34 weeks = 2 Dr visits per week?

lvlichelle · January 2014

I went to the Dr yesterday for my regularly scheduled bi-weekly appointment. I was told at 34 weeks they start seeing their patients twice a week, every week. At my first appointment I was told that at the end I would need to come in weekly.. nothing was said about going in twice a week. Is this how your Dr's office does it? Also, I was scheduled for a stress test on the 20th (not entirely sure what that is). Something about a monitor being hooked up to my belly. Does everyone get these done?

I sorta feel like there is something they might be worried about and they aren't telling me. Maybe all these things are normal protocol for every pregnancy.. can someone shed some light on it for me?

VineyardMel · January 2014

Twice a week? I don't even start weeklies until 36 and won't ever do 2x/wk unless something happens. I'm high-ish risk due to my age and will have NSTs starting at 36wks, too. 2x/wk for 6wks seems like overkill.

legallyginger · January 2014

I'm biweekly now and go to weekly at 36 weeks, which I think is fairly standard unless you're high risk. At 36 weeks I'll also start doing weekly non-stress tests, but that is because of GD and isn't standard. Twice weekly seems like a lot for the last six weeks if you're not having any other issues.

VineyardMel · January 2014

Adding that if something is wrong I'm 90% sure they would tell you unless they are just a shady practice.

roxi9020 · January 2014

I wonder if they get insurance reimbursements for each visit....

jfb29 · January 2014

Like PPs said that seems a little excessive.

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ceh789 · January 2014

I know you have a loss history and a blood disorder but don't recall specifics. Didn't you also post about being on limited work restrictions? My guess is that's why you're going in so often, but you should ask them if thus is their normal protocol or not.

lesleygosooners · January 2014

I am every two weeks until 36 weeks.

AriaAmante143 · January 2014

I get a non stress test every week. They hook a monitor up to my belly to monitor baby's heartbeat, and check for contractions. They also give you a button to click every time you feel movement. It's NBD.

aLsMay24 · January 2014

I think the only way I'd go to twice weekly is if I go past 40 or 41.

jwls84 · January 2014

Every 2 weeks until 37 weeks and then weekly.
With B I had twice a week for the last 4 weeks, but that was due to a blood condition and I was fully aware of why I was going frequently.
I would definitely ask them why they want you there so much

JAck5209 · January 2014

Sounds excessive. I won't even go twice a week with twins.

kelley72 · January 2014

I'm curious too, please call and ask ... maybe you misunderstood?

KaylieL1217 · January 2014

I start 2 a week at 32 weeks. With non stress once a week. I am high risk.

elliebean14 · January 2014

I am high risk but on a bi-weekly visit schedule until 36 weeks, then weekly after that.

lvlichelle · January 2014

I am wondering if it is just because I am high risk. This is my 4th pregnancy. (last 3 ending in miscarriage) I have MTHFR gene mutation which causes me to have blood clots.. so I have to give myself an injection of Lovenox (blood thinner) everyday. Maybe they want to make sure if I am showing signs of going into labor that I stop taking it. (chance of bleeding too much during delivery?) On my online chart one of my conditions is: Placenta succenturiate lobe affecting fetus. They told me it isn't a big deal until delivery.. which they just need to make sure all of the placenta comes out so I don't hemorrhage or get an infection. I am RH-neg but I was tested and I am not sensitized (my body hasn't built up antibodies against +blood types) so that shouldn't be of a concern now.. I got my Rhogam shot at 28 weeks. I have been prescribed iron because the test came back showing that I am a little anemic.

I guess I will just ask at the appointment on the 20th to find out why they are actually doing this test on me. If I call right now and they tell me they suspect something I will stress and worry for the next 10 days. I looked on my chart online and didn't see anything other than what I already know.

AriaAmante143 · January 2014

lvlichelle said:

I am wondering if it is just because I am high risk. This is my 4th pregnancy. (last 3 ending in miscarriage) I have MTHFR gene mutation which causes me to have blood clots.. so I have to give myself an injection of Lovenox (blood thinner) everyday. Maybe they want to make sure if I am showing signs of going into labor that I stop taking it. (chance of bleeding too much during delivery?) On my online chart one of my conditions is: Placenta succenturiate lobe affecting fetus. They told me it isn't a big deal until delivery.. which they just need to make sure all of the placenta comes out so I don't hemorrhage or get an infection. I am RH-neg but I was tested and I am not sensitized (my body hasn't built up antibodies against +blood types) so that shouldn't be of a concern now.. I got my Rhogam shot at 28 weeks. I have been prescribed iron because the test came back showing that I am a little anemic.

I guess I will just ask at the appointment on the 20th to find out why they are actually doing this test on me. If I call right now and they tell me they suspect something I will stress and worry for the next 10 days. I looked on my chart online and didn't see anything other than what I already know.

