To wish there was another scan between 20 and 36 weeks

[wondering7777]

I had my routine 20 week scan at the end of last year and everything was fine. Since then all has been well, as far as I’m aware - I’ve felt movement, there hasn’t been any bleeding or abdominal pains. I’ve been to the midwife appointments and my bump is measuring as it should (although I’ve read these measurements are quite unreliable).

But what if there was something wrong - how would I actually know? What if something has happened to the placenta or the baby is unwell in some way?

I just think it would be so reassuring to have a scan at around 28 weeks to check the baby is developing as it should. As it is I have to wait until 36 weeks for the next one - and I think some women don’t even get that.

I know this isn’t the AIBU section, but am I being unreasonable to think this?

I personally dread scans but I have had the misfortune of receiving bad news at them twice so once the 20 week scan is over I breathe a sigh of relief and I’m glad I don’t have another one.

Agreed, in my country you get one scan every 4-6 weeks and you see a consultant. With second pregnancy here I dont even get to see midwife hardly at all, no one cares really, thye think that you magically know everything even if each pregnancy is different.

The bump measuring is unreliable, can't believe it's actually being used in XXI century. My belly was measuring big in my first pregnancy, we paid for a private scan only to find out the baby was actually measuring v. small, which no one would have known had we not forked out money ourselves.

I know what you mean. We only get 2 scans here at 12 & 20 weeks.

I'm paying for a private 4D scan at the end of this month when I'll be 29/30 weeks so that I can see how our little guy is progressing (and what he looks like).

There is the option to go private. And as someone who has experienced some dreadful pregnancy nightmares you should be grateful that you're not considered in need of an extra scan. But yes, in essence it is a long time to wait but, like I said, if it bothers you that much pay for a private one!

Honestly the NHS is stretched enough as it is. I don't think this would be a valuable use of resources.

Honestly movement change is pretty much your first indication of things being wrong. My last 2 pregnancies have required growth scans at 28,32 and 36 weeks but they didn't pick up My placenta failure it was picked up at emergency scans due to reduced movements. As the obstetrician said to me scans are just a. Snap shot of that moment so they push movement as the key indicator

In my last pregnancy I had my last growth scan on the Friday and on the Monday I went in to triage because I hadn't been happy with movement Sunday night they found I basically had no fluid round the baby and my placenta had failed again

Emerging research suggests that ultrasound is not entirely risk free.

Ultrasound direct are FANTASTIC!!

We had a MC last year and have had a couple of private scans with them! They’re pretty cheap and have lots of availability! They were recommended by my manager who’s wife sadly had 5 MCs. They have two babies now and used UD for both xx

I personally think we should be grateful for what we do get. I am having my second pregnancy and am happy with just the 2 scans. If I wanted more I'd pay for them privately.

Hi OP I'm 23+3 and have recently been thinking the exact same. I do have movements but they're not huge or consistent and not very reassuring, I think this is OK as its my first pregnancy and I do have an anterior placenta, and everything has been OK at two previous scans. It's just a very anxious time and I have to admit that coming on mumsnet and reading some of the awful things that can happen really doesn't help, so I can imagine how you are feeling with the knowledge of what happened to your cousin's wife, who my heart breaks for.

I am hoping that increasing movements over the next few weeks will reassure me, but I am very very tempted to book a private scan, you can get them just £40 here, I don't know when to book it for though as I feel like if I give up now just three weeks after 20 week scan I will be going for them all the time!!!

You have my sympathies and best best wishes for your pregnancy xxx

We got a 4d scan at window to the womb wasn't expensive either if your really worried you could book one .

if it bothers you that much pay for a private one!

@Desmondo2016 Er, you do realise that not everyone can just afford a private scan? Including me!

There isn’t a medical need for one between 20 and 36 weeks, and while ultrasound is low risk, it’s not no risk, so offering one for reassurance isn’t the best idea.

People who can afford it and want to opt for an extra scan can buy one, but otherwise, it’s just a bit of a wait. Which is hard, of course, but there’s a reason behind it.

I agree with @anchordowndeepbreath

The NHS is stretched enough as it is without providing additional scans just for reassurance.

People say that but scans later on are really uncomfortable experiences. Only needing 2 is a good thing. Needing more means there's issues and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

My DC are 16 and 17 and I only had one 20 week scan

while ultrasound is low risk, it’s not no risk, so offering one for reassurance isn’t the best idea.

I thought it was extremely low (practically no) risk? I don’t know why but I can’t shake the feeling that something is going to go wrong. I have had a fair bit of movement but there’s still no pattern (despite being in my third trimester). My midwife said that as long as I’m feeling movement every day I don’t need to worry, but is that really enough?

Im 23+5.
I have my 25wk midwife app on Tuesday coming, i hope she wants me scanned again. I agree even just 1 more scan inbetween now an due date would be nice

@Desmondo2016 In many EU countries 4 is a standard, so two additionals after 20 weeks which are not considered as anything 'extra'. Not everyone can afford to fork out £80 (that's how much scans cost around here, and the ones we did was quick and quite shitty) for something that should be a part of standart care. Some things are not visible when you just look at the outside of the body of a woman unfortunately.

Er, you do realise that not everyone can just afford a private scan? Including me!

So the NHS should pay instead?

So the NHS should pay instead?

I take your point but like I say, I can’t shake the feeling that something’s going to go wrong. I just wish I could have a scan to put my mind at rest.

I was sent for many extra NHS scans in the third trimester: growth scans and many position checking ones too. It was stressful but I realise I was very lucky to have all that reassurance. If I hadnt have had those I would have laid privately for a scan in my 3rd tri

Or paid rather

I appreciate it feels along time OP but I wish I was just having the 12 & 20 one instead my baby has an abnormality so I will be having about 5 extra I would really rather this wasn't happening

Have a look on Groupon, they sometimes have offers on private scans. It's the 4D ones that are expensive, a normal black and white scan is cheaper.