Early scans on NHS?

[Summergurl]

Has anybody been offered one?

I have been signed off work since April with anxiety I'm just wondering if they will offer me an early scan when I see the midwife at 8 weeks as I'm really beginning to feel worried about everything. It's taking all my willpower to not go out and buy a test for every day up to the 12 week scan date (which I don't even have yet!) xxx

 

[Shepherdess]

I've never heard of anyone being offered an early scan for anxiety. Could you not book a private scan?

 

[netty]

they will only early scan you if you are bleeding really


I have had several MC and they never offered me one even when i asked so i paid privately

 

[Akua]

I mean, this is totally playing the system. But if you rang the early pregnancy unit and said you’d had some spotting you’d get given a scan...

 

[Chase]

I mean, this is totally playing the system. But if you rang the early pregnancy unit and said you’d had some spotting you’d get given a scan...

Do NOT do this. Do not play the system. The NHS is on its knees. There are women out there with actual bleeding waiting for early scans. This is a ridiculous suggestion. Spotting is not always a reason for a scan either. Honestly if you want an early scan then Id really recommend a private scan. You even get Groupon deals for them these days.

 

[Fela]

I’d go for a private scan if you are concerned.

 

[millielaura]

I agree with Chase. It’s not fair on woman who actually have bleeding and waiting for their scan. Private ones are expensive but they are really worth it for the peace of mind in my experience xx

 

[night owl]

I doubt you will get offered an early scan unfortunately unless you have signs of miscarriage such as bleeding and pain, or you have a history of MC, I practically had to beg the early pregnancy unit for a scan when I was having a miscarriage 6 weeks ago, and I had to wait nearly 2 days for the next available appointment, it was such a stressful time I think people playing the system coz they want an early scan makes things worse for the women who genuinely need one

 

[Summergurl]

Thanks ladies.

I'd never play the system don't worry. It wouldn't be fair and Itd be tempting fate.
I'll speak to the doc when I next see her & the midwife when I get an appt.

I am sure all is fine I just can't help the worry.

 

[Emily0505]

It's unlikely youll get an early scan as generally you'll only get a scan if you're bleeding or if you've had recurrent miscarriage. I didn't get early scans until I'd had 3 losses, even though my anxiety was through the roof after my first miscarriage.

As someone who has sadly had 3 miscarriages and genuinely needed the services of the EPU, I find the suggestion to lie and play the system quite disgusting. I'm actually quite shocked that anyone would think this is OK!!

You can get an early scan privately and although they can be expensive there are sometimes offers on them if you shop around.

I'm sorry that you're struggling with anxiety and definitely talk to your midwife about how you're feeling as there will be extra support available to you if you need it, with the perinatal mental health team.

In the meantime it might be worth popping back to see your gp if you're still really struggling and see what else can be done to help you feel better.

If testing daily will help you then order a job lot of cheapie tests from Amazon but tests getting darker each day doesn't really tell you anything other than hcg is present in your system. Your best bet is to see your healthcare providers for support.

XX

 

[Chase]

Thanks ladies.

I'd never play the system don't worry. It wouldn't be fair and Itd be tempting fate.
I'll speak to the doc when I next see her & the midwife when I get an appt.

I am sure all is fine I just can't help the worry.

The worry is totally normal, some people struggle more, some not so much.

Be gentle with yourself and definitely speak to the MW about how you are feeling.

Is a private scan an option for you?

 

[WinterWolf]

Yes, lying to get a scan is disgusting, glad you wouldn't do that. Being worried is a normal part of being a parent unfortunately! From a medical perspective, anxiety isn't a reason to get an early scan. We all have anxiety early on. Get an early scan privately if you can't wait for 12 weeks. They're really not that expensive when you think of how much you'll have to spend for the baby in the long run.

 

[Mayflower85]

I was anxious after a previous miscarriage and asked for an early scan but they'd only do it if I was bleeding or in pain. I booked and paid for one privately.

 

[Summergurl]

Thanks ladies. I'll look up th private ones and see if groupon or somewhere has any kind of deals xxx

 

[Chase]

Where are you located there are some near me that are only 39 quid!

 

[Rainbow1234]

I agree, don’t lie to get a scan. I had to wait nearly a week for a scan when I had my first mc and it was awful, I’d never lie and take a slot from someone in that position.

Agree with chase! There’s early scans near me for £40 as well!

 

[Elven]

I highly advise against getting more pregnancy tests at 8 weeks. They start to get fainter after a while and will only make you worry more, definitely the last thing you need. Hope you manage to get a private scan. x

 

[MissKW]

I was offered an early scan but only as I was on my honeymoon from 10-12weeks, so they booked one for 9 weeks instead. I think it was a mix of that and having a misscarriage last time which they didn't handle correctly so I was left to deal with it alone (my hubby had a cheeky word with them at the booking appointment as he was worried about it happening again).
However I declined and rebooked for the week we got back so that they could do all the important tests and measurements etc. We booked an early one privately instead just so we knew what to expect before we got married and went away. Thankfully everything went perfectly and we now have a very healthy little boy.
Just try to relax as the time does pass quickly to start with, you have no reason to worry unless you start to bleed
The scan we paid for was expensive at £80 but definitely worth it for piece of mind. I will never forget the joy, relief and the amazement on my hubbies face when we first got a glimpse of our baby with his little heart beating away. Afterwards whilst he waited for me to empty my bladder the reception lady asked if he was OK because he couldn't stop grinning and was probably freaking people out XD

 

[Shanivy]

I mean, this is totally playing the system. But if you rang the early pregnancy unit and said you’d had some spotting you’d get given a scan...

Do NOT do this. Do not play the system. The NHS is on its knees. There are women out there with actual bleeding waiting for early scans. This is a ridiculous suggestion. Spotting is not always a reason for a scan either. Honestly if you want an early scan then Id really recommend a private scan. You even get Groupon deals for them these days.

Agreed. Also I bled three separate times with my daughter, 7,14 and 24 weeks and was never offered a scan for bleeding. I booked private. So you'd not even be guaranteed anyway