Private scan. Yes or no?

[kt_11]

Hi. I know nobody can decide this for me but just wanted some opinions to help me make a decision.

I’m 9 weeks pregnant today. So far everything has been ok including 7 week scan which was fine.

I’m a bit of a worrier usually and I’m just finding that I’m convinced something has gone wrong and I’m terrified of a mmc (no previous miscarriages).

My dating scan is not until I’m 13+3 and I think I’m just going to be stressed for the next 4 weeks.

I’m considering getting a private reassurance scan, maybe in week 10 but then part of me just thinks I should just wait it out. If anything has gone wrong I feel like I’d rather be at the NHS appointment than a private one but then it’s a long time to wait being so nervous...

Has anyone got any advice or experiences that might help me make a decision?

Thanks 😊

[DC13]

I think if you are feeling stressed and it is making you anxious then that is not good for you or the baby.

Maybe booking in for a private scan would be a good idea to help alleviate that stress.

You could also ask to speak to the midwife at your GP or even your GP. They might advise you to contact the early pregnancy unit (EPU) at your hospital to have a scan.

Good luck

[Aleelilook]

Definitely go with a private scan, you will have much longer with the sonographer, and if it helps you to relax then go for it! Congratulations by the way! Xx

[E_05]

I'd say definitely go for a private scan, I had my 8 week scan yesterday and don't yet have a date for my dating scan. I'm already considering booking a private scan around 10 weeks just for re assurance and I can't wait to see our baby again. I think in this journey we have to do whatever helps put our minds at ease xx

[Tugsgirl]

I think a private scan would be a good idea. Xx

[Hidden]

Honestly, if paying £100 for a scan is going to help reassure you then go for it xxx

[kt_11 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. It’s not the cost that’s making me think twice. It’s more that in the hopefully unlikely event that it’s bad news I’d rather be in an NHS hospital than a private clinic.

[Hidden in reply to kt_11]

Unfortunately if bad news is going to happen lovely lady, the location may not matter. if it’s reassuring that you need do what feels right for you x

[Tugsgirl in reply to Hidden]

I agree. On both of my scans when I found out about the missed miscarriages the only positive is that I didn’t wait to my nhs 12/14 week scans as I think it would have been even more devastating thinking I’d got past the magical 12 week point when I hadn’t xx

[kt_11 in reply to Tugsgirl]

Thanks. I’m really grateful for you sharing your experience. It’s interesting to hear that although you got such terrible news, you’d still recommend giving it a go and I can definitely see what you mean. xx

[Kempton]

Personally I would only ever trust the NHS. You sound exactly like I was and I didn't have my "12 week" scan until 13 weeks and 5 days! And everything was absolutely fine!

You could go and speak to your GP and explain how you're feeling anxious. They might listen to the heartbeat (though sometimes they won't as it can be difficult to detect at that stage and they don't want to worry you). Even just talking to someone might make you feel less anxious!

Good luck and I'm sure everything is fine!

[kt_11 in reply to Kempton]

Thanks. I know what you mean. The private place I’m looking at employs staff from the NHS hospital that I’m under (which I work for myself) so I know they know what they’re doing.

If I were to get bad news I’d rather be in a NHS hospital as well but I do think an interim scan would reassure me if all was well. Still undecided tbh. Might just try speak to a friend to see if talking about it helps. My OH just always says “it’ll be fine” and disregards my worrying a bit. I know he’s probably right but i know there are people for whom things go wrong and nobody can completely reassure me until I see it for myself, whenever that is! x

[Kempton in reply to kt_11]

That's good that you know the staff are trusted. In that case go for it - if it'll give you piece of mind and help you relax then it can only be good for the baby! Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy

[emmab178]

I had a private scan at 9 weeks to reduce anxiety. The early ones can be as reasonable as £49 since they are quite quick. After 10 weeks it starts to look less like a blob with a heartbeat and you can start to make out arms legs and movements.

[Oakey80]

Hiya...private scans are AMAZING!! I had one at 9wks because I had a massive bleed and the nhs wouldn't do one as it was the weekend!! and another one at 16wks (gender scan!) They take their time to show you everything and can answer any questions you have as they're properly trained like nhs staff. I was so disappointed with my 12wk scan as it was in/out...yep babies alive...off u go! I know u get what u pay for but it didn't feel very special.

I would recommend searching for a private scan place that is nhs approved (pm me if u want the name of who we went with as they're a national team)

I also agree with people saying they'd only trust the nhs though...there's still that niggle (for no reason) that's it's not official til the nhs say so lol!

I'd also say, it puts ur mind at rest for maybe 2-3 days and then you'll be back to worrying again.

xxx

[C_L_A_I_R_E]

I'm exactly the same as you 9 weeks today. I'm privately funding so I had a paid 7 week and I'm paying for a 10 week. It has definitely helped me count down the days. If it makes you feel better book a scan! X

[baby2016]

I would always pay for one. For early scans of this stage you can get them for about £40-£50.

Unfortunately mine showed bad news, but I was still glad I went and if I ever get to that stage again I would always do it to put my mind at ease. So if your worrying, def go for it, it will calm your nerves and make the next wait not seem as long x

[Hidden in reply to baby2016]

Likewise chickadee, that was the same for me and honestly it was better for my emotional health to do it in my time than someone else’s xxx

[kt_11]

Right I think I’ve been persuaded to give it a go. Thanks for the advice everyone. I’ll call tomorrow and see if they can fit me in next week x

[lollypeate]

On my first round of of ivf in 2014 I had about 6 scans throughout. Three in which I paid for myself. It’s the only thing that got me through the pregnancy. I would do the same again as it really put my mind at ease xxx

[Spongy]

I agonised over this decision too. I was so anxious I didn't feel I could wait for my NHS scan but was terrified about getting bad news at a private scan. In the end I went to the GP to discuss my high anxiety levels and they referred me to EPU for a reassurance scan. He understood why I felt so anxious and felt it was worth the scan to try and help both me and the baby.

I don't know if this is something you could try? The anxiety is so horrible but so completely understandable. I have everything crossed for you xx

[Elou81]

I am in exactly the same predicament! I booked one last night on groupon for £49 on monday. I will be 9+6. I had my booking appointment yesterday and have a couple of weeks until 12 - 14 week scan date comes through. I trust the NHS. Think they are fab, just don't want to wait such a long time. I have the same fears though. I'm worried they do measurements and aren't accurate but sounds like the clinic you will be going to are well trained. I am going to check out the credentials of the one i have booked further for peace of mind. Did you book up? Xx

[kt_11 in reply to Elou81]

Just booked it for next week. I’ll be 10+5 by then. I just want reassurance that all is ok. I’m happy to wait for the NHS scan for measurements etc x