Has anyone paid for a private scan because they were anxious

[frostymorning]

It looks like the only scan I'll be offered in my area is the 20 week anomaly scan. I had a mc last time and am very anxious and thinking of going for a private scan to find out whether things are okay, I'd rather know early if there's a problem. Has anyone else done this. I can't afford to keep having them and so at what stage should I go?

I had a private 12 week scan each time, just to check things were fine. First one was a nuchal scan, second time they had changed the whole nuchal procedure so it involved a blood test, and was tons more expensive, so I just had a basic dating scan, third time I booked a dating scan, but consultant just did the nuchal measurement while he was doing the scan, didn't have to pay for that

I paid for the nuchal fold scan and blood test at about 11/12 weeks.

yes had a few after being told something was not right at 12 week scan and then havng to wait 9 weeks to find out what the something was and what they were going to do!!!!!!!!

The person doing the private scan should be more thorough and be able to tell you a lot more.

I had private nuchal scan with both ds's at 12 weeks.

Hi Frosty, so sorry about your mc, I think if you've had one then you should definitely pay for an extra scan for peace of mind (though I think mc or not, none of us are calm till we see a nice big baby on the screen!) I only get offered a 20 week scan too and am going to pay for a 12 week one (had one at 6+3 because of a bad pain and didn't see anything so that didn't calm me!) How far along are you? If you're very early then it could be a waste of money (though some people on MN seem to see baby and heartbeat at around 6 wks). If you can wait then I'd say the classic 12 week scan seems a good one to go for but if you can't then you should see something from around 7 weeks (only problem is your calculations could be wrong so you could be less far along). Really hope everything goes well for you, am sure it will !

I'm going to have a nuchal scan because of my advanced age in any case but I'm thinking of going earlier so that I'll know if I've had a missed mc like happened before when I went for my scan at 12 weeks and found that the baby had died at 6 weeks.

I had a missed MC in August 06 and fell pregnant again in the November. I went for a private scan at 8 weeks as I was so anxious. The little jelly bean I saw with a heartbeat then is now 12 weeks old!! Good Luck

how far gone are you

I paid for one in pg #2 as like you frostymorning I went for my 12 week scan in pg1 to find I'd had a missed miscarriage, but no one was bothered about reassuring me. I paid 70 quid for a consultant to do it at 7 weeks (I was very sure of my dates). They said that was the best time, but to leave it to 8 weeks if you weren't 100% sure on dates.

I paid for a fetal wellbeing scan at about 33 weeks as there was a risk of Downs, wish I'd thought of nuchal scan. I had a m/c too, and the hospital were very good at reassuring me the second time round. they did a free 8 week scan at the early preg unit as I was anxious and had a couple of (prob imaginary!) cramps. Worth phoning antenatal and asking if they have an early pregnancy unit or equivalent and asking for reassurance. Good luck...sure it'll all be fine this time x

frosty - you're in TW right? I'm surprised Pembury doesn't offer a nuchal fold scan as that hospital is in the same NHS Trust group as me.

Crowborough Birthing Centre and Eastbourne definitely offer a nuchal scan at 11-13 weeks AND a 20 week anomaly scan. I have lots of friends who were booked into Pembury that had scans at Eastbourne - I'd check with your midwife to see why you're not getting one.

From 12/13 weeks, the midwife will be able to hear the heartbeat with her Sonicaid (or whatever it's called) so that will give you peace of mind.

I had a m/c in August and am now 5.5 wks pg. I'm definitely planning on a private scan around 7-8 weeks as even after a m/c I can't get an early NHS scan around here. No NHS nuchal scans either so (all being well) I'll be doing that privately too.

This will be the first time I've used any private medical services and tbh I'm very uncomfortable about it. I'm very committed to the concept of the NHS and also think that antenatal scanning is something important. I'm in the fortunate position of being able to afford a few private scans (although not without sacrificing other things) but there are lots of people out there who can't afford it, and that makes me very and .

Very naughty and I never told you to do it but if you are under 9 weeks tell your gp you have left or right sided abdo pain (not middle) they will refer you for an early pg scan on the nhs to rule out an ectopic.

If everyone did that then people with proper suspected ectopics or problems would be struggling to get scans within a decent timeframe.

