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Pregnancy

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Original poster

Experience of trans-vaginal scan??

18 replies

cakeaddict · 27/10/2009 14:34

Hi,
I'm 34 weeks and due to a suspected low-lying placenta, have to go for a scan this Friday to check its position. I've been told they'll do this via a trans-vaginal scan, rather than the normal one.

Has anyone else had this procedure and can warn me what to expect? Doesn't sound particularly pleasant but I'd rather know what I'm in for before I turn up...

Thanks in advance.

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PacificWerewolfwoohood · 27/10/2009 14:38

I've had a few of these... oh, joy . There are fine, honestly, embarrassing, but fine.

They insert a small round probe covered in a kind of condom inside you and get amazing pictures that way. It does not hurt, if you have ever had a smear you'll not know what you were worried about.

Do not worry about the actual procedure. Hope the result is a good one.

CMOTdibbler · 27/10/2009 14:38

They really aren't that bad. The ultrasound probe is only the diameter of a white board pen, and the ultrasonographers are very gentle and explain everything

Original poster

cakeaddict · 27/10/2009 14:44

Thanks, that's reassuring. I was kind of expecting something along the lines of a smear test.

So, did you get to see a lot of the baby that way? I was expecting that seeing as it was primarily to check the placenta, I might not get to see much this time round.

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AitchTwoToTangOh · 27/10/2009 14:46

and you get amazing pictures with the fanny-cam! i've had loads of trans-vaginal scans, they're fine. just a bit 'oooooo-ooops' and it's in and fine.

Seededbiatch · 27/10/2009 14:51

I've had a few of these too. I think they're less uncomfortable than a smear because there's no scraping and IIRC no speculum just the probe with the condom and some lube.

Don't think you'll get any pics of the baby but I might be wrong, I've had most of these scans whilst not PG.

It really isn't that bad.

Hope the results are good, best of luck

PumpkinsCantDanceTheTango · 27/10/2009 14:54

Ive had a few. The lady was lovely and very gentle. I was that is had a condom on - wish I had known that before I went. Of all the gynae things I have had this was one of the least painful/embarassing as they are hardly looking at you - more at the screen. Good luck.

HeadFairy · 27/10/2009 14:57

I've had some to diagnose mcs and during early pregnancy and the sonographer each time covered me with a sheet and had so much lube on the probe she barely looked.. it slipped in rather easily. Either she was very experienced or I'm wider than the Mersey tunnel

Either way it's really not bad at all, I'd take one over a smear any day of the week!

daisydotandgertie · 27/10/2009 14:59

It really wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. Although it was embarrassing and slightly surreal.

It felt peculiar, but not painful.

amyboo · 27/10/2009 15:25

I've had lots, as here in Belgium they only do trans-vaginal scans up to 12 weeks. They're nothing to worry about - no pain, no awkwardness or anything, and you get a much clearer picture...

roary · 27/10/2009 15:33

I like to call them the Swedish Porn scan (nurse approaches you carrying the most ENORMOUS looking probe!). But they only use part of it and it is really not uncomfortable at all. Just...a bit strange. I have a few friends who call it the Cooch Cam.

PacificWerewolfwoohood · 27/10/2009 16:11

FWIW, I got pictures, and the detail and quality of them was great. I was almost disappointed the next time I had a normal scan...

woowa · 27/10/2009 17:53

smear tests = pain and crying (the worst thing ever to happen to my body (so far, I'm sure labour will be worse!)

transvaginal scan = painless, comfortable, if slightly weird! and cold lube!

BiscuitStuffer · 27/10/2009 18:00

I think the important thing for me is that their face isn't level with your fanjo and there's no pearing in! They just quickly slip it in and then sit facing outwards at their machine. You have a sheet to put over you once you've taken your bottoms off, so if you make sure the gap is at the back, you can have it covering your knees etc if you want to.

BiscuitStuffer · 27/10/2009 18:00

peering, sorry

AngelDog · 27/10/2009 21:10

I must be the odd one out as I found the trans-vaginal very painful; much worse than a smear test. But it sounds like I'm in a minority, and the other 2 times I've had any sort of gynae examination were also very painful, so I think it must be peculiar to me.

Fibilou · 28/10/2009 08:47

I had one when my IUD strings went AWOL. If I remember rightly they gave me the scannery thing to insert myself while the sonographer left the room then covered me up with a blanket - very dignified !
It's just like a rather large vibrator really

PootleTheFlump · 28/10/2009 11:12

I have had quite a few of these now, and they are honestly fine. The thing I would prepare you for is how big the probe looks - but they only use the v tip. They barely even look under the sheet & just kind of slip it in. It is nothing like as exposed as a smear or vaginal examination. Good luck!

whensmydayoff · 29/10/2009 19:59

and they keep the room dark, as it is during a normal scan!

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