Pros and cons of a transvaginal U/S?

Question

TW; mention of sexual abuse
I'm planning on going for my first scan at 8 weeks and 2 days. My referral is for an abdominal but they offer a transvaginal as well and I know that it'll show a lot more and I'll get to hear the heartbeat but with a history of sexual abuse I'm on the fence about having somebody down there and inserting something. I know once it comes time to deliver those fears will need to go out the window but for now I'm not sure how to keep my nerves and anxiety in check so I can do the transvaginal ultrasound. Any advice is appreciated, as well as pros and cons of doing the transvaginal. ☺️

Answer

When I had my transvaginal the u/s tech had me put it in myself, it may help if you ask to do the same. Once it's in they move it around slowly until they find the baby then they will keep it in that one spot to take some pictures. You'll be able to see the screen which should help to keep you focused on your bundle of joy instead of the task at hand.  Then they may check around to make sure theres no problems. It doesn't take long and for me it wasnt uncomfortable or painful.

Answer

That early, there is a good chance they won't be able to see muchbwith an abdominal ultrasound. Both times I had transvaginal ultrasounds, they had me insert the wand myself. It would be beneficial to explain you have a history of sexual abuse and your tech will completely get it. They should explain everything to you andexplain everything they are doing before they do it. 
Remember your slow deep breathing. Focus on the goal of seeing the baby and remind yourself what you're doing, why, and that you are in a safe place with safe people if you start getting anxious. 
As another survivor of years of sexual abuse, I promise, it's not bad. It's easier than a pap and more comfortable.

Answer

When I went it I was supposed to be 9 weeks, but I measured at 8 weeks and they were able to see everything they needed with the abdominal ultrasound. Transvaginal is usually a back up.

Answer

I haven’t needed a transvaginal in either pregnancy and I’m overweight. They still saw everything perfectly abdominally.

Answer

Idk. I just went for my 8w ultrasound and they saw the whole baby and heartbeat and everything abdominally. It depends how big you are. If you’re not overweight, you should be ok. They’ll try abdominal first

Answer

I went in 8+3, they didn't even find my baby on abdominal, but he was well seen on transvaginal. I think, if you want to avoid transvaginal, 8 weeks scan might be too early.

Answer

I'm sure if you mention it to the tech they'll be happy to talk you through the process and stop if you have any issues. 
I haven't been abused but when I was in labour I had a doctor who was quite rude and abrupt. She said "I'm going to check how dilated you are" while lifting the blanket, not even asking first and said "I'll break your waters now" as she was doing it and not giving me any warning. It made me really uncomfortable and I didn't like not knowing what was going on. However my midwives were lovely and always asked permission first and explained what they were going to do and why.
Definitely add into your birth plan that you want everything explained and that they need to ask for permission, most doctors are good but apparently I just got a rude one.

Answer

I would look at it like practice. Eventually you will get internal sweeps and those will be painful. The transvaginal ultrasound shouldn't be painful, so it might be a good place to start letting go of your fear. I have had 3, none of them were painful and the tech had me guide the wand in. Good luck ❤

Pros and cons of a transvaginal U/S?

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