how many weeks were you when you had your first u/s scan on the NHS?

Question

I've already asked this question but only got a few answers. I'm currently in my 15th week and in a week i go to America for 3 weeks so i'm looking at having my first scan at about 19 weeks (if i'm lucky!) I'm just wondering if anyone else had a similar experience with the NHS?

Answer 1

I had a dating scan at 12 weeks, and then a more detailed scan at 20 weeks.

Answer 2

NHS- UK national health service.

Scans- it depends where you live and whether your preganacy is straightforward or not. In London, for example, you get a routine scan at 12 weeks and 20 weeks (for dating and anomalies, respectively.) In Scotland, you get a 12 week one, but not a 20 week, and in Bristol, and most parts of the country, in fact , you get the 20 week, but not the 12. The 12 week scan, to be honest, is not all that useful, unless you have no idea when the baby was conceived, as it can't show up anything much; the 20 week, or 19 or 21- thereabouts- is essential, and it is shocking that they do not offer it in some parts of the country, as this is when you can see if there are any problems and be prepared for them if there are. It is very detailed.

However, if the pregnancy is problematic, as my second one was, or if you have had problems in the past, such as miscarriages or fetal abnormalities, you will be offered additional scans- I had one at 7 weeks, as I was extremely sick, then the 12 and 20 weeks, and also a growth scan at around 30 weeks.

Does that answer your question?

You can, of course, have scans privately, if you are happy to pay for them, but really, if you are feeling OK, and the midwives have not recommended otherwise, the 20 weeks one is the only one you really need.

Answer 3

I have had a baby in Cornwall and am 28 weeks with my second in Scotland. The times at which you can expect to have your scans vary by the NHS trusts policy where you live unfortunately. With my 1st pregnancy we only had one, which was the 20 week anomally scan and that was it for the whole pregnancy. They changed policy between me having me 1st and getting pregnant again and they now give you a dating scan at 12 weeks and the anomally scan at 20 weeks. However, I have heard of some places in the UK as refusing to book people in with their midwife until they are 13 weeks at least, and if they have any probs up until then they are under their GP. You need to check what the NHS policy is in your area, as it may be that they don't do 12 week scans and solely do the 20 week anomally scan for a low risk pregnancy. The suggestion of the woman in america sounds good though - its always reassuring to see the ultra sounds, maybe give that a try if your desperate? good luck and if your not happy with your pre-natal care - go to your GP and tell them

Answer 4

The standard used to be 16 weeks but that changed a while back to between 8 and 12 weeks.



My sonographer is also a friend (I used to teach her son ) and she said it was to do with government statistics. If people decide to abort then it comes under a different category if done before 12 weeks so Local Health Authorities are able to play with their figures and make it look like their abortion rate is coming down.



Anyway, where I live most women get their first scan at 11 weeks but I had one at 6, 8, 12, 20 and 24 weeks due to having 3 miscarriages.



Like others have said, the routine ones are 12 weeks (dating) and 20 weeks (detailed)

Answer 5

I had my first scan at what around 10 weeks, but that was only because I had a spot of bleeding. I then had the usual 12 week dating scan, which dated me at 11w 5d.



My next scan will be at 16 weeks, the doctor wanted to get a better idea of my exact date as I think I should be a week further on than what I was dated at.



I was told only to expect one scan at 12 weeks, and in our area not to get one a 20 weeks, so I know I'm getting more than the average for my area.

Answer 6

I found out late that i was pregnant and i wanted to check everything was ok with the baby. i got told i would have a scan asap but i ended up waiting 3 week. i was around 20 weeks and all i did is KEEP ringing and bugging the place where i was due to have my scan, i seriously rung every 2 hour and i ended up having my scan the next day and my 2nd scan a week later. If you stay adoment at them they should get you in asap.

You might feel annoying (i did) but its better to know your babies safe.

Good luck with the NHS!!

Answer 7

NHS is based in the UK for others out of UK don't know what it means, but ths is our national health service based in the UK and in short everyone here pronounces it the NHS.



Here in the UK we are given 2 scans 1 is at approximatley 12 weeks and the 2nd one is at about 20 weeks. If any problems identified in this scan then they offer you further scans.



Good Luck and enjoy your trip to America.

Answer 8

12 weeks. I remember i went for an appoint around 6 weeks though which was when they booked the scan for me.

15th week? omg you need to call your maternity unit or midwife and speak with someone i had already had 2 scans by that time. NHS really does such when it comes to maternity care. Worst experience of my pregnancy if I'm honest.

Answer 9

The nhs are running behind on scan at the moment but you need to speak with your midwife asap and tell her you need a scan before you go away and she should be able to do this.



Normally you have a scan around 12+ weeks depends how busy they are but honest if you talk to midwife and explain she will get you in asap.

