Scans and Covid restrictions

[FebruaryJuly]

Hi,

I have already had a 6 week scan which my husband was allowed to go to. We have been told that he isn't allowed to the 12 week scan (10th November) but will be allowed to the 20 weeks scan as it stands at the moment.

Has anybody been allowed to FaceTime husband during their scan? I would love to be able to if I can so that he can experience it too.

No, no recording or videoing of any kind was allowed I'm afraid.

Unfortunately not, it truly sucks but we don’t have much choice at the moment

@Sanch1 @Oneandabean that's awful especially during these very different times when they physically won't allow a partner in.

Personally, I can only guess that the reason for that is you have to pay for and buy your scan picture (in our hospital you have to anyway).

I didn't get charged for any of my pictures and she gave me extras for my husband.

No we're not allowed to FaceTime at ours as it can be distracting for the sonographer. Usually we'd have to pay for pics but during Covid they won't handle cash so we're giving pics for free.

I didn’t get charged either and got loads. I think they’re not charging due to covid at the moment.

[quote FebruaryJuly]**@Sanch1* @Oneandabean* that's awful especially during these very different times when they physically won't allow a partner in.

Personally, I can only guess that the reason for that is you have to pay for and buy your scan picture (in our hospital you have to anyway). [/quote]
It’s probably to make sure your attention is focused on what is a serious medical appointment. It is important for partners to be at scans if possible, and I really feel for women going through pregnancy without that kind of support - but the scans aren’t so you can see the baby, they are to check for conditions and abnormalities. I know you know this and it doesn’t make it easier, but we are where we are at the moment.

Could you get a private scan?

First baby OP?

It's not supposed to be a fun day out they are important medical scans so no - FaceTiming wouldn't be allowed

And most hospitals don't charge for the scan photos - only if you want extra ones

My husband wasn't allowed at my 12 week scan but the sonographer did ask me if I wanted to record a short video after she had checked everything was ok. I wouldn't have asked as I know it's a medical appointment so it was unexpected but lovely and really nice for my husband to see the baby moving around.

It really depends on where you are in the country. Some hospitals are allowing partners in for all scans, some for none but letting you FaceTime or get free pictures. Yours seems particularly harsh. My husband was allowed at my 20 week scan and we were charged for pictures. The previous week he wouldn't have been, but they changed their rules - I think because of campaigning like this www.birthrights.org.uk/2020/10/20/partners-are-not-visitors-to-maternity-services-says-birthrights-and-partner-organisations/ and because too many women were being told worrying news alone.

My DH wasn't about to attend my 12 or 20 week scan. At both, I was provided with one printed picture and paying for extras wasn't an option. After the 20 week scan, they did offer me to take a little video of the screen (they took a recording during the scan) to show DH which I thought was lovely. I think each hospital/trust is different though. At the end of the day, it's a medical appointment for baby though.

DH couldn't come to 12 week scan due to covid, but did come to 20 week scan. The hospital policy was that pictures had to be paid for, but first time I was given three and second time, six, without paying a penny. Not sure it was due to covid as the payment machines were a bit like parking tickets ones - no paying a person. Think the sonographers just think it's a bit harsh not to give you any, even though we didn't ask.

Recording and photography is generally not allowed. The sonographer is just there doing their job and shouldn't be made to feel uncomfortable and self-conscious with recording equipment in their face. I wouldn't like someone filming me at, and my job is nothing like as important.

I shouldn't imagine FaceTime will be permitted as it's a medical appointment.

You should get a scan picture though. If you're able to, perhaps book a private scan so you can go with your DH a different day?

@ivfbeenbusy

Second baby actually. In our hospital, they have a card machine so we still have to pay as far as I am aware.

I understand it is to check for abnormalities as well, but for us, it has always been just as important to experience it together, just as we did for our first baby.

If anything was wrong, I personally would also prefer my partner to be there listening as well as I find it difficult to take things in when something is wrong and he is usually the one to be better able to take things in and listen to information after any bad news, Luke when we found out our first born was blind in his right eye. Without him there, I wouldn't have been able to comprehend much of the information as I was in a state of upset, worry and panic.

I understand it's not all fun and games but for us, the time together for (hopefully a special and healthy scan) and the support of somebody close it extremely important if there was anything wrong.

I completely understand the rules and would never try to go against them for my own "fun and games". It just upsets me that he can't be a part of it. That is all.

No. I imagine it would be really distracting for the sonographer, appointments would take longer and they are on a tight schedule! Go for a private scan if you want company.

Having read your last post OP, I'd book a scan at a place where the sonographer is a clinical specialist so if there is anything then they can diagnose it. Possibly prior to your NHS scan so you can attend with your husband.