Why are scans too far apart

[loveyourself87]

For a first time mum, I would like a bit more reassurance. Last scan was at 12 weeks, then a midwife app at 16(no scans just routine blood test) and I have to wait to 20 weeks for the anomaly scan! I'm worried because I feel between 16 and 20 weeks is an important time for most people as some feel movement (I haven't yet and no bump). Is this normal to have no scan between 12 and 20 weeks? I feel fine but worry so much in case something has happened to the baby and I wouldn't know until 20 weeks.

@MrsH497 you are right about not being able to control the outcome, it is worrying though! When I hear stories about ladies losing their babies at a later stage it worries me still although I know if something is going to happen there is not much I can do! I will speak to my MW tomorrow as worrying is preventing me from enjoying the pregnancy! X

@loveyourself87 it is worrying but you can't let that control you. As I said my friends loss wouldn't have been prevented by a scan or picked up unless she was scanned weekly that's why movement is important later. You're still like me very early to feel any movement that's not "popping" or "bubbles" I wouldn't know the difference between baby and gas!
Really hope the MW can help you feel a bit more positive. Pregnancy can be worrying I totally get that I've worried until 12 weeks would I miscarry again I've worried would baby get enough nutrients as I am being so sick, will it have defects as I couldn't keep folic acid down. But I've realised it doesn't make me feel better and I can't change it. Hugs x

@loveyourself87 yes, really right back at you. One of mine did have physical defects and I had a shitload of scans due to valid reasons. What you are talking about are scans for absolutely no benefit, so it is indeed a case of humouring people for no real purpose. The scans for my other kids were as per schedule which is all that is required.

I’ve also worked a lifetime in essential health services that have had the guts ripped out of them but by all means let’s waste more of the health budget on feel good non-essentials to humour people. Just don’t complain when you don’t get the MRI that you DO really need because, you know, budget.

@HoppingPavlova I think you need to relax a bit and stop taking out whatever resentment you have on this post, really! Re read my original post when you have a second if you can be bothered! I'm not asking for a change to the system, merely a question as to why! Relax

@MrsH497 thank you so much x

I’ve had to have scans every 2-3 weeks since 20 weeks to check on growth, and if it’s any consolation they’re pretty boring as they spend ages zooming in on various organs and taking measurements of parts like the stomach. I don’t get to see much of the baby as a whole, and it can feel quite uncomfortable as they sometimes have to tilt the chair almost upside down to get me into the right position to measure!

Pregnancy is a worrying time isn’t it. Hope it all goes well for you at the 20 week scan.

It's a worrying time pregnancy. I remember thinking they seem far apart and for most don't get any after 20 weeks. Of course it's the budget and I fully understand but it is a long time if you can't afford a private scan 20 weeks- birth. I was lucky enough to have a few scans due to GD. I think if I got pregnant again for reassurance if I was in the position I'd have to have another scan after 20 weeks.

This is normal. If you want extra assurance then you need to find the money for private scans or convince your midwife that you need to see her (or someone in her team) again between 16-20 weeks. They may do it if you are anxious.

Bear in mind if your anomaly scan is fine at 20 weeks and your pregnancy progresses normally then you won’t get another NHS scan (not even the growth scans at 34/36 weeks). I found that a more nerve wracking time and would, if possible, start saving so you can get a couple of private growth scans in this period.

merely a question as to why! Relax

But I answered your question. Twice. Additional scans are not done as standard as there is absolutely no medical reason for them. That’s. The. Answer. What other reasons do you require?

I’ve had two babies, one in London and one in Switzerland. Both privately. I was scanned every time i saw the obstetrician in London so that was every 6 weeks as well as the 12 week and 20 week scans at the fetal medicine centre.

In Switzerland I was scanned once a month and was told to call the midwife any time for fetal monitoring.
Why is it so different for private patients?

Because there are 657000 babies born each year.
To add an extra scan in would mean 657000 extra appointments.

Believe me, the anxiety you feel is nothing compared to the anxiety a mother feels before going in for a medically indicated extra scan. Checking to see if your baby actually has arms or legs, or microcephaly... I’d take an uncomplicated pregnancy and less frequent scans any day

You'll have to go from 20 weeks until you give birth without having a scan. I think you need to go and see your gp about your worrying.

Surely private scans for £40 can’t tell you much? Yes you will see the baby and a heartbeat which is lovely, but not pick up any anomalies.

Such nasty responses on this thread!

OP it's OK to feel worried. I think everyone does. I know I am. I had ivf so I had a scan at 6 weeks and I couldn't wait another 6 so I've booked one for 9 weeks. We do what we need to do to get through.

Speaking to your midwife sounds like a wise idea.

Where I’m based we get a 12, 20 and 36 week scan as standard on the NHS. I agree with you OP, it’s a long and nerve-wracking wait between each one! I’m currently awaiting my 20 week scan, which is at the end of this week.

@ineedaholidaynow they’re not designed to pick up anomalies. Presumably the OP just wants reassurance the baby is still alive

@AliceAbsolum oh now worries, you'll always get a bunch who are rude! Not the objective of this post so I brush it off x

No *

@GrumpyHoonMain nothing to do with not affording it, my question had been answered so thanks for your comment.

I hope all these people who want extra scans but don’t want to pay for them are voting labour. 😉

Pfft yeah so they can wreak the economy and then we can have 1 20 week scan again.

Not sure what the wreak you mean!

@GenevaMaybe
Why is it so different for private patients?
Because the more scans you have, the more money they make out of you. They don’t care whether it’s cost effective if it’s private because you’re paying for it (either directly if you self fund or indirectly through your insurance company if they pay)