I also waited until my 18-20 week scan for both of my pregnancies. I didn't have the dating scan before the 8 weeks as I knew I was pregnant and approx how far along as my period is very predictable.
I also chose not to have the 12 week scan as I was not going to abort the baby if s/he had any abnormalities (i.e. Down Syndrome etc) unless they were so incredibly severe that they were "incompatible with life" which should show up at the 18 week scan. I just couldn't do it and I knew myself well enough to know that. I also did not want to go through the stress at such a precious time as I knew the 12 week scans can be very inaccurate. TBH, I didn't even ask my DH's opinion about whether he agreed (which thankfully he did when I explained my reasoning).
If you are happy with your decision, then it doesn't matter what others say/think. I believe I made the right choice for ME.
From my experience, friends who haven't had the 12 scan have done so because they will keep the baby no matter what. For me, I have it because to date I haven't been offered a scan beforehand so it was the first real chance for me to see I was pregnant (I dont have blood test to confirm either). It's your choice and I find it odd that people feel they should judge you on that. But everyone seems to have an opinion about everything in pregnancy (usually from people who are not pregnant)!
I do have a family member who was advised NOT to have the 12 week because she was 23 and had a healthy bub, but unfortunately at the 18 week they discovered severe brain damage and the baby died at 38 weeks (would've killed the mother to birth him they later found out). I find that totally neglegent as it wasnt' her choice not to have the 12 week but the Dr's choice. She would've aborted early on too.
Stick to your guns and don't let others questioning deter you xo
Stick to what you are comfortable with. Some people have no scans at all so don't feel pressured. I was content with no scans or just the 18 week one but my husband really wanted the peace of mind from getting the results of the 12 week scan so I decided to do the two. I declined the use of the doppler for my pregnancy too.
Maybe read this article to reassure yourself of the decision you have made (mods I trust this link is okay as it's a media site?). Ultrasound Scans - Cause for Concern?
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