Heartbeat?

9513

Hi all! Like a few of you, I am anxiously awaiting my first appointment. I have nothing considering me to be high risk so my doctor does not do an ultrasound until the anatomy scan, unless of course you want genetic testing. That being said, all I really want is to know there is an active heart beat. Is this something that they will listen for during your first appointment? We haven't told anyone yet so I have no one else to ask.

MusicFanatic

9513 said:

Hi all! Like a few of you, I am anxiously awaiting my first appointment. I have nothing considering me to be high risk so my doctor does not do an ultrasound until the anatomy scan, unless of course you want genetic testing. That being said, all I really want is to know there is an active heart beat. Is this something that they will listen for during your first appointment? We haven't told anyone yet so I have no one else to ask.

That kinda depends on when your first appt is and how far along you are
My first was 6 weeks and no, they definitely did not even attempt to check via doppler.. too soon.  I have my next at 10 weeks, so I'll see if they check.  But even that can be too soon for some.

9513

My first appointment is on Tuesday at 7 weeks 5 days (estimate). So I guess that's a no go. I spoke with my insurance company yesterday and apparently my first appointment is not considered maternity, because they are looking to "discover" a reason for symptoms... Stupid. Regardless, if they do an ultrasound (my doctor does not) it's considered an x-Ray and under my benefits it would be covered in full. Do you all have doctors who are willing to work with you to calm nerves? I desperately want to calm the nerves by hearing/seeing a heartbeat

lawwarrior

My doctor does early U/S and codes it under insurance for viability.  I had my first at 6 weeks 6 days but could have had it at 5 weeks 6 days.  She just likes to make sure the baby is in the right spot and catch an ectopic before a tube ruptures.  Every doctor is different.  

atrinh11

Do you have any interest in switching doctor's? I know myself well enough to know that not getting an ultrasound until 18-20 weeks would kill me. I would be such a nervous wreck it wouldn't be healthy for anyone.

My doctor has a small portable ultrasound machine in her office that she uses at all of the early appointments. It doesn't ever get billed as a true ultrasond because it is just part of the office visit for her. I wouldn't go to anyone who didn't do that early on. I really want to know what is going on in there. Make sure it is all in the right place, do a "head count", see the heartbeat, the list goes on.

I get sent to the "real ultrasound" office for the NT scan (if I want), and the anatomy scan. For my son, I was also sent in for a real ultrasound around 36 weeks because of his awkward position.

MusicFanatic

9513 said:

My first appointment is on Tuesday at 7 weeks 5 days (estimate). So I guess that's a no go. I spoke with my insurance company yesterday and apparently my first appointment is not considered maternity, because they are looking to "discover" a reason for symptoms... Stupid. Regardless, if they do an ultrasound (my doctor does not) it's considered an x-Ray and under my benefits it would be covered in full. Do you all have doctors who are willing to work with you to calm nerves? I desperately want to calm the nerves by hearing/seeing a heartbeat

Unfortunately, this is just how early pregnancy goes.  There are bunches of women here who haven't had ultrasounds and won't for a bit. I know, it's nerve wracking. I just trust all is OK and don't focus on it.

alibc123

I can't speak to your situation but I was able to hear a heartbeat at 6 weeks through a vaginal ultrasound.

ehsmith07

My first appointment is a week from Monday (we'll be about 9.5 weeks) and they said they would listen for heartbeat via vaginal ultrasound. I even asked if I should schedule further out, to guarantee we would be able to hear it, and she said any time after 8 weeks they do this, with success.

JosephsSweetie

It depends on when your first appointment is.

With my son, I had my first appointment at 11 weeks and my midwife was able to hear his heartbeat with the doppler. I haven't made my first appointment yet this time, but will try for around 11 weeks again because I really liked hearing the heartbeat at the first appointment!