elective ultrasound?

WLJ2

I have read on here once or twice I think that some women have had a private ultra sound done for reassurance. I was thinking about it. I know it would make me feel better as long as everything is go as it should. Would you get one? Rather just hold off until your appointment with your doctor?

enkb

For me, an ultrasound is a medical test that should be done with the input of your doctor or care provider. My midwife is not recommending an ultrasound until after week 12, so I will not be getting one until then. Although I know it is certainly not conclusive, there have been a few peer reviewed scientific studies showing some slight increases in complications with ultrasounds, especially really early ones or very frequent ones. For this reason I would always want to discuss it with my care provider and if they don't recommend it, I wouldn't want to do it. I also think waiting on results or being off a few days with things would cause me much more stress than not having one at all, but everyone should make whatever decision is best for them.

Blueyedsky

I would want one... especially if they're not even using a dopler to listen to the heartbeat. I'd much rather find out that everything is OK ahead of time. That being said, I think it would also depend on when my appointment was. If it was only two weeks away, I could totally handle waiting. If it wasn't until the twelfth week (I'm only 6 weeks) I'd want to make sure it wasn't dangerous to myself to wait.

ljalmeida

FWIW I got an elective ultrasound at what I thought was 7 weeks so we could see a heartbeat, feel reassured, and have an ultrasound photo to show our families. My doctor told me it was 100% safe, and he had no problem with me going to get one, as long as I kept my medical appointments he saw no reason why it would be an issue. Anyway, it kind of backfired and made me more worried because we only saw an empty sac, and it turns out I'm NOT 7 weeks, I'm more than likely around 5 ish, so even though doc still wasn't worried and neither was the ultrasound tech, it has added unneeded anxiety to an already anxious time of becoming a FTM. Perhaps I should have just waited, but the good news is I'm allowed to go back at any time for a rescan, so I'll wait til baby is older and actually get to see his/her adorable face

daninikicoli

I went several times when I was pregnant with my son, I was paranoid after my MC. I've only gone once so far for with this pregnancy, but I'm sure I'll go again. I went this last Saturday with my husband and son, I just wanted the piece of mind. Sometimes it's nice just to hear their heartbeat. My doctor only does 2 ultrasounds... One at 12 weeks (nt scan) then another around 18-20 weeks. It's hard going so long without seeing your peanut.