When to book first scan

[Princesssaxy]

Hi all,
Everyone has been super helpful so far, and I have another stupid question! I'm 5 weeks today and my mum told me to wait for a few more weeks before contacting whoever for the scan as it's still very early. Would you advise the same? I'm also unsure who to contact. My GP gave me some numbers for midwives but these are not at the hospital I'd be thinking about giving birth in if all goes well, so do I contact the hospital ?

I feel totally stupid and like I should know these things but I just don't understand and I'm getting annoyed at myself!

 

[Melly41]

First of all congratulations! 5 weeks is early but you can certainly get your booking appt arranged. It varies in terms of how you do this. I did this via GP but some areas i think you ring midwives directly. Your 1st nhs scan wont be till 12 weeks at the earliest. You can pay for private early scan from 6 weeks but unless you have any specific concerns then most wait till 12 weeks. Youre not silly asking these questions! Just fire away....this is why we are here x

 

[cossie13]

Get yourself your booking appt. sorted as Melly said. But as for your scan, depending on your NHS trust they might sort your booking appt and 12 weeks scan dates in one go - mine did. I got a letter through after contacting them and leaving a message on the answerphone with both appointments. If they don’t, the midwife at your booking appointment will be able to advise who to contact or what will happen next regarding your scan.

Regarding the hospital, you will have the chance to discuss this with YOUR midwife (who will be assigned for your 16 week appointment) and voice where you want to give birth and how.

Hope his helps somehow Hun. If you have any more questions just ask x

 

[Sparrow]

No questions are silly. Like Melly said, I think it varies depending on your area, I called my GP surgery at 5 weeks and they booked my first midwife appointment for when I was 9 weeks, when I had my first midwife appointment they sent a referral to the hospital for my 12 week scan. If your GP has given you a number for the midwives directly then give them a call, I think they like to see you for your first appointment around 8-10 weeks and then they arrange your first scan. It's not too early to call them and get booked in.

 

[Loula]

Yes it is very early but there's no harm in getting the ball rolling. I found out at 4 weeks. I had to email and then a midwife calls you back for more details and then a week or so later my community midwife contacted me to sort out my booking in. I had mine around 7 to 8 weeks and won't see her now until 16 weeks. I'm 13 at the moment.
I would say don't worry about birth plans and hospitals just yet you have alot if time to discuss this. Just getting the ball rolling is a step. Like the others gave said you don't get an NHS scan until between 11 and 14 weeks

 

[Princesssaxy]

Thanks all, I think my mum was on about the main scan whereas I had something in my head about a booking appt - read about it on here and in books. I'll ring up this week. Just didn't want to do it too early and then something bad happen!

 

[cossie13]

Thanks all, I think my mum was on about the main scan whereas I had something in my head about a booking appt - read about it on here and in books. I'll ring up this week. Just didn't want to do it too early and then something bad happen!

I know what you mean lovely! I got both appointments through and then I started getting period cramps. They were really painful but had no bleeding. I called the EPU and was booked in for a scan to be told all was well there’s always options hun and some hospitals fill up with booking appointments quick so there really is no harm in calling