Not getting my first scan til 14 weeks - is this normal?

[HelenaCC]

Should I be worried that Im not going to get any kind of test or anything til 14/15 weeks?

I rang my docs in January as soon as I knew I was pg and they told me to call back in February. Its my first time so I just believed them - stupidly, it turns out as I couldnt get a midwife appointment til mid Feb and my scan and first ante natal appointment isnt until mid March - I feel like Ive been really naive and trusting. I wish Id got into the system sooner - everyone else seems to get a 12 week scan at worst.

In the meantime I dont feel very pg and I dont feel I can tell anyone til that first scan. Anyone else found their doctor/midwife really unhelpful?

Hi HelenaCC

I found my GP totally useless. I had bearly told her that I'd had a +ve test before she waved me out of the door with a leaflet, maternity exemption certificate and birth options. Although I do have my first MW appointment week 9/10 (I am currently week 6)

Is this your first pregnancy? If this is your first child then it is worth noting that NICE (National Insititute for Clinical Excellance) state that all New Pregnant women should be offered an early ultrasound scan between 10 weeks 0 days and 13 weeks 6 days to determine gestational age and to detect multiple pregnancies.
prior to 12 weeks"

Have a look at this link and go back to your doctor/MW: www.nice.org.uk/CG062

I'm not getting a 12 wk scan at all as unfortunately due to bleeding a few wks ago I had an early scan at 6 wks! So as far as my MW was concerned I've been 'dated!'

Amelia10 thanks for that post, very interesting, might have to take that info back to my MW!

If you want a nuchal fold test done it nedds to be done between 11 weeks and 13 weeks plus six days. Maybe your harea doesn't offer them but it's worth checking (and you could always pay for one privately if it's something you want).

with my second dc, I told gp, at 6 weeks I was pregnant, booking in appointment and scan was at 16 weeks, were all my bloods were taken too....I felt I was just left to get on with it. Fortunately for me, it was my second, so understood what my body was telling me, if it had been my first I would have been scared and worried too. Call your midwives office, your gp surgery should have the number,tell them your concerns and see if you gat get moved forward?? Good luck to you

Hi Ladies,

Section 1.1.1 will give you the best guidance on what to expect from your maternity services in terms of tests etc and timings.

The situation you are finding yourself in HelenaCC does not fill me with confidence in the NHS unfortunately. This is your pregnancy and the health and welfare of yourself and your baby - you have the absolute right to challenge the medical profession particularily when it seems they are flouting there own guidance.

All the best
Ameliaxxx

I had a nuchal scan at 13+4.. so nearly 14 weeks. It has to be done before 14 weeks - however if they don't offer a nuchal scan just a dating scan & to detect multiple pregnancy scan then could be done anytime from 6 weeks onwards.... although gets less accurate as pregnancy progresses (can already be a week out at 12 weeks, more than that if left later).

To Hobnob, the 12 weeks scan isn't very diagnostic (unless its a nuchal scan) as the nice guidelines say for dating and to check only one... so if you have had a 6 week scan not sure what it adds?

We are not offered nuchal screening in our area, but they try their best to get you an appointment before 14 weeks. (Had scan with my 1st DC at 14+5 or something btw but new NICE guidelines have come in since then)

I'd suggest ringing up the antenatal appointments at the hospital and explain your problem - they may be able to find you an earlier appointment or fit you in when there is a cancellation. If they can't, and you are deperate for reassurance, or want a nuchal, you can choose to go private - it's about £100.

The main thing is not to get in a stew about it, or worry unduly. Also IMO midwives aren't terribly interested in the early stages - they tend to spend more time with you as you get further along or if problems arise.

I just had my 1st scan at 14 weeks, and its my first pregnancy. When i tried to book 20 wk scan I was told there were no appts available for me and I would have to ring and 'chase a cancellation' nearer the time! Fills me with confidence!!

Thanks for all this feedback and sharing of experiences - esp the NICE guidelines. This is my first pregnancy and (fortunately) Ive never have need of the NHS before so Id no idea what to expect.

I called the hospital back in the dim hope of a cancellation and found out that they hadnt even booked me in for a scan even after all my chasing - the appoinment is my booking appt!! Good thing I called again, they are hopefully going to book me in for scan next week.

I am 31 so not in the at risk group for downs but would prefer to have the nuchal test. I may already be too late for that.