Fustration

carlyhammond

I had my first pregnancy related Obgyn appointment 5/18 where they told me I was 7wks preggo (giddy clap).
I expressed my concern as I have been spotting and they told me it was normal no need to worry.
But I basically asked for an u/s and they told me it was pointless because I wouldn't be able to see the heartbeat until 12wks anyway.
Then the nurse continued to talk about an eptopic pregnancy and if I should have any intense cramping that won't stop to call because that could be serious.

As I'm lurking around I see many of you whom are 4wks, 5wks , 6wks, 7wks etc who have already seen their baby's heart beat. And know the baby is where it's supposed to be and know the baby is ok.

I'm fusterated to the point that I'm looking for a new OB.
Am I wrong, should I just wait - I'm constantly worrying that there's something wrong because I spot almost everyday.
Help?

katie0613

Most OB's only give early US if you have had previous issues and those are trans-vaginal US.  Otherwise it is common to have to wait until the 12 week appt to hear the heartbeat.  I would not stress unless your doctor seemed concerned.  Hang in there the waiting time can be rough!!

SparklesC

What about trying the ER? It sounds like they typically will do scans if you have spotting/cramping to make sure everything is okay.

aporcelainface

I had my first u/s on Wednesday (5/20) knowing that I would be around 6.2 weeks. We not only saw our little blob and the neutral tube, we visibly saw the heart beat and were given the heart rate of 122. The ultrasound tech wasn't too thrilled that we were there so early, stating we would be lucky to see anything and upon seeing our little one, said that had we come a few days sooner we may not have seen much.

Regardless though, we saw a lot and got our heart rate, which personally made me a little more at ease.

carlyhammond

@katie0613 that's also another problem. I didn't even see my doctor- she wasn't in office- I was talking with the nurse, the whole time. I won't see my doctor until I go back in June.
@SparklesC I am trying to avoid the ER I don't really see the need to go at this point- and I'm not wanting to pay the ridiculous amount of money for the visit..
Oh I have cramping but the nurse says that's normal too.

Another one of my problems:
A FTM I used to work with due 12/28 has already had an ultrasound. I'm due 1/4 and I have to wait.

Maybe I'm just being a Winey brat I don't know.

gmp450

That is frustrating, maybe the office doesn't have as sophisticated of equipment as some others. I know my dr told me that their new machine could see things earlier than their older one. And it's not that the old machines aren't accurate, they just don't see as much. I would say if you are uncomfortable with their decision there is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion!

carlyhammond

@aporcelainface - that's all I want, I just want the feeling of ease and to personally feel like everything is ok. To see it, make it feel more real? I guess.

The nurse just told me all my symptoms are normal-took my blood
And hasn't called me back, i called yesterday morning to find out the results if the blood test and I've got nothing.

-sighs- I had a not so healthy cry fit about this last night. I'm just not feeling at ease. :-/

mollyj931

SparklesC said:

What about trying the ER? It sounds like they typically will do scans if you have spotting (or maybe you have to be cramping as well). 

No. ERs are for emergencies. This is not an emergency.

OP,
I know it's hard to wait. My first two pregnancies it was common to wait to do only one ultrasound at the 20 week anatomy scan. I had a loss but still waited. I get it, it's tough.
I have seen over the last couple of years it seems to be more to do earlier ones though it's not always the case.
I understand the impatience. Though scary, spotting is normal.
If your spotting gets worse or you start to cramp please call your dr.

Edited to add: sometimes calling and just being persistent can help. Politely express your concern and ask to speak with an OB nurse if possible.

SparklesC

mollyj931 said:

SparklesC said:

What about trying the ER? It sounds like they typically will do scans if you have spotting (or maybe you have to be cramping as well). 

No. ERs are for emergencies. This is not an emergency.

OP,
I know it's hard to wait. My first two pregnancies it was common to wait to do only one ultrasound at the 20 week anatomy scan. I had a loss but still waited. I get it, it's tough.
I have seen over the last couple of years it seems to be more to do earlier ones though it's not always the case.
I understand the impatience. Though scary, spotting is normal.
If your spotting gets worse or you start to cramp please call your dr.

Edited to add: sometimes calling and just being persistent can help. Politely express your concern and ask to speak with an OB nurse if possible.

She said later she is also cramping...

carlyhammond

mollyj931 said:

SparklesC said:

What about trying the ER? It sounds like they typically will do scans if you have spotting (or maybe you have to be cramping as well). 

No. ERs are for emergencies. This is not an emergency.

OP,
I know it's hard to wait. My first two pregnancies it was common to wait to do only one ultrasound at the 20 week anatomy scan. I had a loss but still waited. I get it, it's tough.
I have seen over the last couple of years it seems to be more to do earlier ones though it's not always the case.
I understand the impatience. Though scary, spotting is normal.
If your spotting gets worse or you start to cramp please call your dr.

