What happens at 12 week scan appointment

[natjayne213]

Hiya All,

What happens at your 12 week scan appointment? I am consultant lead and so scared as I have no idea what happens.

I like to know what to expect of situations xx

I haven't been consultant led but i think that the scan section will be the same. It's pretty straight forward really, you lay down and they begin the scan. They check how many babies are there, look for a heartbeat and take some measurements. The sonographer might be quite quiet during this part and that's nothing to worry about. After the measurements are taken the sonographer will point out things on the scan for you, the heart etc. They'll ask you if you want pictures, tell you how far along you are and give you an estimated due date. That's about it really. I then had bloods taken as I was having the Downs screening.

Once it's established everything's ok it really is an amazing day-your baby suddenly feels "real".

I'm consultant led, had my scan yesterday exactly as described above. I then had some bloods done and they made my appointment with the consultant afterwards.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/ultrasound-anomaly-baby-scans-pregnant.aspx#close

If you're in the UK, the NHS website is quite good, link above

They should've sent you a letter but drink beforehand so you have a full bladder, gel is slightly cold but not painful. They might look at the screen a while before they show you, that's normal.
There's also a blood test if you've consented to it.

With DC1 I had my bloods taken beforehand, had the scan than hung around for the results.

With DC2 I had my bloods done a few days before, then went to the hospital for my scan them got the results afterwards. I was consultant led the second time and it made no difference.

Take some change with you for pictures!

I had the bloods done a week or so before and so got results on the day.

Same as everyone else, scanned, made sure all the necessary parts where where they should be, pointed out heartbeat etc.

I found it a very positive experience. Good luck ! I didn't have a full bladder and I am a tad chubby but they managed just fine :)

I had a very full bladder (as requested) both times and both times had to go do half a wee during the scan as i'd squashed the baby with my bladder!

Thank you ladies :) I just got an appointment on a letter. So I won't have to see the consultant then?

It's more I worry that they'll tell me bad news.. but what is meant to be will be I suppose. Just wanted this for so long I am worried it'll all go wrong. Xx

I'm having an extra scan because ds was born small and I got one appointment letter with the scan time on and another letter with the consultant appointment on 20 later so it may be that you don't need to see the consultant this time. Try not to worry too much!

I'm consultant led.

The scan is done by sonographer.
Hopefully all will be well on scan
I was bricking it before hand (and still am before every appointment - irrational fears btw cos I'm a worry wart by nature )

With my consultant appoints it's not much more than what the midwifes would do but they just double check everything, mainly as booking in has flagged something up, in my case underlying health condition.

I asked if I had to keep going to them. Was told no, so midwife led for most of it. With just a "see how your doing" appoint about 28weeks.

Hope scan goes well op

(Oh and if you don't want to know sex of baby, tell them. Some trusts don't tel you anyway)

I had to have a section with my first pregnancy and was a late booker.. with some family medical history I was told I'll be consultant lead.

But last time I was like 8 months along so completely different.

I am a natural worrier.. I haven't got much longer to wait. Xxx

I had scan, blood tests and saw the consultant all within the same appointment.
I have a kidney problem so I see my usual renal consultant monthly ATM but they wanted me to see the maternity consultant just to check in. It was a bit of a whirlwind as I didn't really know who I was seeing or why at that point. They just got some history, did blood and urine tests and booked me in for scans at 30 and 36 weeks.
On my scan letter they had handwritten and also to see a doctor .

Hope all goes well for you.