First ultrasound?

katybug104 · November 2013

I am 4 weeks pregnant with our first child and so excited! I called to schedule my prenatal appointments today. I was scheduled for an 8 week, 12 week, and 20 week. For the 20 week appointment I have my first ultrasound scheduled. I was kind of bummed because I've heard of people getting ultrasounds at 8 weeks to hear the heartbeat, and I've known many people to have them before 20 weeks. I asked if I could have one sooner, and she told me not unless something went wrong. Is this normal to have a first ultrasound at 20 weeks? I'm so excited and just want to see our little peanut as soon as possible!!

LegalLadyBug · November 2013

Yes. If there is any indication of a problem they'll do an ultrasound. At your 12 week they will look for the heart beat with a Doppler and if they can't find it they'll do an ultrasound. Some people have them early if there is a question or dates or if infertility is involved.

Unknown · November 2013

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krazykay7 · November 2013

I'm getting mine at 7weeks. And not because of any issue. That's when they do it with my doctors group. I would go crazy if I had to wait til 20weeks.

starlight0412 · November 2013

Every doctor's office is different when it comes to ultrasounds. I just had a vaginal one yesterday to confirm how far a long I was. I heard the heart beat and my due date was pushed bacy two weeks. If you can't wait...(trust me I don't blame you) then request to have one done earlier.

shannonhawkinson · November 2013

With my first pregnancy I only had one ultrasound and that was at the 20 week mark. I then had a miscarriage this past January and now I am expecting again in July. My doctor said since I had my miscarriage he would fit me in for an ultrasound for peace of mind for me.

My insurance most likely won't cover it, but for the peace of mind, it's worth it to me!

Again, it all goes back to the doctors and what they practice.

katybug104 · November 2013

Thanks everyone!! I think I'll ask the nurse at my 8 week visit. I'm totally okay paying out of pocket, I think I'll go nuts if I have to wait!

katybug104 · November 2013

I'm sorry that I'm nervous and excited and want to hear my baby's heartbeat. I asked this question and joined this site for questions and support, not for people to be rude to me. So go rain on someone else's parade!

maizetoby · November 2013

I had my first ultrasound at 8 weeks at my first appointment. It was a huge relief to see and hear the heartbeat. I go back for another on Monday for my 12 week appointment and am still anxious about the heartbeat. Apparently this is just standard for my ob-gyn group. I couldn't imagine having to wait that long....maybe you can request it?

Unknown · November 2013

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allgood921 · November 2013

Where I live most doctors will do an ultrasound at 8 weeks just to see how far along you are and to confirm there aren't any issues. My friend had her first about 3 years ago and she had an ultrasound done at 5-6 weeks. But they didn't confirm an actual pregnancy until almost 11 weeks when they could get a heartbeat. But I guess everywhere is different. Maybe try and call other doctor offices and ask when they provide the first ultrasound, and also check with your insurance company to see when they will cover the ultrasound.

Unknown · November 2013

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savish · November 2013

They put me on a cancellation list for my first ultrasound. Only because they need to get my dates because my periods have been wonky. 20 weeks sounds normal if there are no problems

allgood921 · November 2013

RedheadBaker said:

katybug104 said:

Thanks everyone!! I think I'll ask the nurse at my 8 week visit. I'm totally okay paying out of pocket, I think I'll go nuts if I have to wait!

An ultrasound is not a TV into your uterus for your entertainment. It's a medical tool. Entitled much?

If that's the case then why do they sell home ultrasound machines? I think she is perfectly 'entitled' to be excited about her first pregnancy and to see it grow as much as she can. Just because your OPINION is that it should only be used for medical purposes does not mean that her, or anyone elses for that matter, will reflect that same opinion.

allgood921 · November 2013

No thank you :-]

24karat · November 2013

katybug104 said:

I am 4 weeks pregnant with our first child and so excited! I called to schedule my prenatal appointments today. I was scheduled for an 8 week, 12 week, and 20 week. For the 20 week appointment I have my first ultrasound scheduled. I was kind of bummed because I've heard of people getting ultrasounds at 8 weeks to hear the heartbeat, and I've known many people to have them before 20 weeks. I asked if I could have one sooner, and she told me not unless something went wrong. Is this normal to have a first ultrasound at 20 weeks? I'm so excited and just want to see our little peanut as soon as possible!!

