Not having an early ultrasound?

cwm11985

My OB practice doesn't do them until 12 weeks (unless you are high risk, previous m/c).  I feel like I'm the only one who has this?!  Do all yall that have had a u/s already go somewhere where that's just the norm?  Or did you have it for a special reason?  12 weeks for for.ev.er away, and I can wait, I just wonder why everyone else on Earth has already had one.

erios329

With this pregnancy and my last (two separate practices) I have had ultrasound around 7 weeks and that is just standard. I feel bad for you, 12 weeks is a long time!!! Heak, 7 weeks seemed like a long time.

lazyreader

I haven't had one. you're not alone. I will be 12 weeks for mine.

LaurenAsh23

I'm possible high risk (high blood pressure) and have had a mc and don't know if ill for sure get an u/s at my 9 week appt. I'm planning to insist/beg for it though!

SomersIsles

Normally I wouldn't be able to get one until 12 weeks either for the (optional) NT scan - and they did say sometimes insurance won't cover it, but mine does.  I did have the opportunity to get one at 6 weeks because I was spotting and had a miscarriage last year.  At my hospital, if you don't opt for the NT scan, you don't get one until 20 weeks. 

HobokensFury

I just had my first today. I have to go back for a 2nd one next week because they found a cyst and want to make sure it's not growing.

Golferbee

I had one early due to spotting and weird hcg numbers. Otherwise I would have had to have waited until 12 weeks.

KariB509

12 weeks is also the norm at my OB practice. It's a long wait!!

avigailandcharlie

Ugh that pisses me off that it's not standard. I know if you are going to miscarry there's nothing you can do, but I'm sorry - 5 weeks of your life is a LONG time when this is going on. I get furious when I hear of women not being allowed ultrasounds for a long time (when they HAVE insurance). I obviously think everything is totally okay for your baby, but let's say it wasn't - wouldn't you rather know at 7 weeks than at 12 weeks? Doctors should understand that you need to be able to not have 5 extra weeks of bonding with your baby and 5 extra weeks of healing if it's unnecessary! I know everything costs money but if insurance covers it, whats the hesitation? 

Sorry - rant. 

For those that are not getting ultrasounds until 12 weeks, are you very attached to your practices? Is this a firm policy? I would call around other practices and see if they have policies for earlier ultrasounds - I think a lot of practices have a "viability check" at 7-9 weeks, and then the NT scan.

Stephrm1231

12 weeks for military spouses up here in WA. Unless of course your high risk. I know the feeling though...it's SO long!

avigailandcharlie

@stephrm1231 - if you switch from tricare prime to tricare standard, you can see any practitioner who takes tricare. The actual insurance is still free, and you can still go on base for free. Whichever doctor you choose can request an ultrasound earlier. This is my second pregnancy (first in a loss) and I've had 7 week ultrasounds at both, without having to request it - just what the doctor said. Feel free to private message me if you have questions about how it works with tricare! Also - are you at mcchord by any chance?

jwls84

I will not have one until I am 20 weeks and that will be my only one. Just like last time.

liamandlettie

With my first...it was just the week 20 ultra sound. I was shocked (and thrilled!) When my new doc said they arw standard in his office at 7-9 weeks.

StephBrim24

My OB has a standard 8 week ultrasound; then I don't have another until 20 weeks.

Sanibel21

Mine is at 12wks4d. I didn't think much of it at the time but now it seems like a long time to go without knowing that there's a baby in there and in getting more and more upset about it. I mean you don't always pass a non viable pregnancy on your own. So it's just a long time to go through all the symptoms and excitement to find out now you have to start over. Ack.

cwm11985

avigailandcharlie said:

Ugh that pisses me off that it's not standard. I know if you are going to miscarry there's nothing you can do, but I'm sorry - 5 weeks of your life is a LONG time when this is going on. I get furious when I hear of women not being allowed ultrasounds for a long time (when they HAVE insurance). I obviously think everything is totally okay for your baby, but let's say it wasn't - wouldn't you rather know at 7 weeks than at 12 weeks? Doctors should understand that you need to be able to not have 5 extra weeks of bonding with your baby and 5 extra weeks of healing if it's unnecessary! I know everything costs money but if insurance covers it, whats the hesitation? 

Sorry - rant. 

For those that are not getting ultrasounds until 12 weeks, are you very attached to your practices? Is this a firm policy? I would call around other practices and see if they have policies for earlier ultrasounds - I think a lot of practices have a "viability check" at 7-9 weeks, and then the NT scan.

