NHS 6 week scan - what to expect?

[Queenandslim]

Hi everyone:

I have been having a few bright red bleeds during my pregnancy, although I've just realised that it tends to be after a bowel movement so trying not to stress too much. Other than that, all feels fine.

Because of the bleeding I have been booked in next week for a scan at six weeks. I am just wondering what to expect at the scan (ie will it be transvaginal), and if anyone has been through similar?

Thank you

Ps it is an NHS scan

I’ve had quite a few 6 week scans. For me (and I was chubby) they managed abdominal scans. It depends but at 6 weeks I’ve always seen a heartbeat but if they don’t that doesn’t necessarily mean the worst. My best friend has had a few 6 week scans but didn’t see heartbeats first any of hers until 7/8 weeks when she came back for a follow up

@SophieHatterPendragon thank you so much for your reply!

If you don't mind me asking, did you have scans at six weeks also because of bleeding?

I had a scan at 6 weeks as I was anxious and had brown spotting (had had a MC previously) so wanted to know baby was okay. They actually dated me 6w6d at the scan and there was a little heartbeat flickering away and is now my lovely 10 week old baby girl.

You may see something but at that gestation even a day can make a difference! Mine was transvaginal but that was at window to the womb, NHS may try and do abdominal as to not make bleeding any worse maybe?

Hope everything is ok for you xxxxx

In my experience they will try an abdominal scan first and if they can’t get a clear picture then they will do a transvaginal scan.

My experience is the same as @Fallagain 's. Try and go with a full bladder, more chance of picking something up on the abdominal scan. If not they tend to offer transvaginal scan after it.

I had a scan at 6 weeks because of abdominal cramps. No bleeding.
It was transvaginal.
They didnt even try abdominal or suggest it as an option.
I was lucky and could see everything including a heartbeat but was advised seeing a heartbeat at 6 weeks isnt always the norm and not to worry if it isnt there.
My next scan after this was the standard 12 week NHS one.

Ladies thank you for your replies, I really appreciate it!

@unicornpower thank you for you kind words . I have had a miscarriage before so I know the worry. This does seem very different though (fingers crossed). Sorry if TMI but I increased my fibre intake and went for a no 2 this morning and tried to push as little as possible and no fresh blood!  I am so glad it worked out for you.

@Fallagain @laalaaleelee @Flutterby8 thank you for the info this is good to know! @laalaaleelee I didn't even think of that! I will try to hit the sweet spot between needing a wee and not busting