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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Early scan - what should I do?

36 replies

rubyinthedust · 18/02/2014 16:55

Would like some advice on this, no one but my husband and I knows I'm pregnant and I really don't know what I should do.

Three months ago I had an ectopic pregnancy which got pretty serious - I ended up in emergency surgery and had a tube removed. My tube had ruptured on day 38 of my cycle - I'd been bleeding for three days before that and I thought it was my period.

Through some miracle I am pregnant again, had a BFP nearly a week ago and as my last period started on January 15th I would now be 5 weeks pregnant. I saw my GP today and he said he'd refer me to the EPU for an early scan. He said that if I wanted, I could phone them myself and self-refer and I might get the scan quicker this way.

So, should I:
a) wait for them to phone me (could take 3-5 days) and get the early scan next week. I would then be 6-7 weeks pregnant and might be able to see more... or
b) call them myself and potentially get a scan this week, but run the risk of not being able to see much and therefore "wasting" my early scan (but at least I'd have extra reassurance that it's not an ectopic)?

I should say that my symptoms this time are very different, I seem to have a lot more of the normal ones (heavy breasts, feeling queasy and TIRED), but obviously I don't actually know where this pregnancy is located. To complicate things further I had a little bit of bleeding today (a couple very tiny specks of blood on the toilet paper) and I'm now worried.

Any advice much appreciated!

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TestingTestingWonTooFree · 18/02/2014 16:58

I think ruling out an ectopic pregnancy is more important than satisfying your curiosity. GP hasn't advised you go to the EPU because it would be nice. So I'd go as soon as you can.

gamerchick · 18/02/2014 16:58

Considering your history I would go with making sure the pregnancy is in the right place sooner rather than later.

good luck.

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 18/02/2014 16:59

Mind you, I know very little about all of this stuff, so my opinion isn't very well informed and is more of a gut reaction.

Northumberlandlass · 18/02/2014 16:59

It's a no brainer. Call them yourself and get the scan as soon as you can.
You are worried and it will give you answers. You won't be wasting your early scan & they will do more if needed.

Sorry you had such an awful time.

Hope all goes well

eurochick · 18/02/2014 17:01

I agree - the priority has to be making sure the pregnancy is in the right place so get your scan asap.

You can always pay for an early scan later when there is more to see (typically 50-100 quid).

CaurnieBred · 18/02/2014 17:04

There is a time limit on when the will run an early scan: I had to have one to rule out ectopic too. Can't remember what the earliest they said but it was around 6 weeks I think. You can't see anything at that point anyway, (well, a flutter of a tiny heartbeat I was told), so best get bet is to call the unit and see what they say.

Original poster

rubyinthedust · 18/02/2014 17:10

Wow, thank you ladies, I am amazed at the number of replies in such a short time! Thank you so much!

You are all completely right. I will phone the EPU tomorrow and try to book a scan ASAP. I will let you how it goes.

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Stars66 · 18/02/2014 17:17

I don't know where you live, but I was able to turn up at the early pregnancy / gyno ward at the ULCH and wait my turn and get a scan there and then. This was because my 1st pregnancy miscarried and my 2nd had heavy bleeding in weeks 5-6. I attended in week 6 and saw a tiny heartbeat which calmed my nerves. I attended again in week 8 after more bleeding and they scanned again. Amazing service.
Good luck and go get scanned!!!

Original poster

rubyinthedust · 18/02/2014 17:39

Stars66, good to know! I think my most local EPU is by appointment only - I'll see what they say when I phone tomorrow.

I'm on holiday at the moment and kind of wish I was back at work - would welcome the distraction! Just been symptom-checking and scaring myself. Not cool.

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Kneedeepinshittynappies · 18/02/2014 17:45

Good luck and congratulations!

I've had two dc since my ectopic pregnancy and tube removal. First time was sent for scan at about 6 weeks, relief was immediate as I was scared stuff and could not really enjoy the fact of being pregnant until I knew all was ok! Second time around midwife/docs refused the scan abc I had to go private as I could not cope with the wait and stress till 12 weeks.