It is perfectly normal (and the recommendation) to only have the a/s at 20 weeks. In fact, it's reason to be grateful that you're only having the 20wk a/s scheduled. It means that your OB thinks you are a low risk pregnancy. Granted, there are a few OBs who will order an early u/s for everyone they see but they are in the minority. Early u/s are often the NT (12 weeks) but you usually only have that done if you have risk factors.

As someone who has had two high risk pregnancies (one of which involved weekly tests and u/s, constant monitoring, PTL, bed rest, and more) I would've loved to be only scheduled for that few appointments.

I do understand that you're excited to see your baby. Pretty much everyone is, but there is no reason to at this stage unless there is some concern about viability or you have risk factors that make an NT scan a good idea. You will see lots of women who post early u/s pics but for every one who posts, there are many more who don't because they didn't have an early u/s.

afk2013 · November 2013

It varies by practice. Mine does one at every appointment. They have a machine in every room. You can always call around to see what is standard for other offices in your area.

Unknown · November 2013

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brooklynesque · November 2013

Early ultrasounds absolutely do have a medical purpose -- dating the pregnancy, which can help avoid premature inductions, which are bad. (Check the new ACOG term guidelines -- they're finding that every week of pregnancy truly does count.) They also help rule out ectopic or molar pregnancies, the former of which can be life threatening. They also rule out a missed miscarriage. Most ladies will be fine in all these regards with just a 20w US but to say an earlier US has no medical purpose -- as if the doc does it just for sh!ts and giggles -- is flat wrong.

I'm under the care of an RE so have a different monitoring schedule but I know my OB starts USs at 6 weeks also. Btw, you can absolutely hear as well as see a heartbeat at 6 weeks on a good machine.

reb84 · November 2013

At the clinic I go to they do a vaginal ultrsound to check for the heartbeat and due date. The machine is always in there so no special appointment or anything needed. The nurse told me last time they like to do the ultrasound because sometimes they can't hear the heartbeat on the doppler and then moms freak out.

flerlgirl · November 2013

I've had three so far because my baby is at a high risk for developing serious, life-threatening issues. Trade you.

allgood921 · November 2013

LoisLayn23 said:

I looked up dildocam on Amazon and found no results.

So I looked up "home ultrasound machine" since they are so readily available.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=dildocam#/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_10?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=home+ultrasound+machine&sprefix=home+ultra%2Caps%2C161&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Ahome+ultrasound+machine

ERMAHGERD THEY EXIST!!!

https://www.google.com/#q=home+ultrasound+machine&tbm=shop

Either that or my friend just built one out of thin air and showed me IN PERSON. Oh but pregnancy hormones must have my brain scrambled.

Unknown · November 2013

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likeanoldtimemovie · November 2013

sharmon1317 said:

You are all so rude.. If you have a problem with OP's question then fuck off and go somewhere else. She asked a simple question and you rude bitches turned it into a drama filled post.. Get a damn life!

michellexm · November 2013

Good god. You all remind me of a bunch of middle school girls hating on the one you picked out of the crowd as "different." Grow up already!

This is the reason women don't get ahead in the world; they're too busy pulling each other down.

tealowl · November 2013

ashleysyn2 said:

sharmon1317 said:

You are all so rude.. If you have a problem with OP's question then fuck off and go somewhere else. She asked a simple question and you rude bitches turned it into a drama filled post.. Get a damn life!

Who's a rude bitch?

That's what my lower back tattoo says.

ACrashe · November 2013

JFC this is the most nitpicking post.

