Can I Have Scans Every Week During Pregnancy if I'm Worried?

Pregnancy is an exciting, yet sometimes anxious, time for many expectant parents. As you approach the third trimester, it’s natural to have more concerns about the health and wellbeing of your baby, and one common question is whether you can have antenatal scans every week if you’re feeling worried. The reassurance that comes from seeing your baby during an antenatal scan is incredibly comforting, especially if you’re feeling unsure about your pregnancy or have specific concerns. But can you request weekly scans? Let’s explore the ins and outs of antenatal care and the options available to you during this critical time of pregnancy.

What Are Antenatal Scans and Why Are They Important?

Antenatal scans are an essential part of your pregnancy care and are offered at various stages during your pregnancy. These scans allow healthcare providers to monitor your baby’s growth, position, and overall health, and they’re typically carried out through ultrasound technology. Antenatal scans are used to confirm your baby’s due date, monitor their growth, check for any abnormalities, and ensure that the pregnancy is progressing as expected.

In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) offers a number of antenatal scans throughout pregnancy, including the dating scan, anomaly scan, and growth scans during the third trimester. These appointments form part of your regular antenatal appointments and are crucial for ensuring both you and your baby are in good health.

However, it’s completely understandable to feel anxious, particularly as your due date draws near, and many expectant mothers wonder if they can request more frequent scans to ease their worries. Let’s look at the factors that influence the frequency of antenatal scans.

The Standard Antenatal Scan Schedule

In a typical pregnancy, most women in the UK will receive three key antenatal scans:

The Dating Scan (Around 8-14 weeks): This scan confirms your due date and checks for a viable pregnancy.

The Anomaly Scan (Around 18-21 weeks): This is a detailed scan that checks the development of the baby and identifies any potential issues, such as structural abnormalities.

The Growth Scan (Around 36 weeks): This scan checks the baby’s growth, position, and amniotic fluid levels, and helps assess if there are any concerns such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

For most pregnancies, these scans are sufficient for tracking the health of your baby. However, additional scans may be required depending on various factors.

Can You Request Weekly Antenatal Scans?

While you may not be able to have a scan every week just because you’re feeling worried (unless you are in private care), you do have options to ensure that your concerns are addressed. The frequency of antenatal scans and other antenatal checkups is generally determined by medical necessity.

In some cases, additional scans can be arranged if there are valid reasons for concern, such as:

Medical Concerns: If you have pre-existing medical conditions such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, your doctor may suggest more frequent monitoring through additional antenatal scans and checkups.

Growth Concerns: If your baby’s growth is a concern (for example, if they are not growing as expected), your healthcare provider may recommend extra growth scans to keep track of their development. These are typically scheduled every few weeks, depending on the situation.

Movement Concerns: If you notice a significant decrease in your baby’s movements, it’s essential to contact your antenatal clinic immediately. Your doctor or midwife might arrange an extra scan to check on the baby’s wellbeing. Regular monitoring may be advised if there are concerns about the baby’s health.

Previous Pregnancy Complications: If you’ve had complications in previous pregnancies, such as preeclampsia, premature birth, or stillbirth, you may be offered additional scans to ensure everything is progressing safely.

While you may not receive weekly scans as a standard, your healthcare provider will take any concerns you have seriously and provide additional tests or scans as necessary. If you are worried, don’t hesitate to express your concerns to your midwife or doctor—they will work with you to develop a plan that addresses your needs.

Antenatal Support Beyond Scans

Sometimes, the reassurance you need doesn’t just come from an antenatal scan, but from a combination of antenatal support that includes mental and emotional care. Pregnancy can be a stressful experience, and anxiety is not uncommon during the final trimester. Here are a few options for prenatal care beyond just scans:

1. Antenatal Appointments

Regular visits to your doctor or midwife during the third trimester are crucial for monitoring your pregnancy and answering any concerns. During these appointments, your healthcare provider will measure your baby’s growth, check your blood pressure, and assess your general health. In many cases, regular antenatal checkups can offer peace of mind.

2. Antenatal Yoga

Prenatal yoga has been shown to reduce stress and improve physical well-being, and it could be a great way to manage anxiety as you approach your due date. Pregnancy yoga classes are designed to improve flexibility, promote relaxation, and help manage pain, all of which can be incredibly helpful during your third trimester. Antenatal yoga can help you feel more in tune with your body, reduce worries, and prepare you mentally for childbirth. If you’re interested, you can find pregnancy yoga classes at local yoga studios or online.

3. Antenatal Massage

Pregnancy massage offers numerous benefits, including relief from muscle tension, improved circulation, and reduced anxiety. This type of massage is especially beneficial in the third trimester when your body may be under additional strain due to weight gain and the physical changes of pregnancy. Pregnancy massage benefits include relaxation, easing discomfort, and helping you feel more connected to your body.

4. Antenatal Education and Classes

Engaging in antenatal education through classes can help you feel more prepared for birth. Many antenatal classes cover topics such as labour, breastfeeding, newborn care, and postpartum health. These classes are not only educational but also provide a space for expectant parents to share experiences and reduce feelings of isolation or worry. If you’re looking for antenatal classes near me, your antenatal clinic or local hospital may offer free or paid classes.

When Should You Seek More Antenatal Support?

If you are feeling especially anxious about your pregnancy, it’s important to know that your healthcare team is there to provide support. Here are some signs that you might benefit from more antenatal support or additional scans:

Increased anxiety or stress about the health of your baby.

Changes in fetal movement that concern you.

Physical symptoms, such as severe swelling, headaches, or vision changes, that could indicate a complication like preeclampsia.

A history of pregnancy complications that require additional monitoring.

If any of these issues arise, don’t hesitate to reach out to your midwife, doctor, or antenatal clinic. They will offer guidance and may arrange for extra tests, such as scans or blood pressure monitoring, to give you peace of mind.

While it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to have weekly antenatal scans simply for reassurance, your concerns are valid, and your healthcare provider will work with you to ensure that you receive the appropriate care. Whether through more frequent antenatal checkups, additional scans for growth concerns, or other forms of antenatal support, the goal is always to keep you and your baby healthy.

Pregnancy can bring up a range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety, and it’s important to address any worries with your healthcare team. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you need more reassurance, whether through antenatal scans, additional monitoring, or simply extra support. By staying engaged with your antenatal care, attending your appointments, and seeking out additional resources like antenatal yoga or prenatal massage, you’ll be better prepared for the final stretch of pregnancy and for the birth of your baby.