Early scan or not?

[Gagah]

I’m pregnant - unexpectedly as I had just done a second round of IVF egg retrieval and was waiting for next cycle for embryo transfer, when I was shocked to get a positive test.

Because of the egg retrieval it’s less clear when I ovulated, I was also meant to be having a procedure to remove a growth that could interfere with pregnancy or cause miscarriage, which has now been cancelled.

For these reasons, as well as the fact that it just feels bloody surreal, I’m tempted to pay for an early scan. I’m worried it’s not viable, but also worried with the dates that the NHS dating scan end up being past 14 weeks and they won’t be able to do the screening test. My scan is currently booked just before the 14 week mark, but this is based of my “last period” date, but this wasn’t a period, just a withdrawal bleed from the IVF drugs.

I explained to My GP who fobbed me off and said they don’t deal with pregnancy, and to self refer to the hospital and the hospital won’t check anything till 14 weeks unless you have signs that your actively miscarrying, the IVF clinic have discharged us as we have a spontaneous pregnancy, they didn’t even help with questions about progesterone etc (which they would always prescribe for IVF transfer/pregnancies at this stage)

On the other hand im wary of these private scanning clinics as I know they don’t offer any medical support so any info that arose up I’d just end up turned back to the NHS and waiting again, but possibly with more anxiety.

I mainly want to enjoy this pregnancy though I know nothing is certain but worry I should be checking how it’s going a bit sooner given the situation

Has anyone paid for early private scans? Did it help reassure or just bring stress?

If you would want to screen for Down Syndrome etc you need your scan no later than 13+6, so go back and ask for that to be rearranged if that's an issue. I personally had private scans with both of mine at about eight weeks as i wanted to check viability as best as we could at that point, but yes, if there are issues there's nothing anyone can do. Best of luck.

Congratulations OP 💐

I’ve had several early scans through the NHS for various reasons. All around 6 weeks. Are you UK based. Contact your Early Pregnancy Unit at your local hospital.

Congratulations!! I really hope everything goes smoothly and you have a happy and healthy pregnancy.
I personally think there's no harm once it's not too early. I've had to have them previously starting at 6 weeks because of a previous molar pregnancy, and the 6 week ones have caused nothing but stress. Things never measure as they should be, heartbeat a little slow, that type of thing. I think 8+ weeks is much better timing. You can see much more, dates and measurements are easier to calculate and you might even see some little movements🥰 I just think it's stressful enough and 6 weeks brings more questions than answers, I've seen lots on MN say the same too. I know being 8+ weeks doesn't have any guarantee either, but the odds of success are better.

I was very anxious as I’d bled so paid for a private scan at about 6 weeks because NHS wouldn’t scan me.

It didn’t take the anxiety away, but personally for me did ease it a little as there was a heartbeat and if there is a heartbeat the stats are more in your favour.

I went to a proper medical clinic though to be scanned by a specialist, not one of the high street baby scan shops where I wouldn’t be sure of the qualifications of the scanner. It was more expensive but in my opinion worth it.

I had scans early on and don't regret it. Even if it isn't the best news, I found it's still preferable to know that early on than to find out at the 12 week scan. And if all is going well, it can help with the anxiety albeit only temporarily. Particularly in your case when it could bring more clarity on dates, it seems very sensible.

Incidentally, did your IVF clinic tell you not to have unprotected sex while trying through them? The reason I ask is mine did when I tried IVF, and I really regret it because IVF didn't work for us but we did get pregnant at home, and I wish like you I'd tried sooner! 💕

Thanks everyone - this was really helpful advice. Think I’m going to get a scan this week or next week for clarity!

Our clinic only advised not to when medically necessary to avoid infection or multiple pregnancy so during stim cycle or immediately after egg retrieval, we weren’t advised to abstain for cycles in between treatment cycles