"Partner seeing my scan via FaceTime was not allowed"

I went to my 12 week scan appointment with my mum. My partner is in the Royal Navy and is currently deployed so has been unable to attend any scans.

When I went into my scan I asked the sonographer if, after checking everything was ok with the baby, I could FaceTime my partner so he could see the scan. I was told I couldn’t do this as she wanted me to listen properly to what she was saying, however my mum could film it. She also made a comment about only being allowed 1 person with you since covid and implied that that was another reason I couldn’t FaceTime my partner, as my mum counted as the 1 person.

Although I didn’t understand the decision at the time, we just went ahead with the scan. My partner was incredibly disappointed about this for a few reasons. 

1. He was deployed when I was 4 weeks pregnant and won’t return until I’m 28 weeks, therefore missing every scan.

2. This baby was conceived through IVF which has obviously been a stressful and worrying time for both of us.

3. We have miscarried twice before this pregnancy, both times finding out the bad news through a scan so, understandably, every scan comes with much anxiety.

After coming away from the scan, I have struggled to understand the decision about not being able to FaceTime. It was said that she wanted me to listen to what she was saying, but as my mum was allowed to film the scan, I’m not sure why she couldn’t just hold the phone with him listening on the other end. This would have in no way stopped me from listening and my partner would’ve wanted to listen too.

Also, being allowed to use the phone to film proves there was no confidentiality or privacy issue. Also, when it was mentioned about Covid restrictions only allowing one person in, I thought that this would have only been for infection control. Again, obviously this wouldn’t have been an issue him being on FaceTime. 

Are there any policies in place that don’t allow this? Or is this a personal preference from that sonographer? If there are any policies stating that FaceTime is not allowed, could you please share them?

Apart from not allowing the FaceTime, I have to say the sonographer was very professional and knowledgeable and obviously very experienced in her job. 

I would just like to know if this a rule across the board as I would like to be more prepared next time.