7 week scan - what to expect?

So I booked myself a seven week scan (which is next Thursday) with a private company called window to the womb - this is to help reassure my worries ahead of any official NHS appointments planned in. The email I have from the company says the following:

‘If you are less than 10 weeks pregnant on your appointment day, national guidance issued to the NHS is to complete the scan transvaginally. This allows us to better visualise small structures very early in pregnancy and provide more accurate diagnostic results. You have the right to decline a transvaginal scan however this may prevent us from obtaining conclusive results. The dignity of our clients is our highest priority and you will be covered throughout the scan. Please consider wearing two piece clothing for your scan.’

Has anyone had something like this before? I have to admit I’m a bit squeamish and nervous based on the wording! 🙉

Would love to hear about people’s experiences - ideally positive ones 😆😅

[LondontoSeoul]

I’m doing my first scan with them this weekend

Transvirginal scan is done at the earlier stage as normal ultrasound scan doesn’t catch the image that well as the baby is too tiny at this stage

[cmbxm]

I’ve had a transvaginal scan before, it doesn’t hurt, it’s just a wand that goes into your vagina, feels like a little pressure but doesn’t hurt, you just need to relax, not tense and breathe through it, you’re also probably going to need a very full bladder to get a clear image xx

[Keepingfaith85]

I had to have this type of scan all the while with ivf, it's absolutely fine and doesn't hurt at all. Enjoy your scan 😊💕

[Niki_B]

Being through years of IVF I've done LOTS of transvaginal scans, to check ovaries and in early pregnancy. Its completely fine. The wand is small (I even have a nickname for it "wanda" 🤣🤣) and it's not really uncomfortable at all. Once you see your little bean on the screen you'll forget all about Wanda 😉 its only a couple minutes too. You'll be fine 😊Congrats on your pregnancy and all the best for your scan xx

[Hidden]

I had IVF and have had lots of transvaginal scans. They are absolutely fine. Sometimes they can be a tad uncomfortable but they don’t hurt x

[Afrohair]

I’ve booked with them next week nothing to worry about

[Kyell2]

I used them for my 7 week scan and a few others. They were fab and so reassuring.

I think because mine was an IVF pregnancy I just assumed it would be transvaginal as that’s what I’d had throughout. It’s nothing to worry about and not painful. They have a screen that you change behind and wrap a bedsheet around you and then lie on the bed.

Good luck 😊

[ChrissyR85]

Hi Emma, I’ve also decided to go for a private scan and il be 7 weeks by the time it comes round. I know they can do that, but where I’m going they are just scanning me normally. I know I might not see much, but at least il get to hear the heartbeat, it’s just more for my reassurance xxx

[Hidden in reply to ChrissyR85]

Thanks Chrissy! Hope you’re appt goes well too - when’s your one? Xxx

[ChrissyR85 in reply to Hidden]

Next Friday. I’m actually so excited, also got my ‘booking appointment’ this morning over the phone, I thought it would have been weeks away yet. So I feel so much better after it! Good luck 💕xxx

[Rox1388]

I had a private scan with the same company at 7 weeks and first they scanned my abdomen which they were able to pick up baby and heartbeat, the sonographer then asked if I wanted a transvaginal one as its clearer at that stage so if you feel anxious about it you can always ask them to check tummy first.

I’ve previously had IVF so it wasn’t something that phased me but like the other ladies said if they do it that way it isn’t uncomfortable at all and it’s something they do everyday. Good luck xx

[Hidden in reply to Rox1388]

That’s a good idea, thank you!

[Esbaeruth]

I had a private scan at 7 weeks and it was done abdominally, I just had to have a really full bladder! Honestly think a transvaginal scan might be less uncomfortable than having someone press hard on your full bladder haha! I had a pretty clear image too so I would suggest going with a full bladder and then if they suggest transvaginal you can always just go for a wee and do it that way good luck- everything will be fine x