Private Ultrasound - Pros/Cons

katies1213

Can anybody speak to the pros/cons of a private ultrasound for peace of mind?

If there is something wrong/no heartbeat, I guess I need to call my regular OB for another ultrasound anyway? Will the private ultrasound even tell me if something is wrong?

For further context- Had a MMC in my last pregnancy at 9.5 weeks and am very nervous about a repeat. I had my first ultrasound at 7w1d, but don’t have another until 10w4d. In the meantime, have an upcoming trip for a big family event at 9w6d, and was hoping to have reassurance before I go that it’s viable.

There will be lots of heavy drinking at this event, and essentially by abstaining all 60+family members will know I’m pregnant. I’ve had the same thing happen last thanksgiving (and then had a MMC) and would prefer not to have a repeat, if it doesn’t work out. 

ceclarlinetlo

 I’m sorry for your loss - I had missed miscarriages as well and it’s always nerve wracking before you can feel movement. I say if you have it in your budget to pay for a private ultrasound the peace of mind will be well worth it. Hoping for the best for you! 

dinomeetsjedi

I have heard the private ultrasounds will tell you they are not seeing a heartbeat or something if there was something wrong. They would still refer you to your OB for confirmation if that was the case, but it sounds like a private ultrasound is a good choice for you and I have heard there are some very affordable places you can visit, depending on where you live.

On another note, is it possible that the event is big enough you can sneakily bring your own "virgin" drinks to refill your own glass and nobody will notice or you can pretend to sip and empty your drink into your partners or something? It sounds stressful to be forced to announce to a ton of people before you are comfortable.

I hope everything goes well for you and you are able to enjoy yourself at your event!  

katies1213

@dinomeetsjedi - thanks! We decided to do it. It’s scheduled for next Tuesday (at 9w2d - the same day my last baby stopped developing) so will be good peace of mind. 

I do plan to drink N/A beer in a koozie at the BBQ but the problem is that everybody does group shots (I know - very healthy 🤷🏽‍♀️🤦‍♀️). I’m going to tell people I’m sticking to beer, but we’ll see who believes me…

ceclarlinetlo

@katies1213 how did it go today?

katies1213

@ceclarlinetlo- oh my gosh you’re so kind for asking! The private ultrasound was great. Was done by a tech with medical experience who assured me she’s tell me if something was wrong. The baby is measuring one day ahead so I was at 9w3d and 175bpm when I went and was very active and bouncing all over the place. 

My picnic yesterday was fine - a bit stressful but was able to avoid shots by saying I had a migraine and volleyball because it was 95 degrees out. Sipped a N/A beer and seltzer in my koozie and everybody thought I was drinking the whole time. Even my nausea kept at bay (which makes me super nervous but makes the event a lot easier). 

dinomeetsjedi

@katies1213 I'm glad your ultrasound went great and it was able to give you some peace of mind for awhile! I'm glad you were able to avoid suspicion at your picnic