Early reassurance scan - do Ineed a referral by GP?

[JamieJay]

Just found out I'm 4wks pregnant following a mc last summer. Am totally panicked and would like to have an early scan to put my mind at rest.

My local hospital has an early pregnancy unit but I don't want to see my GP yet (don't ask why, my reasons are totally illogical!)

Can I make an appointment direct with the EPU?

TIA

EPU won't scan until 6 weeks, not sure about referral criteria?

Maize, thanks - was thinking I'd need to wait for a couple of weeks first

Dont stress yourself going at 6 weeks. They will just tell you to come 2 weeks later as can confirm anything until 8 weeks. I have just had mc and was told by EPAC to come for reassurance scan at 8 weeks if ttc again.

I went at 6 weeks with bleeding and has most stressful 2 weeks waiting for 8 week scan to see if pregnancy is viable.

Wait till 8 weeks and then see GP for referral. Hope it goes okay.

Thanks abif2, so sorry about your mc. Good luck with ttc again.

Assuming I'm lucky enough to get that far I will wait until 8 weeks.

JaimeJay -- I have been in the same boat and think it's great that you are having an early scan for reassurance.

I didn't need a referral but I went to a private clinic in London.

This is going to sound unbelievably difficult but I wouldn't go before the middle of your 6th week -- just because there is a very high chance that you will not see a heartbeat beforehand and this is HUGELY distressful. If you are unsure of your dates then I would even wait till 7 weeks.

Hang in there and best of luck!!

Every EPU seems to have a different policy. Some with only see you with a GP referral others let you self refer. I'd phone and try to self refer especially if you don't want to see your GP for whatever reason.
6 weeks is fine to have an early scan - 8 weeks more likely to see heartbeat though.

I had an early scan, but was referred by my GP. It may be different in your area though.

My EPU wouldn't scan until nearly 8 weeks though.

often you don't need a referral
depending on your location lots of EPUs offer a show up and wait service

list of EPUs

Phone your local EPU as they have different "entry" criteria from unit to unit.

I would second the advice to wait until at least 6 weeks pregant, even then you might need a vaginal scan to see a fetal heart and might need to come back a week or 2 later if there is any doubt.

V best of luck to you

I miscarried in March and again in July of this year - When I miscarried for the 2nd time I went to a GP in my practice to get sick note extended. GP was very sympathetic and said when ready to try again, once pregnant come back and he will arrange early reassurance scan.

Well - I am now almost 7 weeks pg, had to go to a GP about another issue and mentioned I was pregnant and different GP said she could not get me in for early scan regardless of m/c's so book in with midwife and wait for 12 week scan!

EPU said at 1st m/c that if I required reassurance scan in any subsequent pregnancies then to call and they could "get me through the back door"

Different EPU at 2nd m/c categorically stated that I would not qualify for reassurance scan and to only come along if bleeding or in pain.

Sorry so long - but hope this highlights totally different standard of care and attitudes within the NHS regarding miscarriage

Thanks for all the messages everyone.

Just been talking to my sweetheart of a DH about it and he says we'll find the money to go private so we can mke an appointment at a time to suit us and I don't have to worry about referrals etc.

I'm going to try and hold out until the end of the week before Christmas, when (touch wood) I will be around 7+2 to 7+4

Jamie

I think your choice of dates is good - you should be able to see a hearbeat. Wish you lots of luck in this preg. I just miscarried and I know how scary next preg will feel.

At 7 weeks, if they can't see much in an abdo scan, they will do an internal, which is not painful at all.

JamieJay - try and wait till past the 8 weeks if you can because early scans can sometimes be less than reassuring because you just don't always get a good view of the baby. Especially if you are going to go for a private scan but I would urge you to contact your local early pregnancy unit first who will advise how and when to get a scan.