Answer 10

It's a 50/50 situation. Either you are suffering from a misscarriage, which I did @ 13 weeks in 2006, or it could be considered normal for you. My last pregnancy in 2008, I experienced spotting up through the 16th week. I was pregnant with twins, but one demised. Therefore, the spotting I feel was due to the demise of the twin - I delivered one healthy baby girl in June. Currently, I am 8 weeks 3 days pregnant without any difficulties. Whew, as I was fearful the entire 9 months during my last pregnancy. Good Luck to you and I pray your symptoms resolve & you continue a healthy pregnancy.

Answer 11

I had one at 8 weeks. My doctor had an old archaic machine in his office that he used to measure for dates. Didn't show much except a whole lot of fuzz and what looked like it could have been a jelly bean. The standard one is don between 19 and 20 weeks. Shows a whole lot more. Get a 3D ultrasound done if you can afford it! You can see your baby's facial features! They even give you a DVD of the whole scan to take home with you. It's awesome!

Answer 12

i had 2 early scans as i prev miscarried. i had 1 at 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks (14 weeks is 1st 1 if not previous probs). 14 weeks is the dating scan. i read everywhere about 20 week anomaly scan but i was advised by midwife it depends where u live and whats avail and in my area 14 week scan is all u get. i think this is terrible and have booked private 4d scan at 27 weeks!!!

Answer 13

My scheduled NHS scans were at 12 weeks and 23 weeks but I did also have extras at 7.4 weeks and 10 weeks at the early pregnancy unit of my hospital due to complications.



I now have to have fortnightly scans due to risk markers for pre-eclampsia and/or IGUR at my 23 week scan - Kings is a research centre for fetal medicine.



It was my midwife I waited ages to see, didn't see her until I was almost 14 weeks!

Answer 14

the first scan you get is a dating scan this is to work out roughly how far on you are and then you will be given a definate due date

you will then have a scan at 20 weeks this is to check that the baby is fine and that there are no abnormalaties and if they can see at the time they will also tell you the sex of your baby

Answer 15

I don't know what NHS is. And maybe others don't either so that's why you aren't getting many answers. I'm 36 weeks pregnant and I have had 4 ultrasounds and have another one on Tuesday. With my 1st, I had 5 ultrasounds all together.



Thank you all for telling me what NHS is. Sorry, I didn't know. I'm in California, USA. I have a great doctor who does an ultrasound whenever she wants to and I don't have to wait. I did have my big 20 week at an ultrasound lab.



FYI: While here in America, you can find a school where they are teaching students on how to do ultrasounds and pay only $35.00 to find out what you are having, if you want. Good luck!

Answer 16

i had my first scan at 5 weeks because of a previous miscarriage. But the normal time is a 12weeks dating scan. I had one at 12weeks and one at 19 weeks. You really should have had a scan at 12weeks. I would tell your midwife you are going away and would like a scan before hand.

Answer 17

First was at 5 weeks

Second was at 15 weeks

Third was at 22 weeks

I have a 3/d 4/d ultrasound on the 22 of april so another one at 27 weeks

Congrats on the pregnancy!!!!!!!

Answer 18

I had my first u/s at 12 weeks and a second one yesterday at 21 weeks. But they are able to tell if the baby is a boy or girl at 18 or more weeks I believe.

Answer 19

i had a dating scan at 12 weeks

Answer 20

the nhs gave me mine at 11 weeks and 2 days i got another one at 21 weeks and 2 days i am currently 18 weeks and 3 days

Answer 21

you should of had a dating scan at 8 - 12 weeks and your big scan at 18 - 22 weeks. xxx

Answer 22

I had an initial u/s at 11 weeks to confirm the due date, gestational age, and to do a pre-screening test for down's syndrome and other mental problems. Then at 21 weeks to find out gender and check anatomy.



You should shoot for getting it at 20 weeks or a little later if you want to find out the gender, though.

Answer 23

I believe the average is 20 weeks, I had my first earlier than 20 because I'd been in a car accident. The later the better, you can see more!!

Answer 24

12 weeks

Answer 25

My 1st scan was at 12 weeks, 2nd scan at 24 weeks. (london)

Answer 26

had dating scan at week 14 and an anomoly scan at week 20 - I live in scotland

Answer 27

well i had mine done at.... 8 weeks 12 weeks 14 weeks 16 weeks 19 weeks and 21 weeks.... ill be having another one in 3 weeks....

Answer 28

you only get 2 routine scans. one at 12wks and one at 20wks.



if you have any problems in between, they may check it out with an ultrasound.



i had one at 5wks due to bleeding and a previous m/m, then my 12wks, then 20wks, then 28wks - which was really a kidney scan due to suspected kidney stones but they showed me my baby too - and one at 33wks as they thought i had a ruptured placenta

Answer 29

i had 1st scan @13wks+6days

2nd scan @20wks+5days



get in touch with your midwife to chase it up sooner

Answer 30

11 weeks for me, then 19 weeks.

At 19 weeks you'll get a great picture !!!

Good luck xxx

Answer 31

NHS- NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE



I got my first at 9 wks ! :)