When to get a early/reassurance scan?

[Toastedsesame]

I'm currently 5w pregnant. I miscarried last cycle at 5weeks so this time round I am very nervous. It does feel very different, much stronger symptoms, very strong lines on tests etc but I would like to book at early scan for some reassurance. The 12week NHS one is so far away still.

When do you think I should do this? Is it best to go on actual gestation age or how far along you are based on last period?

When I was pregnant with my son I went for one at 8 weeks but was told his gestation was around 6.5 weeks due to dates being out. I think if I was told that this time round I would worry.

What would you do?

I’m a serial worrier after 4 miscarriages. This time though, like you things just felt different. Great lines early on, symptoms etc.

I had scans at 5+4, 6+2, 7, 8+4, 9+6 (measuring 10+3), and 11 weeks (measuring 12 weeks) 🙈

Saw a heartbeat from the very first scan at 5+4. Which is something we’d never seen in any of the miscarriages.

I had tracked my temps using ovusense, and used opk’s so I knew when I ovulated and how early I got my bfp so I went on ‘my’ dates rather than lmp (although there were actually only a few days in it).

Thats lovely to hear @Moominmiss we have talked on other threads so I am so glad to hear of all going well for you - and measuring ahead!

I also got a positive test at 8dpo which seems ridiculously early! I definitely want to wait so we can hear a heartbeat, so I'm guessing maybe 7 weeks?

You won't be able to hear a heart beat although you may be able to see it flicker on the screen.
I would wait until 8 weeks - purely because earlier scans may not detect a baby / yolk sac which is common, but I think that's more worrying that simply waiting until 8 weeks where you should be able to see the heart beat etc ♥️

Good luck

Oops @Twinkle1989 you're right. I meant to say a heartbeat could be detected. My sons was detected at 6.5 weeks. I suppose I should try and hold out for 8 weeks really! Only another 3 weeks I'm sure I can do that!

It's soooo nerve wracking - I get that totally.

I've seen so many people come back with more worries having a scan at 6 weeks than 8 weeks, and told to come back in 2 weeks (what a terrible wait!)! Also, although you have have tracked ovulation, it's difficult to know exactly when conception took place, so a few days will make a big difference at this stage.

I would try and hold on, it'll be so worth it in the end ♥️ I waited until 8 weeks and I could have burst!

Thanks @Twinkle1989 I will definitely wait. I don't even want to refer myself to the midwife until I've had my scan, just in case.

After my last pregnancy I will not bother with early reassurance scans again.
I had one at 8+3wk, baby was measuring 7+4 with strong hb. I still felt very uneasy about the pregnancy and I started spotting at 9wk, mc at 9+3. This time I waited for the dating scan, was at 12+3 by lmp but dated at 13wk from babys size. Baby was very active unlike the previous one where the only movement was the flickering of the hb. Had a well being scan since then as I didn't want to wait 7 weeks to the anomaly scan. Baby has grown lots and she's still a little wriggler.

I suffer with anxiety anyway but the early scans have been a godsend for me. So far, I’ve had them at 6+2, 7+3, 8+1 and have another booked for 9+4. If you are feeling anxious then my advice to you would be to have one. I’ve found that they have helped me no end. I saw a heartbeat at 6+2 but not everyone does. I would advise trying to wait for 7 weeks if possible. I’ve had no contact from a midwife yet and I personally think the wait between discovering that you’re pregnant and seeing a midwife/the 12 week scan is too long for some people (I’m one of those!) and the reassurance scans are a good way to bridge that gap.

i'd agree with @Twinkle1989 - totally understand your nerves as we had MMC last year. this time round i just couldnt believe everything could be ok. we went for private scan at 8, measured 7+1 - i would defo try and hold out til 8 then if dates dont quite add up, u should still get some reassurance. If we had gone at 7 like i wanted i fear we could have been in awkward place where they couldnt give any reassurance as might have been too early to see a HB etc.
congrats by the way too :) fab news - not worrying is defo easier said than done, but hopeu will be okand hang on in there for a few weeks! x

If you're only planning to have one scan I'd say wait until 8 or 9 weeks if you can - odds of success are going up by that point, if dates are a little off (sometimes implantation just takes a little longer etc even if you know ovulation) you'll still see a result and it's less time to wait until 12 week scan. You'll be comfortably past your previous loss by that point as well. Good luck!

Thanks all, I will definitely wait it out as long as I can :)

@Toastedsesame hey did manage a scan or still waiting ? I'm struggling to wait for mine and contemplating booking an earlier one.

@ahuss I had my scan yesterday at 8+5 and all is well ☺️

Girls, where are you booking these early scans? This is all new to me! X

@Mrsmujic have a look online for clinics who do early scans. I had no idea you can book them up until 3-4 days ago. I done a little research and found out that you can book them yourself at any clinic near you. You do have to pay for them, prices are different depending on where you live and in general just different clinic prices. They all offer scan photos and also allow your DH/SO to be with you as hospitals are not allowing them atm due to the pandemic. X

@Toastedsesame awwwh that's great news. Fingers crossed mine is the same. Mine is also booked at 8+4wks.

@ahuss Good luck and enjoy!