First OB Appointment... To take my daughter or no?

chelthorn

We have our first OB appointment tomorrow and I have no clue what to expect.  My DH thinks we should take our daughter (3 years old) with us, but I don't think she should go.  I don't know how long we will be there or anything.  I need opinions.  

It would be easier for her to go with us than for us to make up an excuse as to why we need a babysitter.  We haven't told anyone we are expecting yet.  

hellomommas

I would say no. I had a two year old when I was pregnant with my second. At first I thought... "Well it's a fun family moment- we should all be there together."... Then I thought... But my son would not understand what was happening and prob would get antsy and ultimately, I would be focusing on him playing with all the doctor tools rather than this awesome moment when I get to see my second baby for the first time. So- we decided to get a sitter and i was glad it was just my husband and I and we could focus/enjoy the heartbeat/ the ultrasound uninterrupted

xaudreyx2011

I brought my 2 year old and 4 year old. DH waited with them in the waiting room (armed with snacks, coloring supplies and books). As soon as she got a heartbeat on the ultrasound they brought my family in so everyone could see the baby.

MillerMama13

We dropped DD (2.5) off at daycare. DH and I don't get much "us" time since we have no family close by. I loved having it be just the two of us. We went out for breakfast together after and it was awesome. I extra enjoyed it knowing once this LO is born our alone time will probably be even fewer and further between. Also the distraction thing as PP stated.

We showed DD the U/S pic when we got home. She had a big smile and said "yeah! That's the baby in mommys tummy!"

adiaz132003

At my midwife office they have the option where if they know kids are coming they have what are called "belly chores" and they involve the kids so they get more excited about the baby coming!

cjt121413

I wouldn't, mainly because of the waiting. I'm at my Ob now (1pm) for a 12:20 appointment.

chelthorn

Thanks! My appointment is at 10 and she is pretty well easily occupied and has been to this doctor with me before.  DH said he would stay out with her until time for US if I get one.  We don't want to have to lie to our parents about what we are doing.  

I am mainly worried about the waiting time other than that she can be quiet.  I think she will just have to take her backpack with tablet, coloring, stickers, and plenty to do. 

RMLandy

I personally would not. In the unfortunate instance that there is a problem with the pregnancy, it would be extremely difficult for her to understand and you'd have no time to process for yourself before having to try to explain it. In a previous pregnancy, I had the sad situation of going for my first us only to find the baby did not have a heart beat. I can't imagine what I would've done if I had brought my 4 year old to witness this. It would've been even more heart wrenching.

chelthorn

RMLandy said:

I personally would not. In the unfortunate instance that there is a problem with the pregnancy, it would be extremely difficult for her to understand and you'd have no time to process for yourself before having to try to explain it. In a previous pregnancy, I had the sad situation of going for my first us only to find the baby did not have a heart beat. I can't imagine what I would've done if I had brought my 4 year old to witness this. It would've been even more heart wrenching.

Thanks! @RMLandy  we have been through that already with the last pregnancy.  And I just got informed today my parents are taking a last minute trip (they are retired so I don't blame them) and cannot keep her and DH mom is busy so it looks like we have no other options.  She will do fine (maybe).  We will just give her her tablet and headphones and she will be occupied.  All of my other baby sitters are in school or work.

RMLandy

I'm sure it will be good news with a nice heartbeat anyway!! Good luck!!

chelthorn

RMLandy said:

I'm sure it will be good news with a nice heartbeat anyway!! Good luck!!

Thanks! I feel like it will be! I'm really nervous because I have no clue what to expect.  I know they will draw blood and I never do very well with that pregnant or not.  

VikingGirl12

My OB's office is always filled with kids. I'm sitting in the waiting room now and there are at least 5 kids here, all ages. The nurses always hold the babies and my dr always tells me she hopes I'll bring my son. I still don't being him most of the time, just because it's easier on me to relax. But I think most drs and midwives expect kids. Good luck today!

BlackAndGold09

My 4.5 yo went with us to my first appt. She was very excited to see the u/s. We took her leap pad for her to play with during the appt

FutureMrsCAF

DD has been with me for all of my appointments so far and it's worked. We're moms, we have kids, we go to the doc a lot while pregnant, so we can't be expected to find a sitter every time. Hope you have a great appointment!

Bear14+

Yep, mine will for sure be with me for some of them when DH is working. There's always kids in the waiting room.

Corts

I brought my 4 year old and wish I hadnt. He was dangling from the stirrups and singing songs at the top of his lungs. Plus dr was running an hour behind so we were stuck in the exam room. He still has no clue why I was laying there with my legs open (he didn't see anything) and I really couldn't focus on my appt since I had to keep reprimanding him.

chelthorn

Thanks y'all! We took her and she did great! We prepared her a little on they way and told her mommy had her baby brother or sister on her tummy and the doctor just had to check on it. She will definately go again. Plus we got to have a US and she got to see the baby! It was so sweet!

HeartLikeMine3

We took our 2.5 year old DS my husband was there to help and we brought lots of things for him to do. If he gets real antsy we just YouTube a cartoon on our phones. He did fine and I just wanted him there. He would be my comfort if sonethibg wasn't ok. GL