May 2012 Moms

1st Ultrasound and Question

I had my first ultrasound today and I got to hear my baby's heartbeat! It was a strong 173 BPM. It was the most amazing thing I've ever heard! My due date is May 22nd. 

Quick question. My ultrasound was abdominal. Is this normal for the first one? All of my friends that have kids told me their first was transvaginal. I have a midwife instead of an OB/GYN and I'm guessing that is why it was only an abdominal. Either way, I'm happy. I was just curious if any of you with midwives had the same experience.   

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Re: 1st Ultrasound and Question

  • We are due date buddies!

    My first ultrasound was transvaginal but I was only 7 weeks at the time. I don't think they could have heard it with an abdominal anyway that early.

    My next appointment is at 10 weeks and that one should be abdominal. I think it is just the doctor that decides. I have heard on this website a lot that doctors don't usually do abdominal ultrasounds before 10-12 weeks because it can be hard to pick up a heartbeat earlier than that and it causes undue stress and worry for the mother.

    However, I have also heard that if you are slim in your tummy, an abdominal ultrasound can pick up the heartbeat earlier than 10 weeks. Is that the case with you? I am very little through my stomach so I am hoping we will hear everything at 10 weeks.

    Either way, congrats! I'm sure it was an amazing day for you!
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  • I guess May 22nd is a popular day. Congrats to you as well!

    I wouldn't say that I'm slim in my tummy. I'm not huge, but not slim either. Now I feel so blessed that I was able to hear it today. 

    Good luck at your ultrasound and I hope that you get to hear your LO's heartbeat!  

     

    Lilypie Maternity tickers BabyFruit Ticker image
  • My first ultrasound was just before 8 weeks and it was also abdominal. We could see the heartbeat flicker on the screen but couldnt hear it. Our next appt is at 13 weeks..we will hopefully see the baby and hear the hb!! No transvaginal one for us either! Best wishes!
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  • Congrats!  That's my wedding anniversary :)  Mine was abdominal at 8 weeks.  I think they only do trans vag if it's really early or high risk.

    BabyFruit Ticker

  • Abdominal first is standard from 8 weeks on.  If they can't see what they need or want better detail, they'll do a transvag.  Or if you are me and they want to check your cervix, they'll just skip straight to transvag.

    It doesn't have anything to do with midwife vs OB, just how far along you are.


    Gabriel Ross - August 24, 2009 * Vivienne Rose - May 1, 2012

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  • My 1st u/s was transvaginal, but I was only 7 weeks (and this was with my RE).  When I went to my midwife at 8 weeks, I had an abdominal one.
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  • imageeasjer05:

    It doesn't have anything to do with midwife vs OB, just how far along you are.

    That makes sense. Thank you!  

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  • My first u/s was at around 6 weeks, so mine was an internal u/s. My 8 week u/s was abdominal. Like everyone else has said, it just depends how far along you are.
    My little pumpkin was born at 34weeks, weighing 3lbs, due to severe IUGR & Unexplained Placental Insufficiency. He spent 49 days in the NICU. Lilypie Premature Baby tickers imageimageimageimageimageimage
  • It depends on how far along you are, but also just on your office's policy. My office does transvaginal for all ultrasounds 12 weeks and under.
    --Danielle :-)
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