You know, you bring up a good point that I hadn't considered.  As far as I know its pretty firm, I know many people that use them and have never heard of anyone getting a u/s at weeks other than 12, 22, and 41 except in cases such as an m/c or high risk. I am very attached to my practice.  I had a positive, comfortable, and wonderful experience with my first with them.  They know me, I know them, I'm comfortable with each doctor (knowing that any could deliver the kid) so I don't know that I'd switch for this one reason, although I had never really thought about it before.  I have my first appointment at 9 weeks and if I'm still lacking symptoms I may see if I can haggle any with them about an earlier u/s, if I'm feeling like a normal, miserable pregnant lady I will hold off saying anything.

memo9

We won't have one until 20 weeks and that should be the only one.  I would rather not have unnecessary ultrasounds since the risks are still unknown. 

jaimleigh

My practice as well doesn't do them until 12 weeks either which I will be far past for when they have me booked. Personally this makes me uncomfortable because if I go and there is something wrong that would be devastating. I will be almost 10 weeks when I see a nurse so I might do a little venting. I would also like to do the early screening which i'm afraid I may not be able to do. 

AnonymousMotherOfOne

My doctor said he wanted to do an early u/s at what he thinks will be 7wks, but only because hubby and I weren't absolutely positive about the dates of my last period. All we know right now is that we are definitely past 5wks at this point. I could very well have been at 6wks when I went to go see the doc last week. He said the best time to do an early u/s is at about 7wks when baby is big enough to be seen on screen. Standard practice in my state.

mrsdahamm

My first appointment is at 12 weeks, but they don't do an ultrasound until 15. I will talk to them about the nt scan at the appointment, but it sounds like they don't push it.

cwm11985

MegMo10 said:

We won't have one until 20 weeks and that should be the only one.  I would rather not have unnecessary ultrasounds since the risks are still unknown. 

An ultrasound in early pregnancy to determine dates or problems (miscarriage, blighted ovum, etc) is not "unnecessary."  But thanks anyways.

RunNanny

I won't have one until week 20 (if I have one) and that will be the only u/s. Of course, if my doctor feels something is not right he will do one, but if not he won't.

Edited: I should say he won't do one if he feels everything is healthy and if the patient doesn't want one.

memo9

cwm11985 said:

MegMo10 said:

We won't have one until 20 weeks and that should be the only one.  I would rather not have unnecessary ultrasounds since the risks are still unknown. 

An ultrasound in early pregnancy to determine dates or problems (miscarriage, blighted ovum, etc) is not "unnecessary."  But thanks anyways.

You're right.  Looks like you are pretty certain of your dates though?  You said your OB didn't do them if you were high risk so I assumed that your dr. wasn't worried about any of the things you mentioned.  Many people are not aware that ultrasounds are not risk free.  It's a personal choice and if you think the benefits outweigh the risks then that is absolutely your call.  They are definitely a useful diagnostic tool when needed. 

Kasharr

My OB only does one between 18-20 weeks as long as everything is progressing normally...you are not alone

RunNanny

MegMo10 said:

You're right.  Looks like you are pretty certain of your dates though?  You said your OB didn't do them if you were high risk so I assumed that your dr. wasn't worried about any of the things you mentioned.  Many people are not aware that ultrasounds are not risk free.  It's a personal choice and if you think the benefits outweigh the risks then that is absolutely your call.  They are definitely a useful diagnostic tool when needed. 

I agree 100% with you! I think to each their own. And OP, I'm sure waiting until 12 weeks for an ultrasound is hard! Especially if you thought you would have had one sooner! :-(

CMheart1011

As far as I know, my first will be around 20 wks unless a problem is suspected.

felly13

Only ultrasound here will be at 20 weeks. My ob will only do them early if you are unsure of your last period or if you are bleeding.

alicat85

My doctors office does them standard at 8 weeks.

cwm11985

MegMo10 said:

cwm11985 said:

MegMo10 said:

We won't have one until 20 weeks and that should be the only one.  I would rather not have unnecessary ultrasounds since the risks are still unknown. 

An ultrasound in early pregnancy to determine dates or problems (miscarriage, blighted ovum, etc) is not "unnecessary."  But thanks anyways.

You're right.  Looks like you are pretty certain of your dates though?  You said your OB didn't do them if you were high risk so I assumed that your dr. wasn't worried about any of the things you mentioned.  Many people are not aware that ultrasounds are not risk free.  It's a personal choice and if you think the benefits outweigh the risks then that is absolutely your call.  They are definitely a useful diagnostic tool when needed. 


