Too many ultrasounds?

Auki13

It seems like most women on here are getting as many ultrasounds as possible and with all my pregnancies my NM has recommended getting as few done as I can get away with (while staying safe and making sure the baby is healthy).  Has anyone else gotten this advice?  Is anyone else sticking to as few as possible?  I love seeing the little one, but figure not to chance if there are risks... Just curious if anyone else has heard the same advice I have? 

melaniedel

No, but I am glad you asked. I am interested see what others know about this.

Ryan&Kristin062009

Early on I had a few internal U/S's because of some potential issues with this LO, and I remember them (RE's office) saying that you don't want to have too many. They didn't say why though and I am pretty sure they only meant the internal ones.

NeonEyeliner77

I'm only doing what they make appts for me to do. I'm 13 weeks and have had 2 already. Our first was an internal at 10 weeks to date the pregnancy because we had no idea how far along I was, the second was at 13 weeks for 1st tri screening. April 4th will be my 3rd (and I'm sure my final) ultrasound to see if we'll have a boy or girl.

Karma01

My chiropractor suggested not getting a lot of ultrasounds. We will have 3 total and no more unless we have an issue. We are not getting a 3-d one

Uwannalala

I don't think many women on here are getting "as many as possible." At most, some (myself included) are getting one elective ultrasound for gender above and beyond the regular doctor ones. Honestly, im not worried about it one bit and feel it is fine for both myself and my baby.

It will be my 3rd so far (1st was early for dating purposes, 2nd was because they couldn't find the heartbeat.)   Nothing is 100% but I feel pretty confident it'll be just fine and  im  not losing a bit of sleep. Im pretty easy going as far as pregancy "restrictions."

That being said, if some women feel best only having 1.. more power too them.  I just hope they have the same open mind and aren't judgemental of my choices.  

megd06

There are some "theories" that the waves that are administered during an u/s can harm a fetus..google "ultrasound dangers" or something to that effect, and you will see what I am talking about. I read about it awhile ago before getting PG this time, and I remember one article talking about how the studies done on cancerous tumors showed that they were "trembling" and shaking under the waves of the U/S or sonogram--and to imagine those affects on a 6-8 wk still-forming-fetus. It's something to think about, but then also think about how many women have multiple u/s's and have healthy babies. We won't be getting any elective u/s's or 3d u/s's, but we are having 2 this pregnancy--with DS we had 3 (all required b/c of medical issues).

SethandMelissa

I am having a LOT but it's not really optional. I love seeing them, but the reason I see them is because the doctor can't be 100% sure he hears two different heartbeats, not just the same baby who moved. He also has to check that they are growing similarly and because I'm high-risk, we're constantly checking if my cervix is shortening.

liljen7755

thats interesting, its def something to think about. I think that if it was really something serious or dangerous then docs would only do them if there was something serious going on. One of my friends, who is diabetic was telling me that at the end of her pregnancy she has an ultrasound done like once a week because she was having a lot of problems. I think that no matter what you do there will always be what ifs and concerns, you know.

ETweet

I've heard both sides of this argument and really don't side either way. I just want my baby healthy and safe. If we don't need extra ultrasounds, then that's fantastic! However, if it is recommended to ensure their safety, then I am all for it as well. For me it's not about seeing my baby, although that is a great perk, it's about making sure that everything is fine and dandy so we can enjoy our peanut when he/she arrives.

Mish2g

Aw...I feel so superficial! I love the ultrasounds because I get to see the baby and am, at the same time, reassured that it's still there. I had no idea there was a cap on how many u/s a "normal" pregnancy got...I thought I got one each time I went to the doctor (case in point -- I've been to the doctor twice and have had 2 ultrasounds, so you can see where my assumption came from). Obviously, I want a healthy child...but now I'm bummed that I might only have one more chance to see this kid before it gets born.

Karen1998

Yes.  My doctor said there is a radiation risk.  It's low, but she prefers to do less u/s.  That being said, I've had 4 (at almost 17 weeks), but that's only because I had a big bleed and have had to have it followed. 

