Why all the elective ultrasounds

Jomojack2

I am not trying to be a punk or anything but why are so many of you having such early elective ultrasounds? Is it just to find out the sex? I can somewhat understand 3d later but I don't get why get an elective one at 14 or 15 weeks when the anatomy scan is usually 16 to 20?

MrsSteSte

I've been wondering the same. I assumed I wouldn't "get" it, since we're team green.

I just can't fathom spending the extra money on this.

shelbell1028

Simply because I was too impatient to wait until the anatomy scan at my OB's office. Instead of waiting until March 11th we got to find out today.

CaliforniaDream87

Because I want to know sex earlier..."money" isn't an issue so it works out perfectly for us.

cinderin

I really enjoyed the NT scan. The baby looked like a baby! We got to see it move and we have pictures. (also I was happy that it was good news and the baby looked healthy!) I did not expect it to be as special as it was (I don't know what I expected, I was so nervous). 

So I get it on that level.

We still haven't decided if we will find out the sex, so I am not in any "hurry" to find out. So I don't understand wanting the early scan to find out the sex, but that's just me. I guess if I were super curious, I would.  

anvloveskme

Just because I want to really no other reason. AS at my office isn't scheduled until 18 to 20 weeks but my OB personally prefers 19 weeks, so mine is scheduled for 19 w 1 d. I'm getting my elective US on Monday, so I'll know 4 weeks earlier and it's only 75.

Jomojack2

Ok. Just curious. With DD I didn't see a lot of women getting them so it was surprising to me. Money isn't an issue with us but I just dont see spending money on something that I am going to have to pay for again a few weeks later. Guess its the cheap in me.

BlueJewelM

I was wondering too! I don't remember this many people doing it on my July 11 board.

I am choosing to wait just so it breaks up the pregnancy in half. And my dr does 3d ultrasounds anyway. I scheduled our anatomy scan on 20 weeks ON THE DOT.

And I'm afraid if I get an elective ultrasound I may become addicted and want to do like 5 of them between now and my EDD!

janneann1127

My anatomy scan is basically free, because its covered by insurance. I can find out the sex 6 weeks early for 50. To me, it's worth it. But patience has never been my strong suit. Or really a suit I've ever worn, like at all. Haha

CaliforniaDream87

janneann1127:

My anatomy scan is basically free, because its covered by insurance. I can find out the sex 6 weeks early for 50. To me, it's worth it. But patience has never been my strong suit. Or really a suit I've ever worn, like at all. Haha

My AS is also 100 percent covered!

punkin05

I was wondering this as well. It was actually going to be my UO this week. I'm all for ultrasounds when they are medically necessary, but impatience isn't a medical problem.

CaliforniaDream87

punkin05:

I was wondering this as well. It was actually going to be my UO this week. I'm all for ultrasounds when they are medically necessary, but impatience isn't a medical problem.

Ultrasounds are not just for "medical problems".

punkin05

CaliforniaDream87:

punkin05:

I was wondering this as well. It was actually going to be my UO this week. I'm all for ultrasounds when they are medically necessary, but impatience isn't a medical problem.

Ultrasounds are not just for "medical problems".

I understand that ultrasounds are for more than medical problems and are an important part of pregnancy monitoring. I can even understand having an elective done around 30 or so weeks since for most women they won't see the baby between the 20 week scan and birth, but having one done just 2 or so weeks before you have another doesn't make much sense to me.

CaliforniaDream87

punkin05:

CaliforniaDream87:

punkin05:

I was wondering this as well. It was actually going to be my UO this week. I'm all for ultrasounds when they are medically necessary, but impatience isn't a medical problem.

Ultrasounds are not just for "medical problems".

I understand that ultrasounds are for more than medical problems and are an important part of pregnancy monitoring. I can even understand having an elective done around 30 or so weeks since for most women they won't see the baby between the 20 week scan and birth, but having one done just 2 or so weeks before you have another doesn't make much sense to me.

Well since it doesn't make sense to you...you're making the right decision for YOU.

I don't get why people are so concerned with what others are doing...that's all.

Lilmrslay

All prescribed prenatal ultrasound are free where I live, and electives are about $50. 

