Early scans

[Newmother321]

Hi everyone
I've only recently found out I'm pregnant (4w+1). This is my first so as you can imagine I am nervous and won't really believe it until I can either see something or have a blood test etc to confirm.
Is it worth paying for an early scan?
I'm thinking of booking one at the end of the month to settle my nerves?

I've not heard anything from midwife, I sent the referral form and it says I'm likely to get my first appointment at around 8 weeks which will be start of November, should I wait till I've had this? I'm so worried I will for an early scan and either there is nothing there or things aren't quite right

What are people's thoughts?

It's exactly as you say, too early and it can cause more worry than reassurance. If you are sure of your dates then if you book one for 7 weeks you should see a heartbeat and tiny bean. I have seen heartbeats for all 3 of mine at 6 weeks but I was sure I ovulated in the middle of my fairly standard 28/30 day cycle. If your cycles are long or short and you arent sure of dates being right then I'd wait a bit longer.

It's totally up to you. When I first was pg, a friend of mine just had a mmc at 12 weeks and I was so anxious. I went for a scan at 7 which showed slow hb and small size, a scan a week later showed the worst. I have no regrets going early and would much rather find out sooner than 12 weeks if something is wrong (although of course there is a chance it could still go wrong but that's just something you come to terms with.)
I went again this time and found it reassuring.

There isn't much point in getting a scan that's too early as sometimes they can't see much and it will just make you more worried.
Around 8 weeks is a good time for an early scan.

I have mine booked for Monday, most wont take you til you're 8 weeks as before then you may not see anything x
You may find that some symptoms kick in before then as well which will give you some reassurance xx

I've had early scans with both of mine to rule out ectopic pregnancies due to me having endometriosis. Both were around 5 weeks, but I don't think I would have had one if it wasn't a health need.
It's upto you though, of course, and if it will settle your mind then why not?

I had an early scan after some bleeding and it was reassuring but I think I’d keep in mind that it only really provides reassurance there and then as it only shows what is happening on that particular day. I also would say that all of pregnancy (and having a DC) is anxiety inducing so sometimes it’s better to make peace with the uncertainty early on.

Agree with @Sanch1 - I saw heartbeats with both my boys at 5+6 but have a fairly regular 26 day cycle.

Certainly with DS2, his HB was slower than DS1s at the same date and OBGYN noted that his heart had more than likely only just started beating a few hours earlier.

Leave it until 7 weeks when you'll be more certain of seeing something if your ovulation is regular.

I've decided against an early scan. Mainly because my sister in law had one at 8 weeks which all went fine, saw heartbeat. But then found out she'd had a MMC in the meantime at her 12 week scan.

So as PP also said I think it would only reassure me for that actual day, so might not help my worry overall. In fact I'd prob want to keep going all the time!

But I know they are very popular now, esp with partners not being allowed at all hospitals. Also I believe the odds of a MC are greatly reduced once you have seen a heartbeat so that might help your anxiety if you do decide to have one x

I had one at 8 weeks for reassurance which really did reassure me. Of course I still had some normal worry before the 12 week scan but I knew that the odds were high that everything would be fine. Of course this is not always the case, and this is something that you always have to have in the back of your mind.

Thanks all for your help to weigh up the pros and cons.
I've just booked one in for 31st which will be 7w+5 days.
My cycles are pretty regular so I'm quite sure on dates.

Also I want my husband to be with me for my first scan. I feel I need the extra reassurance.

Good luck OP and hope it all goes well!

Thanks @Marmite133. I just pray that it all goes well. The slightest little twinge and I am worries at the minute.