Concerns around internal scan

Has anyone ever had concerns that an internal scan could affect pregnancy? We’re IVF (ICSI) and had a 6 week internal scan with our last pregnancy, and lost the baby shortly after. They were using a new machine and jabbed around for quite a while, leaving me uncomfortable following. Worse still I was on progesterone so I didn’t start to bleed until almost 12 weeks. We only knew when they scanned me because the doctor revealed she was looking at a 7 week old baby. It was heartbreaking. We’re pregnant again now on our third FET cycle and I’m really considering not having the internal scan, and waiting for the 12 week ultrasound. What are people’s thoughts? Has anyone experienced anything similar?

Show your support

I'm really sorry you've had that experience previously. The internal scan goes into your vagina and the cervix stops the probe from going into the uterus, so the baby is behind that cervix acting like a wall. I had 3 internal scans before my 12 week scan and everything was fine. I'm pretty sure an internal scan is standard at all IVF clinics round about 6-7 weeks, so I don't think it's cause and effect that it will harm the pregnancy, just really bad luck for you last time. Again I'm really sorry you have had that experience e

I would discuss your concerns with your dr. The early scans are to help determine if it is a viable pregnancy (correct placement and heartbeat). They help determine if baby is growing properly. I’m not sure your clinic would release you without having early scans. I know abdominal scans don’t pic everything up as well as internal scans. Your dr will be able to give you the best guidance. I’m sorry for your loss and wish you all the best and baby dust in the future.

Thank you so much for your reply, that’s really helpful ❤️ I’m just finding I’m so anxious this time round, it’s taken the joy and excitement away and I’m worried about every little thing I do x

I also had a missed miscarriage with an ivf icsi pregnancy. Same scenario, saw the baby and heartbeat at 6 weeks, went for my nhs scan at 12 weeks to find out I lost the baby shortly after. Early miscarriages are nearly always down to the complications with the foetus and not something external, they are so tiny and well protected in the womb. My next transfer I got pregnant again and she is now my 14 month old. But like you I did suffer terribly with anxiety that something could happen. I even booked in a private scan at 9 weeks to check it was all ok.

Thank you so much for your replies 💞 it honestly means so much to know i’m not alone. Thank you for your advice and support. I’m sorry to hear of your loss Danielle, but amazing news about your baby girl 🥰 I’m such an optimistic person normally and IVF have sent me the other way but hearing about positive outcomes always helps x

I am SO so sorry you had that experience. That’s heartbreaking! I’m almost 8 weeks pregnant after a FET, and I’ve had internal scans done every week to check on baby’s status and progress. My understanding is that once you’re pregnant the cervix closes, which is what protects the uterus and the baby behind that “cervix wall”. The ultrasound probe can’t go past that. But I would still talk with your doctor about the equipment they used— it sounds as though you had an inexperienced technician and while I don’t know if that process contributed to anything, I can definitely understand wanting to avoid a similar experience in the future. Sending love! 💗

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