I paid for a viability/dating scan at 8 weeks with ds1. It took us so long to conceive and I was fretting that every little twinge was the start of a miscarriage or a sign of ectopic pregnancy, so did it for peace of mind.

Paid for the nuchal fold and blood tests at 12 weeks with ds1 and dc2.

I'm 5 weeks, I thought that they didn't offer the nuchal scan at Pembury. I don't think I could wait that until 12 weeks after what happened last time. I think I might go for a private scan at 7-8 weeks though just to see if things look alright.

Hi Frosty, don't you have an early pregnancy support unit at your hospital? I had a missed m/c first time round and know exactly how you feel - I was a complete and utter basket case until I got to 12 weeks (and a bit beyond, to be honest). My local EPU were brilliant, but they wouldn't do a scan until after 8 weeks, because they said that after 8 weeks the risk drops dramatically so if you see a heartbeat then, it's much more likely to be ok. This was when I phoned them in floods of tears at 6 wks, having endured 2 weeks of worrying and knowing, like you, that I couldn't possibly wait until 12 weeks. If you don't have that kind of support - and you ought to but if you don't - then I'd go for a private scan but after 8 weeks. It's a horrific wait, I know, but it did make me slightly less lunatic knowing that the risk had dropped a bit.
Best of luck xxxx

i had a private scan at 12 weeks with this pregnancy as my previous one had been mc at 6 weeks. i had been waiting out for my nhs 12 week one but when they told me i had to wait till 14 weeks for it i caved and had a private one. it was far to long for me to wait as i was driving myself mad thinking something was wrong. in hindsight i wish id had it a few weeks earlier and put my mind at rest. was definitly worth the money though. plus it was done by a consultant who did extra hecks that they dont do on nhs (didnt have nucual but it was an option)

as for telling porkys to get a scan i wouldnt, i had a bad feeling with the pg i mc so told doc id been bleeding to get a scan, it turned out i was right and the baby had died but i couldnt help but think it ws my own fault for lieing (mad i know it wasnt now) so with this pg there was no chance i was going to lie to geet an early scan.

I get a 13 week nuchal scan and a 21 week anomaly scan on the NHS here. I also got a private 8 week scan when I had a small amount of spotting, but had been planning on a private 9 week scan just to relieve anxiety.

If you get a nuchal scan then I'd suggest around 8-9 weeks for a private one.

I'd go and pay for a private one. I have for both my last pregnancy and this one and have never had any miscarriages/any problems at all. In early pregnancy I find it hard to believe there's a baby in there! Having the private scan (and including the nuchal scan) just really puts your mind at rest and lets you enjoy the next phase of pregnancy. My private scans were both done my consultants and he checked loads of other stuff and gave me loads of pictures - I felt it was worth the money.

Just go and book it! I don't see how you'd regret it.

FM - I had one at The Avenue Clinic in Sevenoaks at about 10 weeks as I was very anxious after two bleeds. The doctor there was one of the team who set up the nuchal scan centre at Kings (or something along those lines) he was great, very reassuring and gave us a video of ds and his tiny heartbeat!

hi frosty and congratultions, I'm 5+1 weeks pregnant today.

Again I cannot believe how maternity services differ depending on which part of the country you are in, I had a mc in August and the EPU told me that next pregnancy to phone them direct and book myself in for a scan at 6-7 weeks. I'm waiting until 8 weeks though as someone has already said they can see more and the mc rate goes way down, it's a long wait though.

If you are going private I think about 8 weeks would be the best time, come and hang out with us on the Due in July 08 thread (you are Due in July 08)?

Hi frosty (and sweetkitty!)

I'm 6+2 today and have just booked a private scan as the EPU at my local hospital were worse than useless today (despite me having been referred by my GP ). All I'm saying is if the consultant is half as friendly as the receptionist, it will be worth every penny.

Come and join us on the July 08 thread!

P.S. I wasn't wanting to be scanned today as it's too early - just wanted to make an appointment! grrr grrr grr

Hi, we have been trying for a baby for 10 years, I am now 24+2 and very anxious. I have paid for 2 private scans so far at £70 per go....I would have one every week if I could afford it so I know excatly how you feel.