If it were me I would definitely get it as soon as possible. Good luck, all sounds positive!

diamondlizard · 18/02/2014 18:32

aw bless you ruby, its such a worry isnt it

well like youve decided get scanned asap

and hopefully all will be well, they may even call you back again at say 8 weeks to malke sure everything is still going well

cosmickitten · 18/02/2014 18:43

Ruby I'd call and get seen ASAP just to be safe. I had an early scan to rule out an eptopic in the Autumn. Luckily all was fine. There was teeny embryo that looked like a stick with a flickering heart beat ( magical). We were very lucky to see this at under 6 weeks, but you may still see something.

I'd second a private scan later. In my area they cost £60 and I had a couple as I bleed on and off all through the first trimester. After a mmc in the summer they helped keep me calm (ish).

Aoifebelle · 18/02/2014 18:58

Call and get advice on the earliest date a scan would be able to show location of foetus. I had a scan at between five and six weeks last time and they could not locate the foetus yet. But get in there as soon as you can.

Original poster

rubyinthedust · 19/02/2014 11:46

Update: scan booked for Friday at 2:15. The lady at the EPU actually said they'd rather wait until I've gone 6 weeks but I said to her that my last ectopic happened at 5+3, which incidentally is exactly what I'll be on Friday. If they can't see much then I'll just go back in, hopefully they'll let me do that or I'll go private!

I shall try not to go crazy between now and then!

OP posts:

Northumberlandlass · 20/02/2014 13:01

Hi Ruby - hope it goes well today. Let us know how you get on.

Original poster

rubyinthedust · 21/02/2014 16:25

Not the best of news I'm afraid. They were able to see a sac and a yolk but no embryo. The ultrasound technician commented she would expect to see an embryo as the sac was quite large. I've had a blood test done to measure hCG and will need to go back on Sunday to have another one done and check whether the levels have increased or decreased. Not especially optimistic about the whole thing as I've been getting some light spotting and some cramps. Now need to try and stay sane until Sunday.

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diamondlizard · 21/02/2014 16:42

Sorry to hear that ruby

I hope you get surprise good news on sunday

Aoifebelle · 21/02/2014 17:30

So sorry ruby. Sounds like you might need to prepare for the worst whilst hoping for the best. I hope you get some clarity soon

TeaandHobnobs · 21/02/2014 18:43

I'm so sorry Ruby holding out hope for you that there will be some change on Sunday and something positive will be seen.
If not, I've just gone through this myself (empty gestational sac at 7/8 weeks) so please do pm me if I can offer any support should you find yourself in the same situation

BitsinTatters · 21/02/2014 18:50

Ruby this must be very hard for you. I'd like to add my 2 pence worth

I had bleeding in my 1st PG and was scanned at 5w 6d and there was an empty sac no embryo etc... went on to gave further scans and she's now 7 years old and running around the living room like a puppy :)

Good luck xx

Northumberlandlass · 21/02/2014 20:54

Oh Ruby. I'm so sorry
X

Stars66 · 22/02/2014 20:23

Oh Ruby, how very hard. Sending you lots of strength and positive thoughts till the test tmrw. And hoping spotting is just 'settling in' spotting.
xxx

Original poster

rubyinthedust · 23/02/2014 18:00

Some better news!!

My levels have nearly doubled in the last 48 hours - they were 14000 on Friday and 27000 today. The doctor I just spoke to on the phone seemed positive and booked me in for another ultrasound this Friday, when she reckons (if everything goes well) that I should see an embryo!

Very pleased but still very cautious. Thank you so much for your support. Haven't been able to post before now as I was too anxious!

OP posts:

Northumberlandlass · 23/02/2014 18:06

Wow Ruby! What a rollercoaster for you all!!
Sounds positive - I'm so pleased.

diamondlizard · 23/02/2014 18:11

great news good luck for fri

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