Weekly ultrasounds

[GG10]

I suffer with severe anxiety due to a previous loss and currently 11 weeks 4 days. I’ve also been unwell which hasn’t helped. Is it safe to be getting weekly ultrasounds to calm my nerves ? 5,6,7,8,10 (I want one this week too but have my 12 week next week…) just concerned as been so unwell.

With respect it doesn't seem to be calming your nerves though?
I don't think they're dangerous but I also don't think it's great to be having 1 a week unnecessarily

Safe for the baby - I had a similar schedule at the end of pregnancy so looked into it a lot.

But it’s a sign that you’re not very well. Are you getting help for you, rather than the baby?

And how do you see this progressing? Are you going to have weekly scans until birth? Surely it would be better to address what's underlying since that will also be important to your mental health after birth.

Its safe for the baby but honestly I wouldn't recommend it. It only shows a snapshot of what is happening at that moment and as soon as you walk out the door you are back to being anxious again. It is also not recommended to compare scans from different places (private vs nhs)

I had alot of scans due to previous losses by consultants, EPU and the miscarriage team - It was pretty much bi-weekly until 20 weeks then once a month until I gave birth. I get that a scan can be helpful in the moment, but its better to get help for that anxiety than rely on scans.

This. Most people have only 2 through the whole pregnancy 12 and 20 weeks unless they think there is a medical need for it. I can't really see how it can calm you as then you are worried about the next one.

The private clinic I go to says every 2-3 weeks is better. She does say they adjust the levels to be as safe as possible. I think weekly you can stress yourself out more because measurements won't necessarily be consistent week by week.

Do you think you'll feel better mentally in the second trimester? Is your midwife aware of your anxiety?

I think private ultrasounds are great, and if you wanted to have them every few weeks just to see baby id say go for it. But if you need them every week you need to come up with some other coping mechanisms or it's going to be a loooong and stressful pregnancy.