Not having an early scan

Das Kitty

We're in Galway, so an early (12wk) scan is not part of the package here.

Last time we paid for one privately, but this time money is a bit tight as we have house repairs we need to get done.

I'll be getting dopplered in 5-6 weeks time at the GPs. But I'm wondering what the potential pitfalls of not having the 10-12 week scan are?

I think what brought this on was the fact that I had a dream that I was going to have twins last night. :eek: It's pretty unlikely as there is no history on either side and my tummy isn't too big yet.

Thoughts?

(BTW, I'm not too sentimental about scans, so that wouldn't be a factor for me)

meggysmom

From my experience the 12 week scan is important for dating the pregnancy properly,docs seem to go by scan more than dates as we all may ovulate at different times of the month.I'm suprised a dating scan is not normal part of your prenatal care but i'm aware things vary from hospitals!

Das Kitty

They changed my due date 3 times on the last one at later stages, so I don't really think it'll make that much difference.

I think last time what I liked about it was that I was able to say that, so far, everything was going according to plan.

I must actually check my medical insurance to see if it's covered.

meggysmom

Yes peace of mind is also important,I had a early scan at 8 weeks with due date of april 8th,at my 12 weeks scan they changed that to april 6th and said that one is more accurate at that stage but I do find doctors/nurses and technitions seem to all have varying opinions on this!!!

lazygal

We got one both times for dating. I'm an odd ovulator so it was for our own planning, plus the reassurance of seeing the heartbeat was lovely.

galah

I'd say just to establish whether it's twins, or (heaven forbid) ectopic, for example.

I found it highly annoying and potentially dangerous that you don't get the early scan here - thankfully, I got one when I went home, and my GP here also has an ultrasound and she was happy to give me quick check at 12 weeks.

Galway (well, UHG) really is abysmally behind other count(r)ies in antenatal care ;-(

foxy06

no early scans in holles street either. i got one privately the last two mostly for dating though.

lazygal

I thought Holles St did a mini quick scan at the booking appointment? I've heard some hospitals now don't do routine anomaly scans at all. World class maternity care my ass.

highly1111

lazygal wrote: »

I thought Holles St did a mini quick scan at the booking appointment? .

This is true. I'm on my 3rd pregnancy with HS and I've always had a mini-scan at my first appointments (public system)

January

No early scan on my second or third (no scan at all on my third until I presented in hospital with broken waters but... we won't talk about that as it's not the norm :eek: ).

If I could have afforded it I would have gotten it done though!

foxy06

Actually i should say i was with the bray clinic but under holles street so only offered the 20 week scan. they may give mini scans if u attend the hospital for booking.