Heartbeat at 8 weeks, terrified of 12 week scan

[LookingAtTheFlowers]

Please can someone talk me down, I'm so paranoid about going to my 12 week scan in 2.5 weeks time. We had a private scan a few weeks back and I thought I was 7+2 but the baby measured at 8 weeks.
I can't help but keep reading about the chances of something have gone wrong in the weeks between then and our next scan is this paranoia normal? I know stress isn't good for the baby but I can't help but feel that something will go wrong for me. I'm terrified of losing this baby

Hiya! I think the anxiety would still be there if you have 1 scan or 5 scans. Scans can always only show you that moment in time. As much as it can happen that baby's heart stops, the odds really are in your favour. You'll find lots of stories online with bad outcomes, but that's because that's what people come online for advice about. Less people come online about the good outcomes even though likelihood of a good outcome is much higher. All you can do is take each day at it comes and try to distract yourself as much as possible. I'm wishing you all the best for your 12 week scan and the rest of your pregnancy.

I've had my dating scan (my first scan of this pregnancy) and I still worry things can still go wrong. But I'm trying to remain as positive as I can each day and try not to dwell on the anxiety too much. So just remember it's normal to feel this way, but try not to let it take over your life xx

I have been there. Every single scan put me into a panic before it happened, a brief period of relief and then back to worry.

The odds if you've seen a heartbeat are good, there was a graph I looked at (I googled) and it shows you the odds of miscarriage at certain points along. Please only look it up if it will help you, that's why I haven't attached it.

Please speak to your midwife about how you're feeling. I had terrible anxiety all through pregnancy and it grew arms and legs after DS was born.

The chances of miscarriage after seeing a healthy heartbeat at 8 weeks drop dramatically so try to focus on that. Also, it's generally when the baby measures small that there is cause for concern so the fact your baby measured ahead slightly is a good sign. The first trimester is always full of anxiety but staying as calm as possible is the healthiest thing you can do for you and your baby. I'm sure it'll be fine.

Thank you so much for your kind responses. And letting me know I'm not the only one who goes through this!

I never really thought of the scan like that, only showing a snapshot at that very moment in time. I was just about to look for scans for this evening but what you've said really made me realise that I can wait a few weeks because an extra scan won't calm me down. Yes it will settle me for a day or two but then I'll be back to square one! ( which is where I was before the 8 week scan haha).

I will have a look at that graph thank you, I imagine something like that to be of reassurance to me because it's factual. Thank you also, I didn't even think that it was a good sign the baby was a bit ahead of what I thought rather than measuring behind, that's a relief in itself really.

Rationally I know in all likelihood that I am being silly and creating unnecessary drama for myself. I do suffer with anxiety anyway but it does appear to be getting worse. You are right about talking to someone for help, I will speak to my midwife.

Thank you again ladies

I'm pretty sure this is the page I looked at. As you can see once you've seen the heartbeat your odds are very good.

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/expectingscience.com/2015/08/26/lies-damned-lies-and-miscarriage-statistics/amp/

Scan anxiety is a very real phenomenon - I used to feel sick with fear before each one. Your mind convinces you that something must have happened, when the most likely outcome is actually that everything is totally fine.

FWIW I’m currently cuddling my 9 week old - my brain was 100% wrong when it told me there was no chance everything would be ok

@Mylittlesandwich

I'm pretty sure this is the page I looked at. As you can see once you've seen the heartbeat your odds are very good.

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/expectingscience.com/2015/08/26/lies-damned-lies-and-miscarriage-statistics/amp/

Omg! Thank you so much for this. A very interesting read and very reassuring

@KatyClaire

Scan anxiety is a very real phenomenon - I used to feel sick with fear before each one. Your mind convinces you that something must have happened, when the most likely outcome is actually that everything is totally fine.

FWIW I’m currently cuddling my 9 week old - my brain was 100% wrong when it told me there was no chance everything would be ok

Ahh congratulations on your baby ! It is really reassuring to know it's not just me, I've calmed down a lot now by distracting myself with some television and putting google down!! I have taken a week off work due to extreme fatigue from the pregnancy and my mind is in overdrive. Time to go back I think (didn't think I'd say that haha)

I think it's a really good sign that your baby was measuring ahead. I've had 2MC, one after seeing a heartbeat, but with both they were measuring behind. This PG everything measured normally at 7 and 9 weeks and that's carried on at 12 and 20 weeks. It won't stop you worrying but you really are soooo much more likely to have a healthy 12 week appt than not. Good luck!

@BlueberryPancake21

I think it's a really good sign that your baby was measuring ahead. I've had 2MC, one after seeing a heartbeat, but with both they were measuring behind. This PG everything measured normally at 7 and 9 weeks and that's carried on at 12 and 20 weeks. It won't stop you worrying but you really are soooo much more likely to have a healthy 12 week appt than not. Good luck!

Thank you Blueberry yes, I need to try and focus on the number of pregnancies which are complication free. Sorry for your losses and good luck for the rest of your pregnancy

Just updating this thread because I know how frustrating it can be when you're looking for information and the OP never comes back!
I had my 12 week scan, and found out I was actually 14 weeks! Baby seems to be perfectly healthy and all of my anxiety was for nothing. I am trying to relax and enjoying this part of my pregnancy now. However I know before my 20 weeks scan rolls around, I'll probably be back here updating to say how nervous I am etc. 😅
Thank you all for your support.