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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Is there a such thing as TOO MANY SCANS in pregnancy?

28 replies

ChildOfTheMoon · 04/01/2024 16:14

Still waiting on my first nhs scan. I'm already 12 weeks and just feeling fed up waiting. I had two early private scans (ivf pregnancy) I'm tempted to book a private scan to check everything is OK.
havent felt right since Christmas. Had spotting , cramping and ive had previous miscarriages. My anxiety is really bad.
I'm just wondering has anyone heard of too many scans being a bad thing? I know they are safe but could too many be unsafe for baby?

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SH998 · 04/01/2024 16:23

Congratulations on your pregnancy :)

had 4 scans before I had my 13 week NHS scan, like you it’s an IVF pregnancy and the panic and anxiety was making me ill.
I’m 28 weeks and had another 3 since then (1 gender reveal, 1 anomaly scan and a 28 week growth scan).

Baby is showing perfectly healthy and weight/measurements as they should be. I haven’t heard of them being unsafe but if your unsure ask your midwife for advice.

GingerKombucha · 04/01/2024 16:59

I asked this as with my last pregnancy I ended up having scans weekly for a number of things. I was assured by the consultant that there was no risk at all to the baby.

Lilacdressinggown · 04/01/2024 17:10

With my twins i needed scans almost every week due to concerns over growth and placenta.

Oliveandcheese · 04/01/2024 17:13

With both my pregnancies I’ve ended up needing loads of scans, (twins so had 2 weekly scans from 16 weeks, next time needed at leasttwo weekly growth scans).. so I don’t think it’s an issue

TheYearOfSmallThings · 04/01/2024 17:17

Scans are fine, but I suppose there is a risk of becoming anxious and having a scan to reassure yourself...and repeating it compulsively. That wouldn't be a great loop to get into.

I would chase your first NHS scan, because it must be very soon now anyway.

AfterGlow87 · 04/01/2024 17:23

No risk from the actual scan per say (and I had daily scans for 13 days prior to my delivery at 28 weeks) but as another poster pointed out, it’s easy to do them for reassurance and then get into an anxious cycle of getting more etc. Scans are great and can tell us so much but they only give one snapshot in time

Allthatglittersisntart · 04/01/2024 17:35

My midwife said they arent dangerous(I had two extra growth scans) but I would wait for NHS scan(should be due at 12 weeks anyway) as private companies not always as good/ethical(look at some of the Window to the Womb stories)- more in that they could treat you callously than that they could harm baby though.

Original poster

ChildOfTheMoon · 04/01/2024 19:11

@Allthatglittersisntart well the thing is I don't have an appointment date for my nhs scan . Its looking unlikely to be tomorrow so I'm going to be 13 weeks now anyway at least by time I hear from them.
I only had my booking appointment a few days ago because they completely lost my referral and couldn't find me on the system. At the minute they can't give me a scan date now

OP posts:

lljkk · 04/01/2024 19:20

More scans won't alleviate your anxiety.
Or only alleviate it until about 2 minutes after the scan is over.
More scans is not helpful.

FlyingHighFlyingLow · 04/01/2024 19:56

I had a ridiculous number of scans - from 30 weeks until 41 I had at least 1 a week! All of them NHS. I had scans at 7, 10, 12, 19, 22 and 28 weeks before that also. I also had 2 private 4D scans at 32 weeks as baby in a bad position for first. With all the medical scans I felt I really wanted a non-medical one to see my baby without the worry and stress of my complications.

ShortColdandGrey · 04/01/2024 19:59

I had to have a scan every week and was told it would cause no harm to myself or the baby.

GreatGateauxsby · 04/01/2024 20:01

Personally I’d be looking to address your anxiety and get on top of it now as it will only get worse as the pregnancy progresses…

In say this as someone who had a lot of anxiety in my first pregnancy

snoopy18 · 04/01/2024 20:26

A friend ended up having one every week during her pregnancy as she had anterior placenta & reduce movement epsiodes but had got pregnant after many years of trying & had a lot of anxiety understandably so.

I had the same with anterior placenta & reduce movement but ended up going to triage many times as I wanted the medical side of things to be checked as opposed to private scans as they are not always the best option. Just depends on what your main concerns are. Do whatever you need to to get through the pregnancy as it can be a challenging time.