That's the thing- I told her I was cramping - she tells me it's normal ( a nurse I didn't see my doctor)
I've spotted since last week or so - that's normal.
I called them yesterday with questions - no call back.
How am I supposed to feel at ease with them if they can't call back with answers. If it was me calling because -god forbid- of something terrible id be out of luck because they can't be bothered to call me back.

mollyj931

What's your cramping like? Worse than a period?
I agree with you that I would not be impressed with an office that didn't call me back. You have EVERY right to find a new place if you do not feel like you aren't getting the care you need.
Try again today and be firm in asking for a scan.

I still stand by the ER is not the place to go. Unless you start filling a pad in less than an hour or cramping very badly.

Good luck!! I've been there it's scary and frustrating!!

carlyhammond

@mollyj931 it's like a really bad period cramp.
Sometimes it's so sharp it'll make me double over and I can't move. Which makes me want to vomit.

I've called a new office and they were closed due to the upcoming holiday.
I'll try to call my current office again and see if they will answer or at least talk to me.

I'm just feeling extremely unimportant all the way around.

mollyj931

That sounds worse than normal cramping though I'm sure other ladies could chime in with their experiences.
Call your other office again and ask to speak to a nurse (hopefully not the one you saw before).

It's hard going into a weekend.
And I don't want to discourage the ER if you feel you are truly in need.
I've been on the bump for a while and seen many people suggest going to the ER and tell them they have spotting or cramping just to get to see an ultrasound (not that you or PP was suggesting that).
Good luck and let us know what happens.

carlyhammond

It's been like this for about two weeks. So, at this point I'm not concerned about the cramping. It's the spotting and me not being able to have an u/s to make sure it's not an ectopic or something like that - I was under the impression that I would have an u/s my first visit for that reason - then the nurse brings it up like it was NBD but it is to me. If that at all makes sense.

SparklesC

I agree and I did not mean to suggest the ER as a means to have an ultrasound for your own curiosity. I meant it more for if you are seriously worried and have no place else to go then you always have that option. I think OBs/nurses deal with many women who have light spotting and cramping which is normal, so they don't take it as seriously. 

Good luck with everything! Keep us posted.

EmXa

I had an emergency u/s at 7w3d and there was no problem seeing the heartbeat it was at 156 hbm, they used both the tummy one as well as the internal. 

However usually the doctor waits until 12 weeks to use the doppler to find a heartbeat.

I think if you really feel there is something wrong I would pursue the doctor more, at least for a conversation to ease your mind.

I don't think the ER is neccesary if it is just some spotting and light cramping, but you know your body best and if you feel like there might be an emergency situation with your baby you should go.

I hope you get some answers soon.

abbi1995

If you aren't happy with your ob its your right to change and look for a new one! It's your money and your insurance and if you request and ultrasound and they say no, me personally would get a different ob that would listen to me. I had my u/s yesterday first time mom never had complications before and before they even gave me a pee test I had it and saw the baby's Heart beat I couldn't hear it but I saw the flicker. You do you momma ❤️ I wish you the best

claireloSC

@carlyhammond urgent care might see you right away and give you an ultrasound.

DaphneMoon1

Some insurances won't pay for an ultrasound unless it's coded as a threatened AB, or another medically necessary reason. If your doctor isn't concerned, it would be fraudulent for them to code it as if they were. They specialize in caring for pregnant women and use their medical knowledge to make appropriate decisions.

That being said, you are free to choose whoever you'd like to be your provider. If you feel like your concerns are being ignored, you are free to start looking for someone knew.

I would look into your insurance options and make sure you find someone in network.

I agree that the ER should be used for medical emergencies and from your description (cramps and spotting for 2 weeks), I wouldn't go, especially when your doctor wasn't concerned. If you start to have more severe cramps, then you need to consider it.

I'm sorry you are feeling frustrated and unheard! I hope you find the answers you're looking for!

nicoleann21

Did your OB office offer to do a blood draw?  I spotted very minimally once and since I was worried about it they sent me in to see if everything was on course with my levels.. maybe they would be willing to do that?  

amt20

With my last pregnancy, which sadly ended in miscarriage, i called the doctor's office at about 6 weeks (before I even had my 1st prenatal appt) to tell them i was having cramping and spotting. They had me come in right away for a transvag u/s to rule out etopic preg. Although as i am learning now that cramping is often normal, with spotting i would be concerned that your doctor doesn't at least want to have u come it just to take a look and make sure everything is ok.....just to cover all bases...i would personally look for a new doctor...

monaclemere

DaphneMoon1 said:

Some insurances won't pay for an ultrasound unless it's coded as a threatened AB, or another medically necessary reason. If your doctor isn't concerned, it would be fraudulent for them to code it as if they were. They specialize in caring for pregnant women and use their medical knowledge to make appropriate decisions.

That being said, you are free to choose whoever you'd like to be your provider. If you feel like your concerns are being ignored, you are free to start looking for someone knew.

I would look into your insurance options and make sure you find someone in network.

I agree that the ER should be used for medical emergencies and from your description (cramps and spotting for 2 weeks), I wouldn't go, especially when your doctor wasn't concerned. If you start to have more severe cramps, then you need to consider it.

I'm sorry you are feeling frustrated and unheard! I hope you find the answers you're looking for!

All of this!