Post by thatgirl2478 on Jul 22, 2014 17:15:43 GMT -5
no, not normal - at least in my experience.
For both DD1 & 2 I had 1 early ultrasound for dating purposes - right around 7/8 weeks. Then I had an NT scan at around 12 weeks along with blood work. Then I had an anatomy scan around 20ish weeks to check for genetic issues / gender. It was only after that that my OB broke out the doppler to listen for the heart beat. For my last 2 appointments all they've done is listen to the heart beat.
Mine does a minimum of 3 ultrasounds: viability at first appointment, 20 week A/S, and 36 wk to check baby's placement. The end of first tri scan is optional. They also couldn't find baby via Doppler during my last appointment at 14 weeks so I got a really quick ultrasound to verify the heartbeat.
Post by estrellita on Jul 22, 2014 20:19:49 GMT -5
See, this is what bothers me. I don't see why they wouldn't do one early on to make sure baby is growing at a good pace. And what if it's twins?! They're telling me I won't know until I'm halfway along? So weird to me!
See, this is what bothers me. I don't see why they wouldn't do one early on to make sure baby is growing at a good pace. And what if it's twins?! They're telling me I won't know until I'm halfway along? So weird to me!
It's strange because an NT scan has to be done within a certain time frame (11-14 weeks I think, someone else mentioned it before)
My office does a nurse visit at 8-9 weeks, NT scan at 12 weeks and a full Anatomy scan 20 weeks, and monthly belly checks after that first nurse visit. At the belly check they listen to the heartbeat and take a weight measurement and urine sample. Only the two ultrasounds though, unless they are concerned about growth, etc.
See, this is what bothers me. I don't see why they wouldn't do one early on to make sure baby is growing at a good pace. And what if it's twins?! They're telling me I won't know until I'm halfway along? So weird to me!
I was worried about that too! My ob told me she should be able to feel different uterus size and would likely pick up extra heartbeat on Doppler. I only had a singleton so I didn't get to test her skills.
I will have to ask tomorrow if there is a scan at the 12 week appointment. I can't see them totally not doing it. Maybe she doesn't know what she's talking about?
estrellita if you don't like the receptionist/staff I say move now! You have to interact w them A LOT over the next 9 months no need to make it a frustrating experience!
I will have to ask tomorrow if there is a scan at the 12 week appointment. I can't see them totally not doing it. Maybe she doesn't know what she's talking about?
The NT scan is optional (screens for Down syndrome and other abnormalities) so maybe that's why she didn't mention it? From what I've read it's generally done between 11-14 weeks. When I go to my 12 week appointment, I'll receive the order for the NT scan then, so then I'll be able to schedule it (the USs are done in the outpatient center at the hospital, not in my OB office).
estrellita if you don't like the receptionist/staff I say move now! You have to interact w them A LOT over the next 9 months no need to make it a frustrating experience!
I'm actually thinking when it comes time to pick the OB I'm going to pick one at their other location. The one I'm going to is closer to home but the other is closer to my work. Plus my friend went there and liked the OBs. So hopefully the staff at that location is better!
It varies widely by practice so while I'd say it's not 'common' it is 'normal' if it's your first pregnancy and you've had no issues. We did a dating US at 7 weeks or so, then a second at 11 weeks, NT scan and nothing now until the A/S at 20 weeks.
Post by sillygoosegirl on Jul 23, 2014 8:24:44 GMT -5
I think the clinic where I started only does a dating US if you are unsure of your dates. At any rate, they didn't offer me one. They didn't want to see me at all until 10-12 weeks, though did listen to the heartbeat at the first visit. I think it's pretty annoying that they make you wait that long for a first appointment. I don't think I was abnormal in having about a million questions as soon as I got my BFP. But I guess you're just supposed to use Dr. Google to determine what you should eat and what you should do about morning sickness.
If you are sure of your dates and healthy, ask about genetic screening. That's what the "standard" 12 week US is for. Your insurance may or may not cover it, since it's considered elective. If you are interested in genetic screening and/or want to know the sex early, you may also want ask about the newer tests that examine traces of the baby's DNA in your blood stream. They are much more accurate than the sequential screen, have far fewer false positives, and can be done earlier in pregnancy (as early as 9 weeks for the test I had), and tell you sex in addition to about common chromosomal disorders. A few years ago these tests were really expensive, and insurance companies still don't always have good coverage for them, but the price is dropping quickly: it was actually cheaper for me than the sequential screen, which I also did (both my share, and the amount billed to the insurance was cheaper). There's a variety of very similar tests under a variety of names. The one I had was called Panorama.