XenaTheWarriorPrincess · 04/01/2024 20:40

No, there's no such thing as too many scans. Ultrasounds scans are generally considered to be safe for you and your growing baby, as long as they don't last too long.

You can have a scan go for too long, which has the potential to maybe cause damage, but you can't have too many.

But also don't worry about the scan being too long, all ultrasounds have the safety values on screen at all times, so both you and the tech can clearly see them (it's the MI, tis, tib values on scan printouts).

anicecuppateaa · 04/01/2024 20:47

I had 2 scans a week from 16-34 weeks when I had DTs. I think you will be fine :)

Hiddenvoice · 04/01/2024 20:57

If you’re having cramping and spotting then I’d contact the early pregnancy unit or your local pregnancy triage and explain you’re 12 weeks and your symptoms.
Failing that, I’d phone your midwife tomorrow and ask for her help.
I had my booking appointment at 11 weeks too. My midwife phoned the scan booking line and explained the situation and they were able to give me an appointment for almost 13 weeks there and then instead of me waiting for a letter.

Dadadaa · 04/01/2024 21:00

I had a weekly scan during my last pregnancy as I lost my first baby at 20 weeks pregnant and was anxious. My doctor offered me however many I wanted (we were living abroad) and it really did ease my mind.

HoHoHappy · 04/01/2024 21:09

I had weekly scans with my baby. I had suffered with recurrent miscarriage and was so anxious. No issues whatsoever. I understand the point people make about scans perpetuating anxiety, but it was the opposite for me. The scans kept me sane!

DemelzaRobins · 05/01/2024 08:33

I would chase your scan today, they should prioritising you now after losing your referral. I would also contact PALs if you don't get anywhere today.

I wouldn't stress about the number of scans. Lots of women need to have more scans than the standard two.

I had two early scans with EPU due to a previous ectopic. My 12 week scan was in November and in my area women are offered 3 scans - 12 weeks, 20 weeks and 36 weeks. My consultant has also booked me in for two additional growth scans at 27 and 31 weeks. So, 7 in total but I know several women who have had many more than 7 scans.

Whataretheodds · 05/01/2024 08:37

You've had spotting and cramping - call your EPU and explain that plus your gestation and no date given yet for NT/dating scan, and previous miscarriages. Or go in.

ChaosAndCrumbs · 05/01/2024 08:37

I tend to have growth scans during my pregnancies. There are no extra risks to them, they just check baby is healthy and developing well. I would encourage you to be keep pushing. It’s been a big part of parenthood for me - pushing doctors to act in the best interests of my baby. They need to scan you and baby to check all is developing well. If it was you refusing the scan, it could be seen as neglectful and it’s poor practice on their side. I agree re contacting PALS if there’s still nothing given, they can be very helpful.

JRTfan · 05/01/2024 09:59

IVF pregnancy and 40 after 12 years of trying and 2 early miscarriages I have been very anxious, am now 16 weeks.
Had 2 private early scans and 2 NHS dating scans (baby was in wrong position for 1st) I had to call and chase my NHS date and good job I did because I received the letter after the scan date (the post stamp was the day of the scan!) so always worth a call and they can give you a date over phone.
We have a private scan booked next week because I don't want to wait until 20 weeks but have to say since getting a little bump and more time has passed my anxiety has decreased a little. It is a very tough time tho so don't be hard on yourself, with each day that passes you are at less risk of anything bad happening..that's my mantra!

Cas112 · 05/01/2024 10:27

No I had two private ones before my 12 week, then another private before my 20 week and then the hospital needed to keep giving me more for growth and I ended up having loads so don't worry

I just thought myself as lucky to get to keep seeing my baby more

lifehappens12 · 05/01/2024 10:28

I don't think there are too many scans and in your case I would go and book a private one for peace of mind.

With my last pregnancy I had scans at 8,10,12,20,28,32,36 weeks.

All good!

Original poster

ChildOfTheMoon · 05/01/2024 15:16

Thanks girls. I'm waiting for the secretary to ring me. The midwife on phone told me the earliest available appointment would be the 10th but I'm waiting for secretary to confirm it. I think because I have an ivf pregnancy I'm under consultant led care and its the consultant carrying out the scan but the consultant works for another hospital so has to travel down so I'm awaiting for availability with him/her

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