first scan anxiety! Please say something positive

[QueenKoala]

i have my first scan today (13wks 1 day), i am very anxious.. i keep thinking ridiculous things like they are going to say there is no baby etc. and am horrified thinking about birth defects and chromosomal abnormalities.. any help/advice?

[BlessednFavoured]

Hey Queen Koala,

I can definitely relate to the anxiety and worry. I felt the same, possibly worse. Today you will be reassured that all is well. Try to enjoy the day and think positively. Anxiety definitely detracts. Reassure yourself that all is well. Xx

[MrsOrangejuice]

It's very common and understandable - someone on here named it 'scanxiety' I feel it with every scan, but especially the early ones in the first pregnancy - I kept imagining what terrible things they were going to tell me, or that I may see on the screen. I'm quite far into my second pregnancy that's lasted beyond 3 months and even yesterday I was worrying that the baby's movements were reduced and that something was wrong. Then a couple of anxious hours later the little b*gger work up from her long nap or whatever and danced around. I'm not sure any mum is totally free of these doubts and worries as it's a lot of pressure to carry something so precious in your body whilst it's also so far out of your control.

Breathe. Tell the sonographer beforehand how you're feeling and they may be able to help a bit. And try to concentrate on the odds which are actually that everything will be fine instead of worrying over the very small chance that something may be wrong. It won't change the outcome, just may give you a bit of peace. For a period of time after each scan where things were ok, I felt hugely reassured and amazed at what my body had achieved. I hope you get that same reassurance x

[QueenKoala]

thank you both, everything went smoothly. He did poke my tummy really hard to get the tight angles and it aches a bit but so relieved