first appointment tomorrow..

Erinm278

My first appointment is tomorrow and I will be 5 weeks and 5 days.  They are not doing an u/s tomorrow just bloodwork and whatnot.  I have a few questions for those of you that have been through this:

1. Can I ask them for an ultrasound just to calm myself?  Would you?

2. What questions did you ask your doctor?  (This is a new doctor for me)

3. Also, any tips for dealing with needle anxiety?  I have a huge anxiety when it comes to needles.

Thank you!

danigirl7181

1. My first was a surprise and they did an u/s at 9 weeks because I was unsure how far along I was. You would have to check with your insurance to see if it would be covered. But it can't hurt to ask.

2. What i can/cant eat? What to avoid? I work at a hospital so I have to avoid patients that are having chemo. Avoid cleaning the cat box if you have a cat. We have a rabbit that is litter trained and I was told to avoid changing the box. 

3. I hate needles, I usually pinch the the side of my leg. The anticipation is always worse then the needle itself.

Good luck today and congrats!!! 

larhun3

I'm sorry I don't have any advice to give since I just got my BFP and it's my first but I wanted to wish you good luck.

As for the ultrasound it's early...my RE isn't doing an ultrasound until 6 or 7 weeks and normally RE do them earlier than OB but I guess it couldn't hurt to ask.

CarlaAndJames

1. My dr prefers not to do an ultrasound until 6 weeks bc it can be the opposite of reassuring. It's too early to see a heartbeat or much of anything besides a gestational sac and maybe a yolk or fetal pole. Can't hurt to ask, but just a heads up

2. At the first appointment my dr answered questions about his hospital rights (where he delivers), how his practice works if he's not available for delivery, how many appointments I'd have and how that schedule would work, and what stuff he felt I should avoid. He also went over prenatals.

3. Just don't look! I always look away and try to think about something else. Feel a tiny pinch and then don't look again until the cotton is taped on. I always used to tell the tech I was nervous and a fainter But after fertility treatment and having one baby, I've pretty much overcome that fear (but I still don't look!)

Erinm278

CarlaAndJames:

3. Just don't look! I always look away and try to think about something else. Feel a tiny pinch and then don't look again until the cotton is taped on. I always used to tell the tech I was nervous and a fainter But after fertility treatment and having one baby, I've pretty much overcome that fear (but I still don't look!)

Thank you for all of the advice ladies!

I am planning on telling the tech I have anxiety and I'm a fainter (last time I had blood drawn I had an anxiety attack and passed out) and that I need to lay down for it.  I'm older now and tougher and I keep telling myself I will do anything for this baby.  DH will be there and I just have to do this.  I'm hoping pregnancy helps me get over this anxiety!

rjblack424

Erinm278:

CarlaAndJames:

3. Just don't look! I always look away and try to think about something else. Feel a tiny pinch and then don't look again until the cotton is taped on. I always used to tell the tech I was nervous and a fainter But after fertility treatment and having one baby, I've pretty much overcome that fear (but I still don't look!)

Thank you for all of the advice ladies!

I am planning on telling the tech I have anxiety and I'm a fainter (last time I had blood drawn I had an anxiety attack and passed out) and that I need to lay down for it.  I'm older now and tougher and I keep telling myself I will do anything for this baby.  DH will be there and I just have to do this.  I'm hoping pregnancy helps me get over this anxiety!

Try telling yourself that 'you got this, this is NOTHIN!' over and over before you go in, and then you'll buid yourself up as tough in your mind and it really will be nothing...!  You can even ask the tech to use a butterfly, which is a smaller needle, and less invasive, also a lot easier to poke the vein.  But the mind is a very powerful thing, so just keep telling yourself that this is a walk in the park, piece of pie, slice of cake, easy peasy, and you'll be fine! (then go get a piece of cake... bc that sounds good now)   GL!

RunningGal900

Erinm278:

My first appointment is tomorrow and I will be 5 weeks and 5 days.  They are not doing an u/s tomorrow just bloodwork and whatnot.  I have a few questions for those of you that have been through this:

1. Can I ask them for an ultrasound just to calm myself?  Would you?

Sure, you can. IMO a good Dr will tell you no because it's an unneccessary medical procedure. I know it's hard to wait, but honestly, I think you need to find some patience and wait for your standard ultrasound. Not to mention, they are expensive and your insurance likely won't cover it if it's not medically necessary. Also, 5w5d is really early. It's possible you won't see much and that would likely cause you more stress than reassurance. Even when I was in the midst of possibly miscarrying, they wouldn't do an u/s until after 6 weeks to be sure they could actually see what they needed to see. 

2. What questions did you ask your doctor?  (This is a new doctor for me)

Well, when I was interviewing Drs, I asked about their c-section rates, induction rates, her opinions on letting patients go late, how often she delivers her own patients, about the hospital, etc. If you have specific questions about pregnancy, I'd ask those too. What things to avoid, when to call with concerns, etc? 

3. Also, any tips for dealing with needle anxiety?  I have a huge anxiety when it comes to needles.

Honestly, pregnancy may well get you over that. I had a huge problem with getting blood drawn before DS' pregnancy, but now I'm totally fine. You have it done so much that you just learn to deal. Ask to lay down, tell them you have anxiety and if your DH is there talk to him. Otherwise, ask the nurse to talk to you.  

Thank you!

yesthisiskim0401

CarlaAndJames:

1. My dr prefers not to do an ultrasound until 6 weeks bc it can be the opposite of reassuring. It's too early to see a heartbeat or much of anything besides a gestational sac and maybe a yolk or fetal pole. Can't hurt to ask, but just a heads up :
2. At the first appointment my dr answered questions about his hospital rights where he delivers, how his practice works if he's not available for delivery, how many appointments I'd have and how that schedule would work, and what stuff he felt I should avoid. He also went over prenatals.
3. Just don't look! I always look away and try to think about something else. Feel a tiny pinch and then don't look again until the cotton is taped on. I always used to tell the tech I was nervous and a fainter : But after fertility treatment and having one baby, I've pretty much overcome that fear but I still don't look!

This. Adding into number 2, my MW gave me a binder full of information for me to have... Info on safe meds, what I can eat, list of numbers to after hours, LD, etc, kick count speed sheet, basic QA... It was nice to have. GL! Have a great appt!

Mikki62

I wouldn't want an ultrasound this early. I had one at 6 weeks 3 days last time and DD measured at 5w 0d. I was so scared that she wasn't going to make is because she was measuring so far behind. I had another ultrasound two weeks later and she was right on track but it was a long two weeks.