20 week scan anxiety 😟

9 replies

Danani · 28/02/2022 20:43

My 20 week scan is approaching in two weeks time and I find that it’s all I can think about and it’s really freaking me out!

My 12 week scan was absolutely fine, the combined screening came back really low risk, and then I had a 16 week scan which also went well and everything was fine with baby! I’ve been told at every single scan that baby is really active and doesn’t stop wiggling about, which is lovely to hear!

However at 18 weeks today I haven’t felt any movements yet. And the two week wait and the scary 20 week scan is making me anxious!

Not sure what I’m asking about, I guess just wondering if anyone else is/has been like me and any reassurance that everything will be OK?

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gemloving · 28/02/2022 20:50

My dad always said: let Mother Nature do it's thing. We never had fancy scans and you all came out healthy.

AwkwardPaws27 · 28/02/2022 21:11

I was the same (& already extra anxious after 3 MCs) but it turned out I have an anterior placenta which was why I wasn't feeling movements. Everything was absolutely find (apart from being sent to the wrong hospital for the scan and bursting into floods of tears when I didn't think we'd make it to the other hospital in time!).
Now 26w4d and feeling regular movements.

TokenGinger · 28/02/2022 21:27

I had an anterior placenta and I didn't feel anything until 24 weeks. Even then, it was one kick, and didn't feel anything else for another two weeks.

Tiddlesthecat · 28/02/2022 22:00

I honestly can't remember when I first felt mine move, but it's still relatively early days for you. Talk to your midwife if you are concerned. Unfortunately until you have a scan you are unlikely to be fully reassured, no matter what others say. That is the nature of anxiety, particularly health anxiety and it is very natural to worry about such things during pregnancy. The only reassurance that I can offer is that many many other women will be worrying about the same thing and the vast majority will have no reason to worry. If you have been having check ups and being measured etc or your stomach is getting bigger, then your pregnancy is progressing. I would definitely talk to your midwife though as she may be able to bring your scan forward or give you advice on your anxiety, if you feel like it is taking over. Unfortunately focussing on it won't help, so just try to distract yourself too and look after yourself. Try the calm app if you've not already got it. X

Tiddlesthecat · 28/02/2022 22:04

I've just googled it and the stage at feeling a baby move is between 16 and 25 weeks and it is likely to be towards the higher end of that range of it is your first. I have a feeling that mine was around 20ish weeks, but can't fully remember.

JustOneMoreStep · 28/02/2022 22:07

I'd felt absolutely nothing at 20 weeks and was quite anxious. First felt 'something' at about 24 weeks but as its my first wasn't sure what it was. Its gradually become more frequent (and obvious!) As time has gone on.

Coco9910 · 01/03/2022 07:58

Hi @Danani, so natural to start to worry! I’m 18+5 and have my scan in 10 days. I’m wanting to ask if they can tell me where my placenta is as I think I’ve felt some movement but I’m not sure! I’ve read it’s normal to not feel anything until like 22 weeks for first time mums. Hope you manage to relax, I’m sure your little one is doing just fine in there 🥰

Original poster

Danani · 01/03/2022 09:30

Thanks all, appreciate the reassurance!
As you all said though, until the scan is behind me, nothing anyone else says will be reassuring enough. LOL. Why am I like this?

Re movement, trying to relax - I'm 18+1 today, at the 16 week scan they told me I had posterior placenta and baby was super active, so I guess I'm just eager to feel it. Cannot say I've felt anything yet that has made me think Baby? I know first time mums can also take a bit longer and have read about plenty of people feeling things after their 20 week scan, but still. I think I'm also a bit in my own head because I'm comparing with others in the same stage who have started to feel things already, but I guess every body is different. I just need to remember that!

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AwkwardPaws27 · 01/03/2022 10:21

@Danani

Thanks all, appreciate the reassurance! As you all said though, until the scan is behind me, nothing anyone else says will be reassuring enough. LOL. Why am I like this?

Early movements don't feel like kicks or a baby for most people. It's often like bubbles or flutters - if you aren't actively looking out for it, you'd probably miss it / dismiss it as gas

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