Circumstances in which midwives offer earlier scans than the 10/12 week one? Recent experiences?

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Would be interested to know? Especially recently given COVID.

I was scanned at 6 weeks at the EPU and this was because I had no idea when I conceived as hadn’t had a period in months! So didn’t know how far along I was. This was back in December though x

I don’t really think they ever do -but perhaps I’m wrong. I feel like that’s what you would look to the Early pregnancy unit for.

I’m 17 weeks pregnant, was scanned by EPAU at 6,7,8,10 weeks and then 12, and 16. I’ve had multiple mmc, fertility issues and also have a blood condition, which all means I’m high risk. I’ve had no bleeding or reason to believe anything is wrong, but they have been really good.

I've had 2 ruptured ectopics where nearly died twice and had to fight to be scanned early - in the end having in to go In via ambulance

EPUs dont have they capacity or resources to be able to provide every "anxious" first time mum to be a reassurance scan if they are experiencing normal pregnancy symptoms

Had an early scan 8/9 weeks but only due to bleeding and cramping - was referred to EPU by my GP. I don't think they would have done it otherwise.

I had one at 6 weeks because of severe pain to rule out an ectopic. Turns out I’d ruptured an ovarian cyst, so painful, but thankfully not dangerous to me or the baby (who is now showing his gratitude by repeatedly booting me in the belly. Thug.)

I had one at 9 weeks when I was admitted to hospital for hyperemesis. They wanted to check it wasn't multiples and I also had some pain and blood in my urine. I have a history of miscarriage too which might have played a part.

I had one at 8 weeks due to a previous mmc (this was pre covid).

I had one at 7 weeks as I wasn't sure how far along I was due to a missing two periods by that time but getting positive pregnancy tests much later on. The midwife wanted to make sure I didn't miss the window for the Downs etc checks by having my 12 week scan too late.

I had one at 11 weeks as was experiencing severe abdominal pain at my EPU.

I had a scan at EPU last year for a suspected ectopic (which it was and EPU were great) and I was told any subsequent pregnancies that they would see me for an early scan at approx 6/7 weeks to ensure it was in the right place. I found i was pregnant on the 1st March and my early scan was cancelled due to covid, they said they would only have me in if there was pain or bleeding as otherwise it was unnecessary for me to be in the hospital.

Since then, I've had a faint and ended up in A&E and a scan was seen as unnecessary as well.

I had a mc in January and was scanned at my local EPU to confirm. They told me then that, the next time I fell pregnant, they'd offer a scan at eight weeks for reassurance/to check things were okay.

I'm now pregnant again and rang them to ask if they'd still offer this but they said they couldn't because of COVID. I think they're only seeing people with significant pain/bleeding at the moment and have stopped offering more routine scans.

To rule out ectopic.

Pre Covid-19 I was scanned due to multiple miscarriages. I don't know what the current situation is though.

Am booked in for a scan tomorrow at what will be 7+2 due to bleeding - there's a concern about ectopic.

Forgot to mention I got this appointment via GP referral

Currently 35 weeks. During this pregnancy I was scanned at 6, 7 and 9 weeks to check viability due to 2 consecutive mmc in 6 months last year, having had a total of 3 mc and also having been under the fertility clinic previously because it took us around 2.5 years to conceive (I’m over 35 and DH over 40).

I’ve also had extra scans at 18 and 29 weeks to monitor an ovarian cyst, so altogether have had 7 scans throughout the pregnancy.

I've had an ectopic and have been told that I'll be scanned early next time as there's an increase risk of another ectopic.

Scan at 5/6/9/10 weeks.

First few were because I didn't know when I had conceived, others were due to HG So they kept checking on baby

Sounds like it's definitely different at the moment unless you have really worrying symptoms. People generally recommend you try to hold on til the 12 weeks if possible!

EPU is definitely the way to go though. I was told by my GP to ring them and after going through a few things, they said I could come in but would just have to wait (a bit like A&E) and they couldn't guarantee me an appointment.

Luckily I got seen and scanned on the day I went in. My circumstances were a blocked fallopian tube so was very worried 're. Ectopic, and PCOS giving higher chance of miscarriage.

Give them a ring and see what they say if you really think you need one!

Depends why you want it? If you’re having symptoms (pain, bleeding) then definitely speak to your Gp. If you just fancy an early scan then no chance, go private.

Thank you so much for the responses. I have grey platelet syndrome (blood disorder) and spoke to midwife today, she said if the consultant felt the need for an early scan they will contact me :) interesting to know the various reasons though.