Waiting until 12 weeks for first ultrasound

Re: Waiting until 12 weeks for first ultrasound

• forensicmama member

  February 2011

  The only thing I can think of is if the due date is in question or if you've experienced bleeding or signs of miscarriage. Other than that, I don't think it's necessary. My first U/S with my DD was at 13 weeks and it was AMAZING. I mean, she was a fully formed little baby in there - I even saw her little butt cheeks as she turned away from me! It was unbelievable as I wasn't remotely showing yet and yet, there she was! Congrats with your pregnancy!

  
  Married since 06/19/2004|Anna born 11/19/2006|Charles born 11/1/11
  Double undergrad graduation May 2011| Me: Psychology, DH: Communication| A long journey!
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• MrsGo4Hockeychick member

  February 2011

  if there's no question of dates, there's really not a reason for an early u/s if you don't want one. 

  Many practices only do the 20 week scan as standard practice, so if you're truly wary of them, it's not unusual to only have 1. 

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• jntaylor11 member

  February 2011

  At 8 wks they measure how far along you are to make sure are not further along than you thought you are, they also check to make sure you have a HB and that its a viable pregnancy and everything is developing normally. Most likely it is too early for the HB to be heard via Doppler, so if you forgo the u/s you may not know you have a viable pregnancy until 3 mons in... I personally would not have been able to go that long without being a nervous wreak. I went in today for my 12 wk apt and my midwife gave us a surprise ultrasound because it is even too difficult to hear sometimes at 12 wks via doppler. Personally the 8 wk u/s really put my mind at ease, just being able to see the LO, and then seeing it today 4 wks later and comparing was just amazing. I haven't really read any research that has facts to prove that u/s are harmful to the baby, but its your choice:)

  
  
  

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• julygal

  February 2011

  My OB typically likes to do an u/s at 8 weeks.  When I told him u/s are a source of anxiety for me and I would prefer to wait unless he saw a reason for me to have one this early, he said the 8 week u/s was totally optional.  He liked to do it to see that things were target with the dates I gave and just to make sure things looked good.  However, he said if I was certain of my dates, I felt fine with no concerns (cramping, spotting, etc), and I was having symptoms typical of my previous pregnancies, then he was fine with waiting.  Also, while he didn't say this exactly, I got the impression they offer the early u/s because most moms want it.  We go for our first u/s at 12 weeks for the NT scan.  It was only waiting an additional 4 weeks, which really isn't that long in the grand scheme of things.

  

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• ZeeBee2

  February 2011

  I'm an US tech... and I won't go into all the physics that are involved in it, I'll just sum one thing up.  In order for a 1 degree celcius increase in tissue to occur - the probe must stay in one area for about 1 hour, without moving.  So, while babies have never been tested (cause who wants to do that?!), US has never been proved unsafe on human tissue when used at the appropriate level... ie: don't go Tom Cruise style and buy your own machine!  If you're at a clinic or a school they have strict regulations on their machines.  That being said... it's all personal preference if you want it at 8 weeks or 12 weeks... but know that no matter what week you get it, I think baby will be just fine. 

  At 8 weeks they will look like a little gummy bear, with their arms forming and you should see a strong heart beat!
  

  

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• Acuffrose member

  February 2011

  Thanks to everyone for the replies! I'm eagerly awaiting my first US in the 12th week.

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