I need some sort of reassurance. Please!

[BFPfinally]

I am currently 4 week 5 days pregnant after a MMC at 6 weeks last year. I've rang my Gp and been booked in for first midwife appointment at 8 week 4 days. Explained my concerns to receptionist about previous MMC and was told to just sit tight. What has everyone else done in this situation? Rang the local Early pregnancy unit? Gone for a private reassurance scan? I am going out of my mind, I don't know what to do

an earlier midwife appointment won't make any difference to the outcome of the pregnancy I'm afraid. You'll still have to wait until your 12 week scan unless you have any pain/bleeding. Did the Early Pregnancy Unit say you could refer yourself in next time? Our local one does that after you've had a miscarriage. I would arrange a private scan if you can't wait until 12 weeks

Unless you're experiencing symptoms of a possible miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or similar I don't think the EPU will be able to offer a scan. If you are finding the waiting to be very stressful then you could book a private reassurance scan, but they might find it hard to pick up much at less than 6 weeks.

Go for a private reassurance scan at 7 weeks. Hold on until then as it will more conclusive. Any earlier snd there is no heartbeat and you will panic. Will cost about 50-80 quid depending on area.

If you think you could go now and not panic- 5 weeks should show a little yolk sac. A sonographer will be able to comment on it being of normal shape and date, which may reassure you.

I speak from experience- past MMC doesn’t make a difference unless you are under the recurrent loss clinic. The ladies there usually get extra reassurance scans. I managed to get one reassurance scan without 3 losses on the NHS but it was a bit of a battle.

It’s very scary but sending love and positive thoughts.

Also the EPU won’t do anything without pain or bleeding so no point in calling them. Midwives may reassure you for a reassurance scan to them but by the time you have chased and begged and cried to people down the phone, you may as well have booked in that afternoon for 60 quid.

EPU won’t do anything without pain or bleeding so no point in calling them

How do they check that you’re bleeding? 🧐

@FTEngineerM

EPU won’t do anything without pain or bleeding so no point in calling them

How do they check that you’re bleeding? 🧐

Ours would offer a review by a doctor who would probably recommend a speculum examination and swabs 🤷🏼‍♀️

@FTEngineerM

EPU won’t do anything without pain or bleeding so no point in calling them

How do they check that you’re bleeding? 🧐

They believe you when you say you are bleeding? The nhs thankfully don’t ask for a photo of your knickers.

I wouldn’t suggest the OP lies unless she seriously can’t afford a private scan…

@FTEngineerM

EPU won’t do anything without pain or bleeding so no point in calling them

How do they check that you’re bleeding? 🧐

Well they won't buy you can't lie, surely.

I recently went to the EPU due to severe cramping pain, not a great experience and they acted like I was wasting their time.

Thank you for all your advice. I can get an early scan from 6 weeks at my local private clinic so I think that might be the way. Just 1 week 2 days to wait. Thank you all again

Late comment I'm afraid but thought I would add my recent experience... But I'm about 8 weeks with two previous losses. I called the EPU last week as had some abdominal pain and just panicked. They were amazing and booked me in straight away for a scan. The midwives doing the scan was so lovely and kind. And we were able to see a strong heartbeat which was so reassuring. They told me to call again if I was worried and they'd bring me back in even without pain or bleeding.
I think it depends a lot on the hospital. I dealt with another hospital in my previous pregnancies and it felt very different.
I think you're right to book a reassurance scan but I wouldn't be afraid to call the EPU either if you feel you need them.
Pregnancy after loss is tough but Sending you loads of positive vibes for your scan xx

You may be able to get a referral to your EPU for an early scan. Depends on your trust.

I was given an NHS EPU scan at 8 weeks. Just needed a GP referral. Rang my GP and explained that I was extremely anxious and terrified after previous MMC and they referred me straight away.

I didn't have any bleeding or loss symptoms. But it was affecting my mental health.

EPU were brilliant. They booked me in at eight weeks and the doc let me know straight away what she was seeing so I didn't have to panic while she looked. Then she did a more thorough scan.

I found it extremely reassuring and useful. And they were happy to do it.

I do think it varies by trust. But well worth ringing your GP and your EPU to see what's allowed.