Fainting during Smear - will I faint during transvaginal scan?

[thecoffeerun]

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if anyone with similar experiences to me can offer me any insight?

Last time I went for my smear test I ended up fainting when my cervix was brushed. This wasn't out of fear/ pain I was relaxed and although it wasnt the most comfortable experience I was far from in pain, it was just a physical reaction, it also happened a few years ago when I tried to have a coil put in - again this wasn't due to any fear or pain it had never crossed my mind that I would faint and I wasn't in pain at the time.

I'm 7 weeks pregnant and going for an early scan tomorrow. I'm aware that they may need to do a transvaginal scan in order to pick anything up this early.

My question is, is there anyone who has a similar experience of fainting when their cervix is touched and if so, have you had a transvaginal scan and did this also cause fainting? I know it's less uncomfortable than a smear, but is it the same in terms of the cervix being touched, and that seems to be the trigger.

As much as I want to see my baby tomorrow, I HATE fainting, when I faint I have what looks like a seizure (not actually a seizure, it's due to lack of blood on the brain apparently) but it wipes me out for the rest of the day and last time it happened at my smear test I actually wet myself while passed out and they had to call my boyfriend to come and eascott me home it was not a pleasant experience, so I think if a transvaginal scan is needed tomorrow and it's likely i'll faint I would rather wait until baby can be picked up on an external scan.

A transvaginal scan doesn't get anywhere near your cervix. The probe goes in no more than an inch, you can hardly even tell it's there. So I expect you'll be fine!

Yes I had one last week and as PP says it doesn't get near the cervix.

Completely painless I had one with my daughter at 6 weeks. I was anxious it would be like the smear but no where near your cervix.

If you can wait two weeks, I had a abdominal scan at 9 weeks and had really clear images. I wouldn't run the risk when pregnant.

No, it's much easier

Without wishing to be crude, it is more akin to a lightly inserted dildo than a smear. Doesn't go anywhere near your cervix.

How bizarre, I had this when I had my coil removed!

Yes I had that when coil put in, assumed I just was over anxious on a hot day.

Didn't actually faint but had to lie with legs up and hot tea for a while.

Like everyone else I think it'll be fine.

It looks alarming as it's a long wand with a condom on but only the first tiny bit goes in and nowhere near your cervix.

I found it bizarre but fine, absolutely nothing like a smear test which I hate!

It'll be fine. I have the same experience of smears as you, but transvaginal scan was fine.

Thanks for your replies everyone! I'm not really worried about it hurting/being uncomfortable I just really don't want to faint again 😅 but it sounds like it's very different to a smear/coil so hopefully will be alright!

I’m a fainter kind of related to pain but also kind of random as sometimes I really hurt myself and don’t get a reaction and other times it’s quite a mild pain but in an awkward spot and I go down. I have fainted during smears and blood getting taken (as well as other random bumps) but also been absolutely fine, I find being well hydrated / fed and also doing some maths in my head to distract me helps massively.

Im a fainter during smears too OP, but like previous poster said make sure you're well fed and hydrated. The one trick that has worked for me is to keep squeezing/releasing your fists and thighs throughout. It's something got to do with it directing blood flow around your body? I haven't fainted since I've started trying it and I've been for a few since. Best of luck with the pregnancy!

Transvaginal is much easier. Gentle, no speculum or scraping. It's usually very comfortable.

I had 10 years of ivf with regular transvaginal scans. The worst you'll feel is slight pressure if they need to look at your ovaries which they may not as you are pregnant already.

You should absolutely fine.