How many scans are too many? First trimester

[bluemonday2020]

Hi lovely ladies. I am currently 5+3 pregnant and this is my first pregnancy. I have recently self referred to my local hospital and have an appointment with a midwife at week 7 and an NHS scan booked for week 12. I also booked a “harmony package” scan with a private provider for week 10 and week 12. I don’t think I can wait 5 more weeks for my first scan as this is my first pregnancy and starting to get very anxious. Additionally, I have had some light brown spotting since 3/4 days so just want to be reassured.
Hubby thinks that booking an early scan at 8 weeks is too much. We are both new at this and don’t really know what “normal” is. Do you have any recommendations on whether to do an additional 8 week early scan? Would that be too many scans for the first trimester? I just feel like I would do anything for some peace of mind and any money on health/baby’s health is well spent. Thank you so much in advance!

Hi,

I only had the scan at 12 weeks, i didnt book a private scan. But at the 7 week midwife appointment they take your bloods and your blood result confirms the pregnancy is progressing as it should be, it didnt occur to me to have an early scan but i suppose its down to personal choice rather than there being a right or wrong! Do what you feel is best!

I had 8 scans between 6 and 12 weeks. I was petrified to lose the pregnancy. I found a close private venue and agree that he would only check baby for 1-2 minute at a time to avoid too much exposure.

In hindsight, it was pointless for 2 reasons

1. can't change the outcome
2. scan gives you a snapshot in time. Baby could die 2 seconds after the probe leaves the belly.

I don't thing I would do the same in a second pregnancy. But was a life saver at the time.

Good luck.

For both my pregnancies I did a scan at 7 weeks, 10 weeks and then my nhs dating scan .

For me personally, any more wouldn’t have eased my mind so that was the magic number .

I don’t think there is such thing as too many scans or too little . It’s what’s best for you . I know people who had weekly scans throughout their first trimester and I know someone who (controversially) didn’t have a single scan her entire pregnancy.

I agree with a previous post about the snapshot in time.
Ultimately though it is up to you. If you feel it is making you stressed and anxious then maybe a reassurance scan would put your mind at ease.
With my first I had a scan at 6, 12, 14, 16, 20 and 36 weeks. I did a lot of research as I was so worried it would be dangerous for the baby but I couldn't find anything that said it is.
I am definitely more relaxed with my current pregnancy. I have had one scan at 12 weeks and will have one at 21 weeks and hopefully that will be it.
Pregnancy can be a really anxious time and all mums worry, it's completely normal.
Good luck with everything