartbeat then which should reassure you, and it really won't be long until you feel the baby moving.

How about going for your midwife appointment and have a listen to the heartbeat instead?

There was no way my NHS Trust would have sent me for a scan unless there was considerable reason (bleeding for example)

You could pay and go private for a scan though.

I was exactly the same. I pretty much posted the same thread a few weeks ago as i just didn't feel pregnant anymore. The sickness had gone as i was feeling pretty much back to normal. I went for a gender scan in the end. Not only did i find out we're having a boy but th relief i felt watching him wriggling away on screen was immense. Do you have your 16 week mw appt coming is up as they may listen to heartbeat which would also put you at ease. i m sure your lo is just fine but i completely understand how you feel x

I had a lot of scans during my last pregnancy because I had a fibroid that they were keeping an eye on. I don't think lots of scans do anything to put your mind at rest. In fact, every time I had a scan due I worried dreadfully about it for the few days before and I only felt more reassured for about 24 hours afterwards before going back to my usual state of fairly anxious! I'm guessing that even if you have a scan you'll still wish you were having another one within a day or so.

It can be a worrying time, as you won't have felt the movements yet but there's no reason why there should be a problem. Have you asked spoken with your midwife about this? Would listening to the heartbeat give you reassurance?

Btw, I had cramps thoughout all my pregs. Good luck and try to relax (not easy, I know!).

Hi DRS, so sorry you're worrying. I am 10 weeks + 4 days pregnant and have already had three scans (due to bleeding). Each time I have been and seen a healthy baby I have felt massively relieved but like davidjrmum says, it doesn't last very long unfortunately. I say go and have one if you can but just be aware you may find yourself feeling paranoid again after a couple of days. Sending you very best wishes as well - I bet everything is fine.

Thanks so much everyone. I have the 16 week midwife appointment tomorrow but my friend (who had hers today) was told that they can't hear a heartbeat yet as the baby is too small to hear without a scan. Will see what she says...
I really appreciate your comments. Many thanks and best wishes to you all.x

Some places they won't try to hear the heartbeat at 16 weeks as it can be tricky to find and cause unnecessary panic, so maybe policy in your area is not to do it yet.

Hi drs congratulations.
I am a midwife.
You are not alone in considering this and my usual advice is resist the temptation to get a scan.
As others have said ,perhaps your midwife can listen in?
You might find a scan reassurring at the time but what about after that?
Hopefully you will start to be aware of movements around 20weeks when you are due your next scan?
I suggest you channel your energy in a more productive way by looking up informarion and techniques about positive thinking /relaxation/cbt.
We can always find things to worry about.
Www.llttf.org is a good free website for cbt.
Talk to your baby.Rub your bump.
When you are aware of movements your baby can hear your voice and will often respond to your hand on your tummy.
Try to tune in to your body rather than relying on technology to reassure you.
Long term your instinct is strong if you listen to your body.
Good luck

I've recently felt the same. Been for my 15 week appointment today and stressed my concerns and my lovely midwife found the heartbeat to calm our nerves, she even suggested getting out our camera phones to record it. I feel so much more satisfied and at peace but no doubt the worry will kick in again in a few days.

We have a private clinic in the next village which charge £50 for a sexing scan at 16+3 onwards....still very tempted just so we can see everything is ok