Question about 12 wk scan

[halfbuffy]

Hello everyone! I'm new to the forum so hi!

I've got a question about my 12 week scan which is next Monday, I've seen in some places that you can sometimes have to have an internal scan as well as the regular one on the belly, but I wondered why you would have to have that one?

I've had them in the past for my endometriosis, but the thought of them fiddling round up there while I'm still so early is terrifying! It's been such a long road for us to get to this point and we've tried for years so I just don't want them poking around and upsetting the balance if there's no need!

They normally only do that pre-8 weeks as it's hard to see the baby abdominally as they're so small. I had a successful 8+3 scan externally last week so I can't imagine why they'd need to do an internal scan at 12 weeks.

IT depends how full the bladder is. If bladder is empty, they will find it difficult to see 'through' it to find the gestational sac and find your LO. So, drink plenty and you should be ok. That said, if they did need to do a vaginal scan, be assured that they wouldn't be doing it if it had potential to risk your pregnancy.

I have had them because I have a tilted uterus and even at 12 weeks, it isn't always clear enough to be able to see the baby with an external scan. I've never needed one after the first trimester though.

At 12 weeks it should be the standard abdominal scan. I don't think you even need a full bladder.
If they do need to do a vaginal scan it won't disturb your pregnancy.

Oh great ok, I'll just make sure that I keep drinking then! Although my friend had a scan the other week and her appointment was an hour late, she said she was I agony by the end of it because she had drank so much!!

Dont worry about it, the vaginal scan doesnt go any further than your vagina and can't harm the baby

Bear in mind that with IVF pregnancies there will often be multiple internal scans prior to the 12 week scan. It wouldn't be done if there was any risk to your pregnancy.

A friend of mine had to have scans internally due to her high BMI. Baby is now 4 months old - no harm was done.