Best time to book early reassurance scan?

[jblue2018]

Hi everyone,

I’ve just found out I’m nearly 5 weeks pregnant with my second baby! So happy as we’ve been trying for a while but I’m an anxious thing and also had a bit of light spotting so keen to get early reassurance scan privately. I’ve read so many different opinions about when to get them?

I had a early scan by chance last time (v irregular periods meant they thought I was 12 weeks and i was actually 6!!) at 6 weeks and was sooo lucky to see the heartbeat and it made me so much more relaxed. But I’ve heard if you don’t see it at 6 weeks it’s disheartening.

Looking for opinions :)

Ideally I’d say wait until your 8w if you can. I’ve seen heartbeats as early as 6w but have read so many stories where it hasn’t been seen inducing unnecessary anxiety.

I'm 5 weeks too :)

I'm aiming to book for when I'm at least 7/8 weeks as I know earlier scans might not show much and it would just make me worry!

Wait until 8 weeks, you’ll see a heartbeat and a little jellybean. Before that you might be too early for a heartbeat which will make you worry

I had a scan at 7 and 8 weeks last time (NHS). I’m currently 5+2 and I intend to book a private one for 8 weeks as reassurance but also something to see! 7 weeks we saw the HB but not much else, 8 weeks he looked like a little jelly baby.

Thank you all. I will go for 8 weeks as this sounds like the best option!

We had a private scan at 6w exact. We went with all knowledge that we may not see a heartbeat but due to a previous ectopic and covid meaning the NHS weren't offering screening unless I had symptoms (which I had none of previously!) we bit the bullet! So we primarily went to ensure everything was where it should be - as couldn't risk losing another tube. We were lucky and our little boys heartbeat was also picked up.

In hindsight, I don't know how I would have felt if he was to young to have a heartbeat so would always recommend holding off to around 8w if you can.

I’m 5 weeks 4 days and booked mine today for when I’m just over 9 weeks. We had a reassurance scan with my son (now 14 months) at 10 weeks, which meant we saw him and his heartbeat very clearly. I’d always wait until after 8 weeks to get the reassurance you need :)

I had an early scan at 6 weeks 3 days, I thought I was 9 weeks. I saw the heartbeat so I’d wait until at least 6.5 weeks x

I have got a reassurance scan booked for my week 7 (7+5 to be precise). Is it worth me postponing it a week?
Thanks 😊

I went for one at 9 weeks, it was amazing. You can see the heartbeat so strongly, and tiny feet too. I'm glad I waited until then as I would have been disappointed if I'd gone to just see a blob or not be able to see the heartbeat

I had a private scan at 7+5. A heartbeat and his location were confirmed (I'd had a lot of pain and cramping and was concerned about an ectopic) but it was hard to make out anything else. The sonographer very helpfully pointed out the head and "tail" end for us

At 8+1 I had another scan due to bleeding and we saw him move on the screen, still looking like a gummy bear and head/tail end needing to be confirmed

Best wishes with your scan x

@hotcrosswhat thank you that is helpful. My main reason to go is also cramps. They are not too intense but I feel them often

With my last pregnancy I went at 7 weeks and saw a pip with a heartbeat. Unfortunately it went on to stop growing and had a confirmed MMC at my 12 week scan. I am now 7+4 and I am waiting until 9. Hoping that it is less likely to end badly if that scan goes well.