Unknown · November 2013

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ACrashe · November 2013

My husband just handed me a card for half off a 3D ultrasound - we got it in the mail. OP, you can have it. Thanks to the bump I can count my mailwoman as one of the few people that know about my pregnancy. JC that was fast bump!

Jbosarge85 · November 2013

I'll get one at 9 weeks and 20 weeks. Last pregnancy I had one at 6 weeks and 20 weeks. Honestly, at 6 weeks she just looked like a little wedding ring and it doesn't relieve the worry till 10-12 weeks when you get to hear the heartbeat and you hear it each visit. And @brooklynesque there is no medical necessity, you mentioned to stop early inductions. You really don't think they measure and check how far along you are measuring at the 20 week ultrasound? They do...even when I got an earlier ultrasound, they still measured and made sure I was on schedule with growth. And they would only need to rule out ectopic if you had major pain in one side.
To those of you getting ultrasounds every visit....are you kidding me??? That's ridiculous. There is no need and your dr is only doing it to get money, I'm surprised your insurance pays this. And I know this may get a few flames but each ultrasound does emit a small amount of radiation, getting one each time can't be good for your baby.

Katieluc106 · November 2013

Just chiming in as I know many people will say something about this. One thing I've learned here is that there are a few people who will always have something negitive to say about everything. They are entitled to their opinions. One thing I decided to try is when you come across a negitive comment. Just ignore. The more someone comments or calls attention to a negitive comment or opinion you don't care for the more drama it will start. The number of supportive women on this board out weighs the rest heavily.
To the OP: I understand your frustration. I want to see my bean as many times as possible. There is nothing better than seeing the progress of what you are creating and the beginnings of the rest of your life growing. I say if insurence won't cover it and you have the disposable income go see that baby! ❤️

michellexm · November 2013

Katieluc106 said:
Just chiming in as I know many people will say something about this. One thing I've learned here is that there are a few people who will always have something negitive to say about everything. They are entitled to their opinions. One thing I decided to try is when you come across a negitive comment. Just ignore. The more someone comments or calls attention to a negitive comment or opinion you don't care for the more drama it will start. The number of supportive women on this board out weighs the rest heavily.
To the OP: I understand your frustration. I want to see my bean as many times as possible. There is nothing better than seeing the progress of what you are creating and the beginnings of the rest of your life growing. I say if insurence won't cover it and you have the disposable income go see that baby! ❤️

Love your outlook! Great reminder; I hate seeing people picked on without good reason so I sometimes end up in the fray, but ignoring works better often.

blacktie3 · November 2013

RedheadBaker said:

Katieluc106 said:

Just chiming in as I know many people will say something about this. One thing I've learned here is that there are a few people who will always have something negitive to say about everything. They are entitled to their opinions. One thing I decided to try is when you come across a negitive comment. Just ignore. The more someone comments or calls attention to a negitive comment or opinion you don't care for the more drama it will start. The number of supportive women on this board out weighs the rest heavily. To the OP: I understand your frustration. I want to see my bean as many times as possible. There is nothing better than seeing the progress of what you are creating and the beginnings of the rest of your life growing. I say if insurence won't cover it and you have the disposable income go see that baby! ❤️

A doctor will not do one without a medical need, and "boutiques" won't take you until 16-ish weeks. So ... good luck with that.

I just had one Monday at 6 weeks, no medical need except that I wanted to know if it looked to be viable before I tell my family. Just depends on the DR.

Mrodriguez898 · November 2013

My last pregnancy the US was scheduled at 12 weeks. As that ended in miscarriage this pregnancy I had the US done at 6 weeks to see the heartbeat, at 11 weeks for the CVS test and my next one is at 20 weeks.

brooklynesque · November 2013

Jbosarge85 said:
I'll get one at 9 weeks and 20 weeks. Last pregnancy I had one at 6 weeks and 20 weeks. Honestly, at 6 weeks she just looked like a little wedding ring and it doesn't relieve the worry till 10-12 weeks when you get to hear the heartbeat and you hear it each visit. And @brooklynesque there is no medical necessity, you mentioned to stop early inductions. You really don't think they measure and check how far along you are measuring at the 20 week ultrasound? They do...even when I got an earlier ultrasound, they still measured and made sure I was on schedule with growth. And they would only need to rule out ectopic if you had major pain in one side.

