Need some advice

margaret_howell

Last month I had to go get a level 2 ultrasound because of elevated AFP levels. They were not elevated by a lot, just enough that my Dr. recommended we get the ultrasound. Nothing came of the ultrasound. The Dr. that did it said our baby looked perfect.
However, at my appointment last week my Dr. told me she wanted me to do weekly ultrasounds so she can monitor the fluid level and my baby's growth. I agreed with her at the time but now I'm having second thoughts.
I don't feel that it's really necesary to have weekly ultrasounds. 1) Everything I have read says that the ultrasounds are not accurate in determining fluid levels or baby weight. 2) I'm not comfortable having 15 more ultrasounds (assuming I deliver at full term). 3) This is more DH than me... but cost is a factor. From what I estimate it will be an extra $300 for all of these ultrasounds.
I'm just worried that she will see that the fluid is too low for her liking and she will try to induce me. Or think that the baby is too big and try to induce me. I know I can refuse that too but I just don't want to have to deal with that.
I'm happy just counting kicks and if I feel like something is wrong THEN I can go in and have an ultrasound or whatever.
So, how do I tell my Dr. that I've changed my mind. I really don't feel like debating with her whether what I read is credible or whatever. I just want to say that I've decided not to have weekly ultrasounds.
I am the furthest from being a confrontational person that you can be. I know I can just go to my appointment and say, hey. I don't want weekly ultrasounds. But I'm afraid of having to answer to her asking me why. I don't want to explain why.

Jcrab

There is a huge difference between weekly ultrasounds and monitoring a little closer IF there are any signs of concern. I would definitely not agree for weekly US given the information you shared about your situation. My DS had some complications and I had a level 2 US with perinatologists for my 20 week scan - nothing was found to worry about. They recommended that I follow up again at 28 weeks with a growth scan but I declined because my belly is growing just fine and we noticed previously with DS that it wasn't which warranted the extra US and monitoring for his situation. I will likely have another US before baby comes but not anything regular unless baby shows us there is a problem. Like I explained to my NP / CNM and DH - I don't want to go looking for trouble, if this baby isn't growing  well then we will figure it out and then order the US if needed. Maybe call or email your provider now if you are more comfortable explaining your choice to them in that manner than a face to face confrontation. I think many providers are used to women wanting more US and not less and are also not used to having their decisions questioned. If you have the option, I would go with email but that's just me. You definitely have very valid concerns. HTH!

nosoup4u

Can your DH or someone else who supports you go with you? I think that's always a big help. Your reasons are sound, just stay calm and polite. I've turned down procedures before, and most of the time it's easier than I thought it would be.

margaret_howell

Thank you for the replies.

My DH will be with me so that will help. I think you are right nosoup4u, it will be easier than I am making it out in my head. 
I'm also waiting to hear back from a midwife to interview for a home birth. A while back I posted about doing  home birth. Since then we weren't sure we would be doing one after all because there are no midwives in the area covered by our insurance. However, I think even without insurance the cost for us will be similar. So, we are back on for the home birth.
I hope that it works out.