I'm not having one done, but that's personal choice. Usual first sonograms happens around 12 weeks, but if the place you are going to is backed up, its not uncommon not to get one until around 20 weeks.

out of pure curiosity, why are you choosing not to have a scan?
xxx

all depends what scans are offered where you live - in the uk dating scans are 8-12 weeks; nuchal translucency is 11-14 and anomaly is 18-22 weeks. not aware of any kind of scan where they would aim to do it at 16 weeks, but to be honest i don't think a lot of gp's have much clue about what is offered in their local hospitals. wait until you get your scan appointment, work out how many weeks it is and then if it doesn't seem right i'd call the hospital to ask why. i know not everywhere offers nuchal translucency or routine dating scans, but 16 weeks is too early for the anomaly scan. hope all becomes clear soon.

I am of the conviction that with an ultrasound the risks far outweigh the benefits. While many people will say that ultrasounds have not shown to be deleterious to the health of the baby, I have seen some studies that state that it slows the growth of cells and actually increases the rate of cells dying. There was also one study done that showed multiple ultrasounds correlated to lower birth rate. In addition, since the increased use of ultrasounds in pregnancy, it seems like the rate of cancer has gone up as well. This might be coincidence, but then again, it might not be. I am not about to subject my child to being a human experiment on the safety of ultrasounds. Ultrasound technology is also used in dopplers, but in a more concentrated form. Therefore, I will not be allowing the use of a fetal doppler. This means that I will more than likey have to wait until 18-20 weeks along to hear my baby's heartbeat,which I have resigned myself to. Now that all you ladies might see me as I am going to apologise to the OP for thread hijacking!

I'm in the same boat! My Doctor said I won't get one till 18-19 weeks! The wait is unbearble!

I live in glasgow scotland and the hospital i will be attending ( southern general ) have told me because of my age i will only be offered the 20 week scan. The hospital only offers 1 scan my problem is how do i know when im 20 weeks if i havnt had a dating scan lol. At my first appointment end of march when i will be nearly 15 weeks i will be asking if i can pay for a dating scan if not i will book a private 1.

ahh okay.
sorry didn't want to make you explain yourself, i was just curious as i had only ever heard it mentioned once before and wondered if it was the same reason, she didn't want any ultrasounds as she didn't feel it was natrual to get a glimpse of the baby until birth day.
but what you say is totaly understandable, i wish i had it in me to do that, but i am too impatient and worried.
xxx