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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

When to get early scan?

17 replies

579kirsty · 27/08/2019 19:53

Hi - I’m 5+4 (I think) and decided that we are going to get an early scan for peace of mind. Just wondering when other ladies went for an early scan? I was thinking to wait until I’m 7 weeks but would that be too early? (Obviously I know the longer you wait the more there will be too see.)

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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TheAgeofAnxiety · 27/08/2019 19:56

I went at 6 weeks to Babybond into Mothercare

Contraceptionismyfriend · 27/08/2019 20:05

You're dates may be slightly out so I'd wait until about 9 weeks so that you can see something significant like shape, limbs etc.

sophr72 · 27/08/2019 20:07

I'm going at 8 weeks, as soon m a teacher and go back to work 2 days later.

I think by then there should be a heartbeat.

Honestly go when you want to. I've been suffering badly with anxiety during the summer so knew I wanted to do it before going back to work.

Avocuddles · 27/08/2019 20:07

Hi @579kirsty and congratulations! I'm 5+6 and have booked one for 7 weeks. The reason I've gone for 7 weeks is by that point there should definitely be a heartbeat - some do hear one before 6 weeks but it's not guaranteed which could lead to unnecessary anxiety...

My previous pregnancy ended in miscarriage at c7 weeks but it turned out that the baby had stopped developing around 5. After I had some spotting I was sent for an early scan which showed a sac but no heartbeat, however because I wasn't certain on my dates it wasn't possible at that point to make a conclusion one way or the other so I had to go home and wait and see what happened. My theory is that by 7 weeks there should hopefully be a good strong heartbeat (which would be reassuring), but if there isn't I'd be far enough along to know for certain where I stand.

Good luck and look forward to hopefully joining you on the due in April board!

Sparkle0109 · 27/08/2019 20:26

I went at 7 weeks and saw a lovely heartbeat

I would wait until atleast 7 weeks

Original poster

579kirsty · 27/08/2019 21:07

@Avocuddles ah congratulations baby buddy! I think I’m going to try and hold out until 8 weeks but I’ll probably cave and go at 7 same as you - it’s nice to just have a bit of reassurance. This is my first one so it’s all new to me! Sorry to hear about your previous miscarriage- that must have been difficult! Fingers crossed for you that this one grows healthy and strong

OP posts:

fonxey · 28/08/2019 05:10

I went at 9 weeks but was dated at 10. Kinda glad i did. I had a splodge with arms and legs that were wriggling around.

Think def better if you wait a little longer but up to you how long you wait.

saywhatwhatnow · 28/08/2019 05:55

I think after 7 weeks is best, you're much more likely to see a heartbeat. It will likely be an internal scan just to give you a heads up!

IoMoon · 28/08/2019 06:02

I was very happy I went at 9 weeks - I was a proper tiny baby with arms and legs twirling about, it was magical!

Sizeofalentil · 28/08/2019 07:16

I went for one this weekend at 6 weeks but they said I was measuring 5 weeks. Wish I'd held off until 7 weeks tbh

mustardpumpkin · 28/08/2019 07:33

Sorry to hijack, but when you all talk about weeks are you going by the "official" number (i.e. since first day of your last period) or since you think you conceived. I have an early scan booked at 7+4 (going by "official" dates) but will probably only be 5+4 since conception so am a bit concerned...

BlueBilledBeatboxingBird · 28/08/2019 07:42

Always from LMP, @mustardpumpkin.

Avocuddles · 28/08/2019 07:44

Hi @mustardpumpkin if you have a clear idea of when ovulation occurred (or cycles that are significantly longer than 28 days) then you should use that. I'm 6 weeks today based on ovulation testing, but based on last period would be 6+5. Some of my cycles in the past have been up to 60 days long so LMP would be very inaccurate! I have a scan booked a week today as I'll be 7 weeks by my own estimate then.

Avocuddles · 28/08/2019 07:45

@mustardpumpkin nhs scans will however be based on lmp (again unless you have exceptionally irregular cycles)

mustardpumpkin · 28/08/2019 07:54

Thanks both - I'll continue to go from LMP then. All a bit confusing, but don't want to risk going too early and causing more anxiety by not seeing a heartbeat. OP, I was told any time from 7 weeks was fine.

Original poster

579kirsty · 28/08/2019 08:28

Thanks everyone. I’m going to book it for 9 weeks - I was going to go for 8 but that would fall on Friday 13th

OP posts:

Babyg1995 · 28/08/2019 09:34

I went for mine at 6+5 and saw the heartbeat very clear was nhs as I had been getting pains and spotting so put our minds at ease,.

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