thread: dating scans - when best to have one?

  1. #1
    Registered User
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    Mar 2008
    still on the teaching contract roundabout
    1,952

    Question dating scans - when best to have one?

    Okay, so I'm pg but I'm not sure of my dates. (And GP didn't do bloods when I got a referral)

    I wasn't charting properly so I'm not 100% sure of when ovulation was. I suspect it was the last few days of July though, going on CM. If I go by my LMP I'm about 6wks+3days, if I go by my "averaged" cycle length of 37 days (cycle before this one was 71 days) I'm about 5wks+1. That's just using the standard 14 day LP. Before DS was born I had a 12 day LP. This time I'm not sure as I've still been BFing DS and I wasn't charting due to his random morning wake-ups.

    I've got a referral for a dating scan for my Obs but was wondering when I would be best attempting to book to have it. I need to have the scan before 15 Sept as that's when my first appt is booked but depending on my dating scan that appt might change.

    Should I be waiting another week so I'd definitely be in a 6wk+ timeframe (so not this week 22/8-26/8 but next week 29/8-2/9)? When is it best to go for a dating scan 6 / 7 weeks etc? I know I only had one at my first appt for DS but I was clear about my EDD for him.

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Aug 2010
    Gold Coast
    965

    Hey babe, congrats I would wait and get it done at approx 6-7 weeks. You should see a hb then and everything. I hate going earlier jic I don't see a hb straight away.
    GL!!!!
    Xx

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    Perth
    3,686

    I had mine at 7 weeks and the heartbeat was clear as day I was told 7 weeks by my GP and the ultrasound clinic for that very reason. They said the measurements are most accurate around then for dating purposes too.

    With my first pregnancy, I had my first scan at my OBs office at 10 weeks but my first official scan at the ultrasound clinic wasn't until 12 weeks.

    Good luck

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Aug 2010
    Perth
    609

    Congratulations
    I would also suggest waiting till you are 7 weeks. At the ultrasound clinic I used to work at so many patients had to come back for a repeat scan because they came to early to detect a heartbeat. The sonographers I worked with used to say at least 6 weeks, but better if you can wait till 7.
    Good luck

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jul 2004
    Perth
    1,864

    Congratulations I was pregnant with an april 11 baby so it brings back memories of me being as pregnant as you are this time last year nawwwwwwww.

    7 wks is the best time to have a dating scan, i would go off your LMP dates and then add a week to be sure since your cycle has been so long