why scan ar 12 weeks???

[mom and ttc]

Why do most of you don't get to have a scan until 12 weeks? Where do you live, and why so late. With my daughter I had my first scan at 7w4d and this time I will be 8w3d.

 

[Mrsctobe]

In the uk you have your first scan around 12weeks. because then the baby has all its limbs/body parts so it much better to do a scan at that stage.
With my first my first scan was at 16weeks.

 

[kat2504]

Scans are performed at 12 weeks for several reasons.
1) unless you are having a threatened miscarriage there is no medical reason to do a scan any earlier. Scans cost money, so scanning all women at 8 weeks would be money wasted.

2) The NT test for downs screening can best be carried out at 12 weeks.

3) This doesn't sound nice, but it is true. Most miscarriages have happened by 12 weeks. It spares a lot of women from seeing a heartbeat on a scan at 7 weeks and then losing that baby a couple of weeks later.

 

[sofiasmommy]

I live in Greece and they scan you pretty much every 2 weeks. Its good and bad, I didnt need the 5 week scan that showed no heartbeat and made me so worried. I DID need the 6 week scan that did show a heartbeat and completely reassured me though . I had my first child in the UK and i quite liked the system.

 

[Mindy_mini]

Scans are performed at 12 weeks for several reasons.
1) unless you are having a threatened miscarriage there is no medical reason to do a scan any earlier. Scans cost money, so scanning all women at 8 weeks would be money wasted.

2) The NT test for downs screening can best be carried out at 12 weeks.

3) This doesn't sound nice, but it is true. Most miscarriages have happened by 12 weeks. It spares a lot of women from seeing a heartbeat on a scan at 7 weeks and then losing that baby a couple of weeks later.

WSS. It's all down to cost effectiveness!

 

[kat2504]

every 2 weeks in Greece? That is crazy! Is that out of public healthcare funds? No wonder their country is in a financial mess!

I agree with the UK system. A normal uncomplicated pregnancy only needs the 12 and 20 week ultrasound.

 

[sofiasmommy]

every 2 weeks in Greece? That is crazy! Is that out of public healthcare funds? No wonder their country is in a financial mess!

I agree with the UK system. A normal uncomplicated pregnancy only needs the 12 and 20 week ultrasound.

there are so many reasons for that! the system here is pretty good, apart from the million scans.for instance you get to see a gynecologist each time.

 

[Mrsctobe]

hy would you need to see a gyne alot?

 

[sofiasmommy]

i dont think you "need" to, but for instance ive got a history of bad pap smears and pcos and its nice to have a specialist watching out for you

 

[mom and ttc]

In the US you see gynecologist every visit I would never go to a midwife. But I want a scan earlier to reassure me and I and with tricare, you pay for health insurance you have the right to see your baby.

 

[kat2504]

No, you have the right to health care. The purpose of scans is not to give you a sneaky peek at the baby. I loved having my scans and it is great to see the baby, but a scan before 12 weeks has no medical necessity in most cases.

Pregnancy is not an illness. Midwives are great for uncomplicated low risk pregnancies and really there isn't a need to see a specialist obgyn unless you are not in the uncomplicated low risk category. Obviously there are different systems in different countries but I think there is sometimes too much over medicalisation of what is not an illness. Good antenatal care is very important, but in my opinion that doesn't mean seeing a consultant for every visit and having two scans a month.

 

[babybrums]

I live in the US and am seeing a midwife - just curious why you would never see on mom and ttc. My midwife is so much more informative than my previous OB/GYN.

Both the OB/GYN and midwife at the practice I go to do ultrasounds at 16-20 weeks. Since this is my third pregnancy (first two ended in miscarriage), I asked to have one when I go in this Friday (I'll be 9w4d).

 

[spidey]

I'm in the US and see a midwife too. I've never seen an OB for either of my pregnancies. We get a 20 week scan and if you ask, I think you can convince them to give you a 12 week one too.

 

[MountainDoula]

I'm considering not having any scans at all. I'm going to read up a lot more on them first, anyway. I have heard that the sound upsets the baby.

 

[MountainDoula]

No, you have the right to health care. The purpose of scans is not to give you a sneaky peek at the baby. I loved having my scans and it is great to see the baby, but a scan before 12 weeks has no medical necessity in most cases.

Pregnancy is not an illness. Midwives are great for uncomplicated low risk pregnancies and really there isn't a need to see a specialist obgyn unless you are not in the uncomplicated low risk category. Obviously there are different systems in different countries but I think there is sometimes too much over medicalisation of what is not an illness. Good antenatal care is very important, but in my opinion that doesn't mean seeing a consultant for every visit and having two scans a month.

Woot woot! Love it. Thanks. Well said.

 

[sofiasmommy]

No, you have the right to health care. The purpose of scans is not to give you a sneaky peek at the baby. I loved having my scans and it is great to see the baby, but a scan before 12 weeks has no medical necessity in most cases.

Pregnancy is not an illness. Midwives are great for uncomplicated low risk pregnancies and really there isn't a need to see a specialist obgyn unless you are not in the uncomplicated low risk category. Obviously there are different systems in different countries but I think there is sometimes too much over medicalisation of what is not an illness. Good antenatal care is very important, but in my opinion that doesn't mean seeing a consultant for every visit and having two scans a month.

Woot woot! Love it. Thanks. Well said.

I never said that this is the right thing, I was just saying that this is how it is here. No need to get all up in arms! Having had my first in the UK i can say that there are pros and cons to the system. Pros? everything is for free! Midwives are kind of a more laid back system, friendlier and less intimidating, less clinical i suppose. Being relaxed is vital in these cases, and some of the midwives I had were simply amazing!

Cons. During my labour, which turned out to be a disaster, there were no doctors around and it took them 24 hours to decide i needed an emergency section, and by then i was literally dying. I dont blame the midwives but I do wish it had been different. i was quite badly affected by the experience and taking care of my baby, breastfeeding etc was difficult to say the least. also, i have had gynecological problems in the past and having a consultant who knows my history and has been my doctor since i was 17 is a great comfort to me. but thats just me!

I think scans this often is pointless, unless there is a valid medical reason. It onle adds extra worry. also, although they appear safe, they havent been conclusively proven to be entirely safe for the baby.

so please, there is no need to get all up in arms. i was just saying that this is how it is here.

 

[bubbywings]

Where I live you get scanned at first appointment for me at 6 weeks. Then I had four more throughout my last pregnancy 2 before 16 weeks then 26 then 36.

 

[biliboi2]

Its not free in the UK! We pay for it, over and above, through tax and National Insuarance.

 

[sofiasmommy]

Its not free in the UK! We pay for it, over and above, through tax and National Insuarance.

yes, i mean you dont pay EXTRA

 

[kat2504]

Each country's system has it's pros and cons. I firmly believe that "free at the point of use" is the fairest system though.