What happens in an early scan?

[cat811]

I have an early scan tomorrow (8 and a half weeks) to see if lo is ok - will there be anything internal, or is it just that gel-stuff on tummy and stuff rolled over it?! (as seen on tv!) Also, will it be easy to find a heartbeat? (very scared about what it means if they don't...)

At 8.5 weeks they didn't do an internal but she did say if she couldn't see the heartbeat clearly then she would.

I had an internal at 6 weeks and there is nothing to it. They basicaly put a thin vibrator-stylee probe up your fanjo with a condom on and some KY. It doesn't hurt and they don't put it far up inside.

The external scan is just gel on tummy and the scan thingy rolled across it.

At my 8.5 weeks scan I saw the heartbeat and the little arm/leg buds although LO didn't move.

GL! x

Oh and by 8.5 weeks they will detect a heartbeat

They tend to need to do an internal at such an early stage. though they'll probably try the gel on tummy scan first just in case
I was surprised at how pain free my first one was. It's not pleasant but shouldn't hurt. I have however had an internal scan where it was a man and he didn't look and it did hurt a bit(seems i was supposed to go towards the scan as such -sorry if tmi.
At 8 weeks you should see and hear a heartbeat

hope all goes well!

I had a scan recently at 8 weeks and it was external. Dont worry if you have to have the internal scan. I have had a few due to threatened miscarriage. In my experience, you lie on the couch and they slip a cushion under your bum and put a sheet over you. You then pull down your trousers and knickers and the sonographer slips the probe in without looking.

They should see a heart beat at 8.5 weeks - if they dont they may scan you again in a week or two to see if your dates were wrong.

I really hope everything works out x

Oh and the room is dark and the door is locked so it is all very discreet.

As others have said, will probably end up being internal (I've had a couple
It's like a dildo, basically, and gives them a better view. Slightly odd (obviously), and can be a bit uncomfy but no more than a cervical smear for example.
IME, the early scan people are always LOVELY and give out loads of photos
No expert on what stage they can find heartbeats, sorry (saw ours at 7 weeks, but no idea what's normal)

I've had lots of scans from 7 weeks onwards and had them all externally. Only when they havent seen something have I had to had an internal and thats always been at an earlier stage. The internal ones have always been fine as well and they are very experienced. Would expect to see a heart beat at 8 1/2 weeeks unless the dates are out and its a bit earlier.

have had 2 internal scans 1st at 6w6d and we saw a heartbeat. keep us posted x

Thanks for all your info - only had to have external (phew!) - saw heartbeat and everything fine! xx

Great news