Apart from two early ultrasounds, due to suspected twins and an SCH, I have waited for the usual progress scans. $50 for an elective is not a lot of money, but other than wanting to see my baby every day if I could (especially having had 2 previous miscarriages and being somewhat of a worrier about this LO),  I don't see any reason to pay for an earlier scan.

I get wanting to know the sex early, but a few more weeks isn't going to change the outcome or leave us short with time to buy everything, so we'll wait.  

Sascha3

I will be getting u/s every 2 weeks at my MFM doctor so I will not get one this time.  But then again...maybe I will...just to see the baby in 4D.

Last time I decided to find out the sex 5 weeks early and I also really wanted to see the baby in 4D detail.   It was quite amazing actually.  I always hated the way they looked but when it is your own baby it is pretty incredible.  Totally worth the $75 to me, especially since my last pregnancy was 100% covered by insurance and I didn't pay a dime.

Ashesha13

For us it was more just to see baby because our first scan won't be until 1820 weeks and we weren't even given NT scan. So it made things more real for us allowed DH to be more apart of it sooner. It was well worth it and the gender was just a perk

lynn97

MrsSteSte:

I've been wondering the same. I assumed I wouldn't "get" it, since we're team green.

I just can't fathom spending the extra money on this.

Agreed! We will be finding out the sex with this one but we were Team Green with DS.

And we have the money, we just don't like wasting it. In the grand scheme of things, 3 to 4 weeks is not much time at all. To each their own, but I think it's silly.

Ford8754

I had a missed miscarriage last year and its a horrible feeling when you find out your baby is dead inside of you. It's reassurance that everything is going ok.

Laurakat81

Why not? If I hadn't already had six scans I'd probably do an elective one too.

Luckymomma4

I think it's for excitement and to feel at ease. This is my 4th child and I can't wait for my next u/s but I won't be paying extra for an elective one only because I pay out of pocket to my OB and those are more important. Maybe later on towards the end I might go to one of those places with my kids so they can see. I say if you can do it, go for it!

saralondos

We found out the sex at out NT scan. I was 13w5d. Since it seems a little early I'm mentally preparing for the announces boy, but were waiting to spend that at the next u/s. and I'm holding off until week 21 to hand that one since my mom from out of state will be here. I want share that with her since it seems doable. We'll pay for the 3D at 30w to space it all out.

Lastly, since this pregnancy is going slow for us, I'd rather spread it out and not fully know everything all at once.
I can say I'm excited to hear what you're all having as time goes on!!

magdalina.h

I've never seen this many women getting it done as I've seen on this board. My only time to be a "normal" pregnant lady is until 22w so I'm happy to not be getting scanned earlier.

snewman3

Because I want to shop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

manders018

magdalina.h:

I've never seen this many women getting it done as I've seen on this board. My only time to be a "normal" pregnant lady is until 22w so I'm happy to not be getting scanned earlier.

 

Me too.

Jomojack2

Well when you say that scans are 100 percent covered its really not because you still pay an insurance premium every month. So you are still paying for it. I am not saying its good or bad honestly. I just don't get it. I guess it's my UO too.

wilsontl19191

punkin05:

I was wondering this as well. It was actually going to be my UO this week. I'm all for ultrasounds when they are medically necessary, but impatience isn't a medical problem.

Seriously! I do not remember this many on our BMB.

katharine25

Our 16w scan is not elective. In a weird way, I'm actually a bit sad we'll be finding out the gender early at 16w instead of 20w, I'm enjoying the mystery... But I know we won't be able to hold out is the tech asks "do you want to know", so we'll be finding out at 16w assuming baby cooperates.

If I wasn't being so closely watched, and I didn't have my Doppler for confirmation that the heart was still beating, I could see wanting an elective for comfort sake that baby's heart was still beating away in there. then again, I don't think that's information I would want to hear from a nonprofessional....

Mrs.Handy

I'm way too cheap to not wait 3-4 weeks. I'd rather $50-75 on makeup, clothes or brunch. Not that I would anyways since we're saving for a house, but at least that is something tangible.

Although I'm a little annoyed that my a/s will probably be right after our neighborhood consignment sale. It's a gold mine for good clothes and I really want to know if I need little girl clothes.

I am totally irritated at my family asking if we know the sex when I bring up the baby. I keep telling them when we will find out (early March) and they keep asking every time. Like I wouldn't tell them! Maybe next time they ask I will ask them if they want to fork over the $$$ to find out early.