I'm no expert but I've been told that dating is much more precise early on.

And by the time you feel pain in an ectopic it might be too late to save your tube. And you might be near the point of life-threatening rupture.

Jbosarge85 · November 2013

@brooklynesque I know the internet isn't always 100% accurate but this site says and I quote "Bleeding from the uterus is often followed by cramping and bleeding from the tube. In a tubal pregnancy, spotting and cramping pain usually begin shortly after the first missed menstrual period. Gradual bleeding from the tube causes pain and pressure inside the pelvis." The baby isn't big enough to cause your fallopian tube to rupture until you are 12-16 weeks along. If you are having those symptoms and tell your dr. And note it says it starts shortly after your missed period, I'm sure a dr would approve an ultrasound to check well before it became an issue and caused a rupture.

Salsera29 · November 2013

Katieluc106 said:

Just chiming in as I know many people will say something about this. One thing I've learned here is that there are a few people who will always have something negative to say about everything. They are entitled to their opinions. One thing I decided to try is when you come across a negative comment. Just ignore. The more someone comments or calls attention to a negative comment or opinion you don't care for the more drama it will start. The number of supportive women on this board out weighs the rest heavily. To the OP: I understand your frustration. I want to see my bean as many times as possible. There is nothing better than seeing the progress of what you are creating and the beginnings of the rest of your life growing. I say if insurance won't cover it and you have the disposable income go see that baby! ❤️

FTFY

LuckyDad · November 2013

LoisLayn23 said:

I always spend my gambling money on booze.

#winning

That's a bet you always win, @LoisLayn23!

Katieluc106 · November 2013

Salsera29 said:

Katieluc106 said:

Just chiming in as I know many people will say something about this. One thing I've learned here is that there are a few people who will always have something negative to say about everything. They are entitled to their opinions. One thing I decided to try is when you come across a negative comment. Just ignore. The more someone comments or calls attention to a negative comment or opinion you don't care for the more drama it will start. The number of supportive women on this board out weighs the rest heavily.
To the OP: I understand your frustration. I want to see my bean as many times as possible. There is nothing better than seeing the progress of what you are creating and the beginnings of the rest of your life growing. I say if insurance won't cover it and you have the disposable income go see that baby! ❤️

FTFY

Thanks girl. I always get mixed up with that word. That and sandwich. I don't know why but those are my trick words

alicatand · November 2013

I guess I'm confused why people are attacking OP? When it's your first pregnancy and don't know what's going on or how your body handles things, I don't think it's uncalled for to want an initial dating u/s. And while 20 weeks is standard, many many clinics have other standards that offer more ultrasounds throughout. Even if insurance doesn't cover it, it's still affordable and worth every penny. If a clinic offers the services I see no reason why someone who would pay out-of-pocket for a chance to ensure things are progressing normally is acting "entitled."

OP - I'd call around to different clinics in your area and ask what their standards are and you will likely find one who will give you that initial u/s. Good luck!

dschneider1583 · November 2013

Every practice is different.

My doctor does one around 7 weeks for dating purposes. I had one today and was able to see my little bean and see the heartbeat. My doctor also has me going for an NT scan to test for downs and all that.

My dr got me in this time around too because I had a miscarriage a few months back and she knew I needed a little piece of mind this time around and seeing the baby today did help with that!

The less ultrasounds you have the better. That means you are not at risk which is great! You could call around to see what other doctors in your area do, but if you like your dr then I wouldn't be too concerned. I know you are excited and I don't blame you but if you can hold out that would be better!

Good luck to you!

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