Early pregnancy scans

[Natpowell123]

I am based in England,(but also happy to hear experiences from other parts of the U.K.) where can I go for an early/private scan? How much are they? And what is the recommended time to go? I don’t want to go too early and be disappointed if I can’t see anything but also I’m pretty anxious due to a previous miscarriage earlier in the year. Waiting until the booking appointment and 12 week ultrasound seems so far away. Will an early scan provide me with reassurance or make me feel worse? Just after some advice and personal experiences so I can start looking into options. Tia xxx

There are many places that offer these now - just google private scan near me. Popular chains are window to the womb, peek a baby etc. From memory they range from £40 - £80 etc.
I had one at 6.5 weeks where we could hear the heartbeat which was reassuring. But I would recommend waiting until around 8 weeks, I know of many people who went at 6 weeks but it was still too early and then found the week wait until the rescheduled scan very nerve wracking.
I was very anxious and had 5 early scans but I wouldn’t say they eased by anxiety particularly. They reassured by for a few days then I would be worried again. In hindsight I would have perhaps been better with one initial early scan and then waited until the 12 week scan.

Just to say it's worth seeing if you can get one on the NHS. I had a missed miscarriage at 11 weeks, and for the next pregnancy I was given an extra scan at 8 weeks.

I once had a miscarriage and when I was pregnant with my daughter the NHS let me have an early scan because I was so anxious the second time. Check with your midwife. I know the pain of a miscarriage - but the second scan provided a lot of reassurance. And we now have our beautiful baby girl. Take good care and good luck

Thankyou so much for ur honesty. I think it would be the same with me tbh, it would only reassure me for a short period. So just trying to work out if I try and wait out until 12 weeks which feels impossible right now as I’m so inpatient🤣or if I try for an early scan xxx

Thankyou so much for sharing. Will I have to wait until my booking appointment to discuss this with the midwife? When I go for that appointment I’ll be about 8 weeks. Or is there a way I can ask before then? Also congratulations 💕Xx

I’m not too sure if I’d be entitled to one as I don’t actually know how far I was, only very early. I found out I was pregnant while I was miscarrying xx

I honestly couldn’t tell you if you need to wait for the 8 week appointment. I suspect it changes dependent on your area.

id suggest talking to your GP and letting them know your anxious. Sometimes just talking to someone can help reassure you. It certainly does with me.

I definitely know how anxious you’re feeling. It’s perfectly normal and completely understandable. You’re definitely not alone

I had an ultrasound at 7 weeks (IVF) and it helped my worrying immensely. It confirmed the positioning of baby, and we heard her little heartbeat. Like others have said I wouldn’t recommend having anymore until 12 weeks. It’s a vicious circle if you depend on getting reassurance from them. Try to be positive and once you’ve everything confirmed that it’s going well, then it’s only a few weeks until 12 week scan. Then it’s only another few until 20 weeks, etc and by then you can usually feel the baby move and you have a daily reassurance that things are okay! 🥰 Try to take things step by step and try not to stress, it’s not good for you or baby! I wish you the best of luck 🍀