Heartbeat at early scan

[Robs20]

I had an early scan at 7+2 because I had light bleeding. Everything was fine luckily and the sonographer has written the heartrate of baby in my notes.
However, a number of people have told me it is dangerous to listen to the heartrate so early on as it requires extra sound waves (or something....) and can be damaging to the baby. I am confused/ worried. Anyone know anything about this?!

Really? Never heard that before. Perhaps ask them where they got their facts from. I would imagine if it was so dangerous they wouldn't do it in the first place. I've had early scans and healthy babies. Please don't worry.

Not dangerous at all. They wouldn't give early scans of it was

I had a scan at 7 weeks as I was having fertility treatment. Heartbeat was found and we had no issues at all. I've never heard anyone say it's a risk.

Nope never heard that. Had a scan at 6+6 last week :)

Thank you! I thought it was a ridiculous thing....but of course worry about everything. Will try to relax :)

They wouldn't put sound on at my early private scans, around 7 and then 11 weeks would only show the heartbeat flickering ( 39 weeks today!) Both times said something about not wanting to disturb baby and wasn't advised at such an early stage. On googling doesn't seem to be any exact proper information out there, so I wouldn't be worried as they listen for such a short period of time. Congratulations

@kelly14 ah this is what I’m worried about. Will ask the midwife tomorrow but I guess the damage is done now.
Good luck over the next couple of weeks :)

@kelly14 that's what I heard. My scan at 7 weeks (NHS) also showed the heartbeat flickering, no sound. I'm sure it's all fine!

The ‘link’ between ultrasound and birth defects / miscarriages was discredited ages ago. Based on China sponsored research to find reasons other than pollution / genetics to explain the increased rate of miscarriages (and childhood cancers) amongst Chinese children.

The reason why many places don’t check for a heartbeat that early is because a lot of ultrasound machines are often not good enough; or they have blanket policies to cover obese patients (less likely to hear a heartbeat if you have a lot of stomach fat) . But yes at 7 weeks you should be able to hear a heartbeat and that is why that is the time ivf clinics offer a viability scan - the minute you do, your risk of miscarriages reduces by a significant percentage.