AmeliaKris

I'm having one done at 30 weeks mainly for the experience. Its a 4d us place....you get a Cd to keep etc... We are inviting the grandmas as a mother day surprise.

RivieraBound

Because I want to?

I honestly don't care if people think its silly, or don't get it.  I don't get people being team green, or not telling the names of their kid before its born, or take pictures of their little girls with big flowers on their head, but to each their own

BlueJewelM

AmeliaKris:

I'm having one done at 30 weeks mainly for the experience. Its a 4d us place....you get a Cd to keep etc... We are inviting the grandmas as a mother day surprise.

I am so lucky my dr does 4D and gives us a DVD to keep! I thought every Drs office did that! I never knew people paid extra for it until TB!

Have fun at the 4d. It's really fun! Some people think the pictures are creepy, and I agree they are, but it is neat seeing baby move/smile/suck his thumb in there. I cried everytime I watched the DVD. And I'm usually not a sensitive person...

Stewartandmaura

I don't see what the big deal is.  If they want to get one, let them. It's not harmful.

There are ultrasound studios now, like photography studios, where you can go and get them done. The experience is more pleasant than a doctors office ultrasound and the pics and videos you get from it are usually better. 

My doctor's office has yet to give me a great ultrasound pic. I see some of yours and it makes me think my office has crappy equipment.  I would consider getting one, but I have mom guilt because we didn't do it with DD.

Soleil3

We aren't finding out the gender this time or having elective, but I did have an extra 4d or whatever with my last 2, it really helped me bond early on with the kid and stress less, as well as helped my H feel connected. Those are all reasons I personally can see wanting as many as possible. 

LnR70707

I guess if I had normal care free pregnancies I might want one, but certainly not for gender determination at 14-16 weeks...with an experienced OB or MFM maybe for a guess, but a non-medical tech?  I wouldn't want them giving me any info at all.

ETA: actually, I'm pretty sure those places can't tell you anything medical about your scan, so no peace of mind there at all.

lorow0715

RivieraBound:

Because I want to?

I honestly don't care if people think its silly, or don't get it.  I don't get people being team green, or not telling the names of their kid before its born, or take pictures of their little girls with big flowers on their head, but to each their own

 Ha!  Agreed.  

lynn97

LR70707:

I guess if I had normal care free pregnancies I might want one, but certainly not for gender determination at 1416 weeks...with an experienced OB or MFM maybe for a guess, but a nonmedical tech?nbsp; I wouldn't want them giving me any info at all.
ETA: actually, I'm pretty sure those places can't tell you anything medical about your scan, so no peace of mind there at all.

Agreed.

And to everyone saying how harmless they are, they may or may not be. U/S ARE supposed to be reserved for medical purposes and they are relatively new technology so the long term effects aren't fully known. That being said, I had several extras at my OB's office with DS because of complications. I fully agree with having them done for medical reasons but won't expose my baby just for fun.

LJR 84

I personally would feel very unsure of a non-medical ultrasound tech calling a girl prior to 18 weeks. 

I understand it's exciting to find out, but I'm in the camp that would rather wait until I'm 18 weeks AND have and U/S at my OB's office.  

sabrinatolga

I'm choosing to do one at 17 weeks for our 1 year anniversary and so my 7 year old daughter can be there when we learn the sex of her little brother or sister. I want to really make her a part of it. And this is on a Saturday, so she doesn't have to miss school. It will be a fun thing to do as a family.

CaliforniaDream87

Jomojack2:

Well when you say that scans are 100 percent covered its really not because you still pay an insurance premium every month. So you are still paying for it. I am not saying its good or bad honestly. I just don't get it. I guess it's my UO too.

I guess my UO Is people caring so much about what OTHER people do with their money...lol

Native+Girl

Why do people spend outrageous amounts of money on frivolous things for themselves or their kids? Because they want to and have the means. Just like some choose to have an NT scan and some elect not to. It's a choice, made by someone who is not me, so I may not fully agree with or understand it. But that's okay.

FWIW, my elective scan is in 3 weeks. It's $50 at my OB's office so if we want to skip eating out a couple times and find out 5 weeks early, what difference does that make to anyone who is not us?