One of the things that people often comment on is how long you have to wait until your first official baby scan on the NHS. If you find out you’re pregnant around the time your period would be due, that scan could be another seven or eight weeks away. What feels like a lifetime when there’s a small person growing inside you! So, is it possible to have a scan in early pregnancy and should you do it? Ultimately, I can’t make that decision for you, but here are a few things to consider.

Can I request an early pregnancy scan on the NHS?

Unfortunately, early pregnancy scans are not something that you can request on the NHS unless you have a reason to believe that something is wrong with your pregnancy. Reasons why they might scan you would be signs of an ectopic pregnancy or unusual bleeding. If for any reason you are concerned about your pregnancy, call your local hospital or 111 and see if they will agree to see you at the Early Pregnancy Unit. The only other reason you may have an early scan on the NHS is if you have had fertility treatment.

So, what should I do if I want to be scanned before 12 weeks?

If you want to be scanned before 12 weeks and you don’t have a medical reason (other than pregnancy) for doing so, it is possible to get an early pregnancy scan at a private clinic. There are several private clinics in Solihull and Birmingham who will do early pregnancy scans, as well as extra scans or 4D scans later in pregnancy if this is something that interests you.

Is being scanned before 12 weeks a good idea? Why don’t the NHS do it?

There are no known risks to the child or mother being scanned before 12 weeks of pregnancy but it is generally only advised to get a scan if you have a medical need to do so. There are a few benefits of having a scan in early pregnancy though, things like:

• Providing definitive confirmation of the pregnancy by visually detecting the gestational sac, yolk sac, and the developing embryo. This confirmation can offer reassurance to expectant parents and enable them to begin planning for the months ahead.

• An early pregnancy scan is crucial for determining the location of the pregnancy. In rare cases, a fertilized egg can implant outside the uterus, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. This condition is potentially life-threatening if not detected early. By conducting an early scan, healthcare providers can ensure that the pregnancy is developing within the uterus. If an ectopic pregnancy is identified, immediate medical intervention can prevent serious complications.

• Early pregnancy scans can also assess the viability of the pregnancy by detecting the fetal heartbeat. By around 6 weeks, a heartbeat can often be seen on the ultrasound, providing reassurance that the embryo is developing normally. In some cases, the absence of a heartbeat might indicate a miscarriage or a non-viable pregnancy. While this news is undoubtedly difficult to receive, early detection allows for appropriate medical management and emotional support.

• An early scan can reveal if a woman is carrying more than one baby. Identifying multiple pregnancies early on is crucial as it places the pregnancy in a higher-risk category. Twin or multiple pregnancies require more frequent monitoring and specialized care to manage potential complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Knowing about a multiple pregnancy from the outset allows healthcare providers to tailor their care and advice accordingly.

• The emotional benefits of an early pregnancy scan should not be underestimated. The first weeks of pregnancy can be a time of great anxiety, especially for first-time mothers or those who have experienced previous pregnancy complications. Seeing the developing embryo and hearing its heartbeat can provide immense reassurance and joy. This emotional boost can be particularly significant for mothers experiencing anxiety or uncertainty.

When can I get an early pregnancy scan?

Usually, the earliest you can get an early pregnancy scan is from six weeks of pregnancy. The earlier on in pregnancy you are, the more chance there is that they will need to do a transvaginal ultrasound. This means that they will do the scan via your vagina rather than over your stomach like you see on TV.

Where can I get an early pregnancy scan in Solihull or Birmingham?

Depending on whether you’re having your scan on the NHS or not will depend on where you can go. NHS hospitals that have Early Pregnancy Units include:

• Birmingham Women’s Hospital

• Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham

• Warwick Hospital

It is currently very common for women in Solihull to go to Warwick Hospital to have their babies as the unit at Solihull Hospital is not open and the Midwife Led Unit at Heartlands is also closed.

If you want to pay for a private scan, you have a few options:

• Cherished Moments, Hobs Moat, Solihull

• MUMS, 1 Park Avenue, Solihull

• Hey Baby Birmingham, 1223 Warwick Road, Acocks Green

• Hey Baby Solihull, 5 Oxhill Road, Shirley

These clinics will often offer other scans as well, such as being able to find out the sex of the baby before your 20-week scan or having a 4D scan later in your pregnancy.

If at any point you are concerned for yourself or your baby, please seek medical advice.

If you want more information on being pregnant in Solihull and Birmingham, check out my Ultimate Pregnancy Guide. Available now on my freebies page.