This (you being considered high risk) is probably why. I know the reason I have to go weekly all stems back from the 12-week NT scan, because it was a little thick. Even though she is perfectly fine, and her biophysical profile is perfect every time, they still want to monitor her every week for excess fluid (I guess a thicker nuchal fold can also lead to fluid in the lungs towards the end of pregnancy, etc). 2 days a week does seem a little excessive, but that just may be the way your doctor likes to do things. Better safe than sorry

BrideNamedMeg · January 2014

Even for high risk that seems like a lot of visits. I'll see my midwife every two weeks from now until 36 weeks, then even week until I deliver.

pepperedmoth · January 2014

BrideNamedMeg said:
Even for high risk that seems like a lot of visits. I'll see my midwife every two weeks from now until 36 weeks, then even week until I deliver.

This. It's probably all very reasonable and due to your high-risk status, but still, I'd ask them about it.

At some point "better safe than sorry" turns into "totally overkill." Otherwise we'd all of us spend all 40 weeks on hospital bedrest hooked up to monitors fed only sanitized food from packets.

Asking can't hurt!

fish8412 · January 2014

I would ask because like others have said, it seems excessive. I am going every 2 weeks until 35 weeks, then I go every week.

Yenemous · January 2014

It's definitely because you're high risk. I am high risk too and I started my twice per week appts this week (I'm 32 weeks btw). I go every Tuesday and Friday. On Tuesdays they do the NST (where they hook you up to a machine for about 20 mins and listen to LO's heartbeat and movements) plus a biophysical scan. On Fridays I just have the NST again. I know it sucks to go to so many appts but at least you'll have peace of mind that both you and LO are doing well.

Mskris66 · January 2014

VineyardMel said:

Adding that if something is wrong I'm 90% sure they would tell you unless they are just a shady practice.

I agree - The first place I went drew my blood every time I went, made me come in when I didn't need to etc just to bill out my insurance... Jerks

LiFeIsAmIrAcLe · January 2014

Hmmm I think it must be because of all your history. I'm bi-weekly now and actually have no idea when that changes. $:\$ "> I just come in when they tell me to lol

pepperedmoth · January 2014

Mskris66 said:

VineyardMel said:

Adding that if something is wrong I'm 90% sure they would tell you unless they are just a shady practice.

I agree - The first place I went drew my blood every time I went, made me come in when I didn't need to etc just to bill out my insurance... Jerks

This also DEFINITELY happens which is another reason I advocate asking.

lvlichelle · January 2014

pepperedmoth said:

VineyardMel said:

Adding that if something is wrong I'm 90% sure they would tell you unless they are just a shady practice.

I agree - The first place I went drew my blood every time I went, made me come in when I didn't need to etc just to bill out my insurance... Jerks
This also DEFINITELY happens which is another reason I advocate asking.

Yikes.. never really considered this could be the reason.

sebullows · January 2014

Kind of in the same position. I was about to switch from monthly to bi-weekly but after my US on Wednesday dr told me she wants me to come in weekly to do a non stress test. I also don't really know what that entails and I too went home feeling like there were pieces missing. Baby weighed in at 4.5lb at only 31 weeks. It may be bc of my "borderline GD" and irritable uterus but she didn't really say anything

Keep us posted if you find out why you're going so frequently.

SomersIsles · January 2014

LiFeIsAmIrAcLe said:
Hmmm I think it must be because of all your history. I'm bi-weekly now and actually have no idea when that changes. $:\$ "> I just come in when they tell me to lol

Sorry to hijack but quick question..

@lifeisamiracle, I was just reminded when you posted about your bad fall. How's it going? Are you still on bedrest?

floridablonde · January 2014

My Drs office is doing the samething. This is my 3rd high risk pregnancy. At 32 weeks I go for NST 2xs a week till 34 weeks, with an OB appt every 2 weeks till 36 weeks. Then I go for OB checks 2xs a week. They may or may not continue NST 2xs a week at that point, but they want tbem twice a week till 35 weeks. Im on heparin, HBP med, low pappA, and history of preterm labor, so they want me monitored pretty often.

LiFeIsAmIrAcLe · January 2014

@SomersIsles thanks for checking on me

I'm still taking pills every 6 hours to prevent contractions. But no more bedrest

She had me on complete bed rest for a week, and then pelvic bedrest for 2 weeks.

babylimas · January 2014

I go once a week for alternating NSTs and BPPs this week. I also have cervical checks starting at 35 weeks. Technically I'm in the system as having 2 appointments a week, but they do them back to back. I'm not really high risk but the kid is.

Want a personalized experience?

34 weeks = 2 Dr visits per week?

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

Re: 34 weeks = 2 Dr visits per week?

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

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Want a personalized experience?

34 weeks = 2 Dr visits per week?

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6dBethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

Re: 34 weeks = 2 Dr visits per week?

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6dBethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

"Dear Lord, I would have loved to have held my babies on my lap and tell them about You, but since I didn't get the chance, would You please hold them on Your lap and tell them about me?

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6dBethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.

BFP #4 6/26/13, EDD 3/8/14, Delivered @ 40w6d
Bethany Elizabeth born on 3/14/14 @ 6:48am weighing almost 8lbs 1oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.