No scan till 22 weeks, is that normal?

Question

I have just recived a letter from the hospital for my first appointment but have stated that NO scan will be done untill 19-22 weeks is that normal? surely a scan at 12 weeks is normal practice, i need to know there is a heartbeat and everything is ok! what shouldi do?

Answer 1

The scan they are referring to is the ultrasound and that is normally done between 19-22 weeks.

As for the heartbeat, most doctors check with a dopplar much earlier in the pregnancy, beginning at about 9-10 weeks, so I'm sure they will check you with the dopplar routinely.

Congrats!

Answer 2

I had several scans during my pregnancy(baby boy now three weeks old)
I had an early scan at 8 weeks preg because I had bleeding which turned out to be implantation bleeding or bleeding with no cause. Then I had a scan at 11 weeks as normal. Scan at 21 weeks for abnormalities. Then 2 further growth scans after that. I think it depends on your hospital/clinics protocol. Some do the scans before/after or around 19-22 weeks gestation. I thought you had a scan at 19 weeks and didnt get my appointment through until I was over and very nearly 22 weeks so dont worry.

Answer 3

Yes, a first scan at 22 weeks is completely normal. Reasons for scans earlier than 19-22 weeks would include unknown LMP, history of miscarriage, history of complications, heartbeat cannot be found via doppler in or after week 13, bleeding, etc. I've had 2 pregnancies where no scan was ordered, one pregnancy with one scan at 21 weeks, and now with this pregnancy I had a scan at 9 weeks to determine gestational age, at 14 weeks b/c doc couldn't find heartbeat, at 20 weeks to track baby's progress, and at 22 weeks b/c they couldn't get spine measurement at the 20 week scan. Before insisting on a scan, make sure your insurance will cover more than one. Many insurance companies will only cover a scan if there is a risk of complication, or will only cover one scan per pregnancy. Believe me, you do not want the bill for a scan...

Answer 4

Usually they only do a scan earlier then 19 weeks if something is going wrong, or they suspect somethings wrong, or they need to check dates. otherwise, they dont do one until 19 to 22 weeks. At 12 weeks, they can detect the heart beat on a doppler, so that will help ease your mind. I had an U/S at 6 weeks due to severe cramping, and then one at 13 weeks for the same thing, and then my routine scan at 19 weeks to check anatomy. I wont be having anymore unless they suspect something is wrong, but everything has been great! i wouldnt worry too much. Its common practice to only get one around 19 weeks.

Answer 5

Thats not normal. You should be having a scan at 12 weeks to check your baby is ok. Go up to your hospital an demand a scan!!

Answer 6

Ask! I had a scan at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and I've got another in a couple of days, at 22 weeks....

Answer 7

Is your first appt the day of your scan? If not, then they will be able to use the doppler to hear the baby's heartbeat. The 19-22wk scan is to insure the organs are present along with the size of the baby to determine a more accurate due date.

Answer 8

Have you had an early scan that they got your due date from some times if they do that they don't do a 12 week scan x

Answer 9

They can detect a heartbeat at 12 weeks with a doppler, you don't need a scan. Early scans are usually only done if there is question about dating, for example if you were unsure of your LMP date. They aren't really necessary.

Answer 10

You should have a scan at 12 weeks, because if you want the downs screening they can only do that between 11 - 16 weeks!! Just demand one!! It will put your mind at rest as well to know everything is okay..!!! Good luck..