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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Heart beat at booking in scan?

19 replies

haggis81 · 14/04/2015 22:26

Hi, 7 weeks tomorrow with #1, first time ever pregnant so a bit clueless. Have my 12 week scan booked at hospital already but waiting to receive details of initial booking appointment. Will they check for a heart beat at the booking appointment? Most stats seem to give mc risk at 7/8/9 etc weeks assuming a heart beat is seen, but wasn't sure if that is routine thing to check if no previous problems? Sorry if a stupid question, I've looked at quite a few other threads but can't seem to get clarity. Thanks so much.

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Original poster

haggis81 · 14/04/2015 22:27

Sorry meant to say booking in appt, not scan, in the title, I know it's not a scan!

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Pitapotamus · 14/04/2015 22:29

No they don't check it at the booking appointment unfortunately. I think at that stage the only way they can see a heartbeat at that stage is via an internal scan but I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong! Hope it all goes well for you.

laurenlhthompson · 14/04/2015 22:32

I saw a heartbeat on a scan at 7 weeks 1 day so I would guess so. They need to make sure the baby is still alive so I'm certain they'd check the heart.

I have my 12 week scan on Thursday and if no one gets back to you by then I'll update you :)

Good luck and congrats!

Lottiedoubtie · 14/04/2015 22:32

They can check it via an ultrasound scan at this point but they won't do that on the NHS til 12 weeks so no joy at your booking appointment. You have to pay for a private scan if you want to see it before I know waiting is really really hard!

laurenlhthompson · 14/04/2015 22:33

Sorry! Thought you meant scan!

No they don't check at the booking appointment. I saw the heartbeat at a private scan

AnythingNotEverything · 14/04/2015 22:39

Your booking appointment is about medical history, information giving and blood draws. Your me won't attempt to find a heartbeat - some won't even attempt it at 16 weeks and I believe they aren't supposed to listen in until almost the very end of pg as it can be hard to find and this causes distress.

You'll see the heartbeat at your 12 week scan (or an earlier one should you choose/need to have one).

Original poster

haggis81 · 14/04/2015 22:39

Thank you! (and sorry Lauren for the confusing title). Good to know even if it's not quite what I wanted to hear! Think we might consider a private scan before we announce to family even though it will pain DH, who works for NHS and therefore allergic to private healthcare!

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laurenlhthompson · 14/04/2015 22:45

I think the private scan is well worth it if you are worried or just want some reassurance that everything is growing. Just be wary that if your dates are out slightly they might not see a heartbeat yet because it's still so small.

Mine was only £40 so not much at all!

applecore0317 · 14/04/2015 23:01

Midwives don't usually listen to the heartbeat until 24 weeks, 16 weeks in some places. The baby is so tiny that it can be difficult to find which can cause you stress. You should be able to see it at your 12 week scan unless bubba is in a weird position, but they will be able to pick up the trace :)

I had a private reassurance scan at just under 9 weeks, it cost £50 and was worth it to put my mind at ease until my NHS scan

Fattycow · 14/04/2015 23:02

I got checked at my first appointment at 8+5, but it depends on your midwife.

Stinkersmum · 15/04/2015 03:05

I had a private scan at 5+4. Saw a blob on the screen with an abdominal scan. Saw an amazing flickering heartbeat with the dildo-cam. Well worth the money.

NicNak22 · 15/04/2015 16:10

Hi,

Sorry to hijack your post.

Where do you go for private scans, I'm 4+ 3 and cannot wait until 12 weeks I feel I need someone to confirm I an pregnant.

applecore0317 · 15/04/2015 16:13

Hi niknak I just googled private pregnancy scans in my town and it came up with a place that did them. I wouldn't recommend getting it done too early though as you might not see enough to reassure you.

scarednoob · 15/04/2015 16:18

no, booking in with the mw is more a factual session. it takes about 90 mins, they go through your medical history (splutter question: "are you and your OH closely related?"), weigh you, take blood etc.

the scan will be separate and at 11-13 weeks if you go on nhs.

you can book an earlier private scan if you like - fetal medical centre is highly recommended by everyone if you are in london - but they probably won't be able to see much or a hb before about 6 weeks.

if i had known then what i know now, i would have waited until 8 weeks. going for one at 6 weeks just caused me huge amounts of stress!

scarednoob · 15/04/2015 16:18

actually i am guessing that with a username like haggis, you might just be a bit further north than london?!

PenguinsandtheTantrumofDoom · 15/04/2015 16:24

Niknak- not until around 8 or 9 weeks normally.

Original poster

haggis81 · 15/04/2015 17:21

Haha no I am actually London too, so thanks for the recommendation! Not sure why I picked that user name, although I do have Scottish relatives, love Scotland and thought haggis surprisingly tasty when I tried it for the first time recently! :)

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scarednoob · 15/04/2015 18:18

maybe the baby is making you crave haggis!

check out the fetal medicine centre on harley street then - as well as the fact that they are so highly recommended, one of the things i like about them is that it says on the website that profits go to funding research into pregnancy, which is great.

KittyandTeal · 15/04/2015 18:21

No, you won't get a scan until 12 weeks unless you are really unsure of dates.

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