Right. In my particular case I suppose an early u/s isn't "necessary" but us very much appreciated. But to say its unnecessary for everyone is a bit too general.

I have no problem waiting until 12w, I'm just surprised so many people have them earlier, which is why I wondered whether it was for a specific reason or just protocol with their doctor. Oh well, 5 more weeks!

kboyle86

Mine will be at 20 weeks. At my 12 week appointment they will listen for hb, if they can't hear it I will have an us then!! But OMG does 12 weeks feel like forever!!

rychma

The clinic I go to won't even see you until 10-12 weeks so an ultrasound before that is not even an option

crystaljoanna

I am working with an RE at a fertility clinic.  

BabiesFTW

With DD my first was at 12 weeks. With this one my first was at 10 weeks but that's just because my doctor does that.

VineyardMel

MegMo10 said:

cwm11985 said:

MegMo10 said:

We won't have one until 20 weeks and that should be the only one.  I would rather not have unnecessary ultrasounds since the risks are still unknown. 

An ultrasound in early pregnancy to determine dates or problems (miscarriage, blighted ovum, etc) is not "unnecessary."  But thanks anyways.

You're right.  Looks like you are pretty certain of your dates though?  You said your OB didn't do them if you were high risk so I assumed that your dr. wasn't worried about any of the things you mentioned.  Many people are not aware that ultrasounds are not risk free.  It's a personal choice and if you think the benefits outweigh the risks then that is absolutely your call.  They are definitely a useful diagnostic tool when needed. 

Can you cite a source for these risks you're talking about? I find it hard to believe considering how common they are and how often specialists use them.

heyemilina

I am getting one on Friday for dating purposes. They want to make sure my dates are accurate before they schedule the NT scan since it is such a small window for them to do it. With my first pregnancy I had a feeling something was wrong so they did a quick ultrasound in the office (my intuition was right - missed m/c) and then with DS because I was so worried about my miscarriage they did another quick one in the office then too. Both were done using the portable ultrasound machines. I was 9 weeks both times then too.

amandoza23

I'm 9 weeks tomorrow and I've had two. One is standard but the doctor ordered another one a couple weeks later because our first was too soon.

JayNina

Yep I don't get one until 12 weeks either!

PinupMomma08

My first pregnancy I had one at 12 weeks. My second I had like 7-10 which was a miscariage and an ER visit. I've already had one for my third, but that was just because I had a loss already. I am not sure when I get another one, but ill see on the 23rd. What I can say, is multiple or early ultrasounds isn't always super fun. I totally get wanting to see your peanut ASAP. But you'll have your whole life to look at them!

novelblessings

I also have to wait until 12 weeks. It seems like forever to wait, but it will go by fast.

memo9

VineyardMel said:

cwm11985 said:

MegMo10 said:

We won't have one until 20 weeks and that should be the only one.  I would rather not have unnecessary ultrasounds since the risks are still unknown. 

An ultrasound in early pregnancy to determine dates or problems (miscarriage, blighted ovum, etc) is not "unnecessary."  But thanks anyways.

You're right.  Looks like you are pretty certain of your dates though?  You said your OB didn't do them if you were high risk so I assumed that your dr. wasn't worried about any of the things you mentioned.  Many people are not aware that ultrasounds are not risk free.  It's a personal choice and if you think the benefits outweigh the risks then that is absolutely your call.  They are definitely a useful diagnostic tool when needed. 

Can you cite a source for these risks you're talking about? I find it hard to believe considering how common they are and how often specialists use them.

Just because it's common, doesn't mean it's safe.

https://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/MedicalImaging/ucm115357.htm

"Even though there are no known risks of ultrasound imaging, it can produce effects on the body. When ultrasound enters the body, it heats the tissues slightly. In some cases, it can also produce small pockets of gas in body fluids or tissues (cavitation). The long-term effects of tissue heating and cavitation are not known.

Because of the particular concern for fetal exposures, national and international organizations have advocated prudent use of ultrasound imaging. Furthermore, the use of diagnostic ultrasound for non-medical purposes such as fetal keepsake videos has been discouraged."

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12509108

"Acoustic exposure from modern ultrasonographic devices is capable of disturbing biological tissue to varying extent depending on the type of ultrasound examination and the particular tissue under investigation. There is no strong evidence that these biological effects present a serious health hazard, however, knowledge is incomplete, particularly from human studies."

kristio26

I will not have my first ultrasound until Friday, & I will be 10 weeks that day. He does not do them before then.