OrangeSillyPutty

I am 14 weeks and have had 4 so far.  1st was at 7 weeks (ultrasound said 6 weeks).  So they checked again a week later and confirmed I was 8 weeks.  I have had 2 miscarriages, and type 1 diabetes.  With my history of missed miscarriages they wanted to make sure everything is going well. So I had another at 11 weeks, because I typically miscarry between 8 and 10 weeks, but dont know until ultrasounds 2 weeks later.  I also had my NT scan done at 12 weeks.  I will have 2 more ultrasounds, one is the anatomy scan at 20 weeks, and another to check the heart at 22 weeks because of my diabetes. 

bhw5660

I love being able to see my LO with the ultrasounds but I'm not going to get any elective ones.  I had 3 before 13 weeks.  The 1st was to make sure the pregnancy was viable, 2nd because I was bleeding and they couldn't find heartbeat and 3rd was the NT scan.  Now I pray to have a healthy preganancy so I won't have another until the anatomy scan at 20 weeks.  Waiting almost 2 months is going to be hard after seeing our blessing so much.  I also really like the technician.  She always gave us a million pics and made funny comments.

brobbins05

Oh my, now I'm worried! I have had 4.  One to date and confirm, second to recheck a cyst they saw the first time, third because we couldn't hear the HB and fourth to check my cervix length and shape because I've had surgery in the past on it.  I had never heard of dangers and I would certainly hope that the doc would know better if it were harmful.... maybe I will call tomorrow and ask....

BabyQuizzle

I have had three and am almost 14 weeks. I agree with lots of over posters that I love seeing the baby, but I also don't want extra radiation risks.  I had to have the 3rd one at 13 weeks because my placenta is on the front wall and they couldn't find the heartbeat through the extra layer on the inside of my belly.  I don't know if this will happen again at the next appointment or not (17weeks), but if the doctor says he wants to do one, I am not going to tell him no.

whispergrrl

Honestly, I'm not worried by having multiple ultrasounds. If my doctors aren't worried about it, neither am I. I think that there are so many things out there for people to get all scared and worried about during pregnancy that most people read one little thing and completely freak out. Just my opinion.

That being said, I've had 4 ultrasounds so far. I went through fertility treatments with an RE, so that office did the first one to confirm how many babies were in there (one here!), and that it was growing in the proper place. Second ultrasound was also done by the RE - their policy before releasing to the OB...to make sure the pregnancy is continuing normally. Then I had my NT scan (I opted for it because I am AMA, and wanted to know my risks). I've also had bleeding episodes several times a week for my entire pregnancy, so I've had one additional ultrasound to try to determine the cause of the bleeding (nothing has been found yet....but baby is growing on schedule and has a healthy heartbeat). I anticipate I will probably have at least a couple more - the anatomy scan, and if I keep bleeding, they will probably monitor me a few more times as well.

However, I will not be paying for elective ultrasounds. I will have ultrasounds done that my doctor recommends, and that my insurance pays for. I don't feel the need to go above and beyond that - not because I'm worried about radiation or anything...but because I'd rather save my money to spend on baby stuff! 

cozylittlecave

I had 3 so far... one at 6 weeks, one at 8 weeks (both due to being high risk for ectopics/previous m/c), and one at 12 weeks for the NT scan. Anatomy scan in about 3 weeks. We *might* get an elective one done a little further along just to verify the sex depending on how the anatomy scan goes. I'll only be 18 weeks, and the thought of having a closet full of the wrong gender clothing scares me. I'll only do the elective though if the tech isn't that sure/can't get a great shot.

I've heard several people saying not to get too many, but I've never seen any actual evidence supporting the argument. I think it's more the common sense 'you never know so why risk it' type of thing. I can see why you might not want to do too many, but I'm also not worried. There are plenty of high-risk pregnancies with TON of u/s and no issues.

vstevens

Just to be clear, there is absolutely no ionizing radiation associated with ultrasounds (the type of radiation used with x-rays).

Ultrasounds use high frequency sound waves to produce images.  And according to two different OBs at my practice, there is zero peer-reviewed medical research out there that finds those sound waves are harmful to a fetus.  In other words, according to them medical evidence supporting a link between ultrasounds and fetal harm does not exist.  There is plenty of anecdotal evidence of a link out there on the internet - you can attach as much or as little weight to that as you deem appropriate.

Personally, I'm trying to restrict them for the same reason I don't put my laptop on my tummy or hold a cell phone close to it -- evidence doesn't exist, but who really knows what the long term effects might be?  These technologies haven't really been around long enough to assess them in long term studies.  I know I'm a totally paranoid pregnant woman...

MrsMiller1002

Uwannalala:

I don't think many women on here are getting "as many as possible." At most, some (myself included) are getting one elective ultrasound for gender above and beyond the regular doctor ones. Honestly, im not worried about it one bit and feel it is fine for both myself and my baby.

That being said, if some women feel best only having 1.. more power too them.  I just hope they have the same open mind and aren't judgemental of my choices.  

