No partners allowed at scans

[Foxieloxie999]

I'm living in Ireland and me and my fiance are thinking of trying for a baby. Only problem is here due to covid, partners are not allowed at scans. And my other half is gutted that if (fingers crossed) we do get pregnant he wont be allowed into scans. And at the minute, partners are allowed in when the baby is close to being born, then for an hour after. Then told go home!
Has anyone had experience in going to private scans in between the maternity hospital scans and how did it go?

Hi @Foxieloxie999.
I'm currently 17 weeks pregnant and that was an issue for me too.
I booked a private scan a few days before my NHS one. I found it a lovely experience (never 'gone private' before) and it was lovely sharing the first with my partner.

I've actually booked a second private scan as I'm not confident partners will be allowed at my 20 week scan come November.

I'd say if you can afford it, definitely do it.
I'm grateful that I was able to.

Good luck in your journey. x

I've been pregnant throughout the scan and have had my partner at none of the hospital scans or appointments

It's really sad we can't experience it together and it can be lonely.

We've had three private scans..one at around 12 weeks, a 4d scan at about 28 and then a scan at 34 weeks because of an issue

• throughout covid

Also in ireland and I've had private scans too where no partner was allowed in either. Luckily baby is healthy, the hospital and care is amazing and they encourage taking videos to share with partner. It hasn't taken away any joy from the pregnancy! You still share so much.

Out son was born sleeping at the start of lockdown and DH was allowed in for the hard moments of course, but needless to say the joy now at having a healthy baby and sharing the whole pregnancy is wonderful. Not being together at scans is just one small part of the pregnancy we can't share.

It is primarily a medical procedure rather than intended as a bonding experience, and I do think it’s helpful to be mindful of this.

I did egg collection transfer and all NHS scans alone and I'm having twins - I also have a history of miscarriages and ectopic. Although it's nice to have someone there to hold your hand i really haven't minded being on my own - needs must and all that. I don't have the energy to worry about anyone else at the scans except me and the babies. Hospitals are boring, hot, stuffy and the appointments never run on time - you can be there hours. I much prefer taking a book or some knitting then worrying about whether my partner is getting bored 🤣

Book some private scans - I had extras but done at a private medical hospital and DH came to one. It was nice for him to see but in all honesty most men don't connect with a pregnancy whether they come to scans or not - it's not them experiencing it after all x

In England, did my first scan alone (I previously had a MMC at first scan so I broke down a little, would have happened with or without DH) my husband had been with me to an early scan in my first pregnancy before the MMC so was happy to just wait outside the hospital.
Due to the long wait between the 12 and 20 week scans, we booked a private scan around 16 weeks and it was incredible. The place we went printed out lots of pictures and gave a DVD of the scan and sent it all to my phone, with many more pictures.
I was tempted to go again at 18 weeks but couldn't justify the cost really as I would want to keep going.
My husband loved it and, not knowing if he'll be allowed at the next scan yet, it's nice for him that he's seen the baby!

Its lovely hearing all these stories thank you all so much! I totally understand it is a medical appointment more than a 'aww look at the baby' appointment. But it could take us ages to get pregnant if we even do and by which time covid restrictions may have changed! I'm just a tad of a control freak and like to plan the what ifs! My other half likes the car he would be fine but defo like the idea of the private scans thank you all xxx

I think it’s desperately unfair that while the NHS is putting up all these restrictions and cancelling appointments, if you have the money to book privately often the same hospitals (or the same staff / consultants) are allowing everything. That’s hopefully not an issue in Ireland but if it is try and see how much it would cost to go privately for the birth or to hire a private midwife. I know a lot of hospitals class private (registered) midwives as medical professionals and not visitors and so in my UK hospitals women who can afford to often have them for company at the very minimum.

@Ahorsecalledseptember it's also not just the woman's baby, it's his too. and he has a right to be there.

In my letter it told me not to bring anyone but on the day I was the only person who turned up alone!

OP I haven't had a baby during COVID but I'm also in Ireland and had my third baby last year . DH rarely came to scans with me due to logistics around childcare and it was absolutely fine. Staff were always amazing and I'm sure even more so right now. I certainly wouldn't let that put me off ttc. I had a complicated pregnancy and delivery and DH was at home when I went into premature labour as I was in hospital for monitoring and I always felt looked after so honestly don't be worrying.