All of this.  I've had one NT scan and 2 quick ones.

one for dating, and one bc of bad cramping and checking for a heartbeat.

my doctor told me they are fine, and not to worry.

I'm highrisk so I'm expecting a lot of U/S. I really don't mind and I actually find it reassuring.  I love seeing LO and watching it's heart beat and jump around. I love seeing how much It's grown. 

I too will be getting an elective 4d one done at 28 weeks for fun.

I'm not worried about any health risks for an U/S at all. But that's just me. 

Jessie*J

With my DD - my old OB did an u/s at EVERY appt. It's part of his routine. None of his patients have ever had trouble (I had never heard of it being a problem). He prefers to keep watch on the baby as much as possible. We have over 30 pics of DD throuhout the whole pregnancy.

This pregnancy we had an RE in the beginning and now our OB. So far we've had 4 u/s's between the 2. Today we have an u/s with a private facility and OB will be doing one at 20 weeks and 34 weeks. Then our 3D is about 27 weeks.

None of the techs have ever said it would be a problem. Definetly an interesting thing to ask though!

latinachica29

Ive had 2 internals. One at 71/2 wks due to spotting. Then at 9 1/2 with my actual doctor and to date the pregnancy. After those two I read about some of the research so unless I need more I'm not getting anymore.

We are finding out the sex so I'll be getting one more, but obviously it's not internal. For me this comes down to personal choice. If you worry like me about the littlest things then don't get them but if you do want them then trust your doctor. I believe everyone should do their own research.

EllenK11

I have had 3 u/s so far and I am 14 weeks.  My dr says he will do one almost every visit.  He says there is no danger to the baby and it will help him track the baby and make sure that everything is alright.  Also he feels that it helps the parents so they can see the baby and how it is developing and makes them more at ease.  We are not finding out the sex so he is going to have to be careful the further along I am.

SarahPLiz

I've had 3 so far and will likely get another one on Monday. My doctor doesn't see any risk, and she has a machine in every room so she can do them at each appointment. THey aren't high res like the one we had for the NT scan, but they work to show major stuff. I'm not worried. 

sunandsurfmama

Unless something changes, I am only having two the entire pregnancy.  I had my dating U/S at 9w5d and will have my second one on at 20 weeks.

We did not have the NT scan done, either. 

I actually could have skipped the dating U/S but went ahead and had it done so we had a baseline and an idea of where we were. 

ijack

Well I've had 8 so far, I guess my baby will grow a 2nd head.

When you're high risk there really isn't much choice. It would be nice to only "worry" about the number of u/s I'm getting, but instead I'm worrying about a plethora of complications.

dmogmo

I think the risks are pretty minimal. That said I think the elective scans are ridiculous.

Auki13

Uwannalala:

I don't think many women on here are getting "as many as possible." At most, some (myself included) are getting one elective ultrasound for gender above and beyond the regular doctor ones. Honestly, im not worried about it one bit and feel it is fine for both myself and my baby.

It will be my 3rd so far (1st was early for dating purposes, 2nd was because they couldn't find the heartbeat.)   Nothing is 100% but I feel pretty confident it'll be just fine and  im  not losing a bit of sleep. Im pretty easy going as far as pregancy "restrictions."

That being said, if some women feel best only having 1.. more power too them.  I just hope they have the same open mind and aren't judgemental of my choices.  

 

I didn't mean "as many as possible" in a negative way and I really hope you don't take it that way.  I meant to be able to see the baby, and I completely understand wanting to do that!  I myself have opted to have the minimal amount done, but that's my personal opinion and think its wonderful for women to have more...  I enjoy seeing everyones pics and brought this up out of curiousity, not to offend anyone.

Auki13

I doubt your baby will have any issues at all (with the ultrasounds) and hopefully s/he will be healthy and full term. Like I mentioned above I was only curious and didn't mean to imply that its bad to get ultrasounds, I believe they are important in checking on the baby and some people need to have more than others.  I had to have one at 7 weeks due to severe bleeding, and by no means thought that it would be bad for the baby- I was just curious what other practitioners say to thier patients. 

Thanks for all the responses, it was interesting to see what everyone had to say!

Skibunny07

I think for some of us, the risk of not having as many as we are having is greater then the risk of having too many if that makes sense. My doctor is having me get one done every 3 weeks because I had a LEEP procedure done a few years ago and she needs to check my cervical length. If my cervix gets too short I am at risk for pre-term labor and the only way yo know the length is to get the u/s done. If I didn't have this issue I would only be getting 2... the NT scan and the anatomy scan.