Disappointing First Appointment

mrskelly731 · August 2014

Guessing from my LMP I am about 9 weeks but I have always had crazy long cycles so I am not 100% on it. Today was my first appointment and all the nurse did was weigh me, take my blood pressure, confirm with urine sample that I am pregnant, and gave me labwork. I don't get to have my first ultrasound until 9/24/14. She said that is standard for their office but I think it's BS. With DD I got one right away for them to see how far along I was so I was expecting the same. Anyone else in the same situation or should I call and find a new OB?

ETA - this is a different OB from when I had DD

Christina80xoxo · August 2014

My first appointment I had a vaginal ultrasound. Not sure if that was because I have had a lot of early losses. I was five weeks five days. I'm not sure what normal practice is, but I really feel like this is an important time for us. So you should definitely have a provider who you feel comfortable with

kecoff01 · August 2014

I did not get an ultrasound at my first appointment and I didn't expect one because I knew my LMP. I think you will find that a lot of women here didn't either, and a lot of them don't expect one until the 20 week anatomy scan. I did get one at my second appointment and was told that I would get one at each appointment just to make sure everything is okay.

Everybody has a different situation and some OBs do ultrasounds more often than others. I don't think your OB is doing anything wrong by any means.

Edited because I can't spell.

mrskelly731 · August 2014

Thanks ladies. I guess my last OB spoiled me with more ultrasounds. I feel better knowing this is more standard.

litt1er4 · August 2014

Yeah, sorry it's not abnormal to not have a u/s until 2nd tri, depends on the practice, depends on your insurance.

jordanbohr · August 2014

I felt disappointed after my first appointment. I had the same, plus a pap because I was due for my annual. I had an ultrasound at like 11 weeks for the NT scan and won't have another until the anatomy at 20 weeks. I'm 13 weeks now and just heard the heart beat for the first time.

rm2013 · August 2014

I guess it's just a matter of the doctor's preference. My OB for DD did a quick dating ultrasound at my 8 wk app including measuring. Went to a different OB at 8 wks for this LO and they did literally a 60 second ultrasound to see there's a heartbeat but didn't measure. The explanation they gave was that it was a "complimentary" ultrasound and they don't bill for it. Went to a 2nd OB (was interviewing for a new provider) and they did the same, quick look and no measure (no billing insurance).

I didn't get a full ultrasound and hear the heartbeat until my NT scan, but since I'd seen the bean twice already I was ok with that. It is reassuring, maybe that's why some doctors decide to do a sneak peek for free.

colemarie07 · August 2014

I get only one ultrasound this pregnancy and it's around the 18-22 week period. I got two ultrasounds my first pregnancy. One at 10 weeks and the other at 20 weeks. The nurses told me that most insurance companies only pay for one ultrasound anyway so they stopped doing more unless it's necessary. I appreciate saving money of course but I do love seeing squishy potato shaped babies.

Edited for corrections.

bdazzld · August 2014

I had no appointment for confirmation, just pee in the cup, fill out some paperwork. Then at my first (8wks) dating U/S to measure. Not U/S at 12wks except we could find the heartbeat with the doppler and I kind of freaked out so we got a quick peek just to confirm the baby was okay. Pretty sure the next is the anatomy scan.

DH and I are picking up a doppler from our friends this weekend to help give us peace of mind.

northerngirl11 · August 2014

I only get one ultrasound and still have yet to have a first appointment. It's all normal if they have no reason to worry at my doctors office.

stepherly · August 2014

My first appointment was exactly like yours. I chose to do the NT scan so my first ultrasound happened at 12w. I don't expect another one until the 20w mark.

Sorry you were disappointed though.

Adele 1981 · August 2014

I would request a dating ultrasound, and the sooner the better, because I think having an accurate due date is really important. If your due date is wrong, it can lead to conversations about induction/c-section way before it might be necessary! Also, I'm not sure how your maternity leave works, but mine requires an "end date" - the last day you work before taking your time. So if it's wrong, you're wasting your time off with no baby. The earlier the ultrasound, the more accurate the date! Good luck!

nannabee21 · August 2014

My first appointment was nothing but vital signs and they took about 30 vials of blood and did a urine pregnancy test. They scheduled a dating ultrasound for my second appointment 4 weeks later.

almeyer2013 · August 2014

My first appointment consisted of all that you had, plus a pap, and they got all my medical history.

I too felt a little disappointed with the appointment, because I was hoping to at least hear the heart beat, but my np said it was too early.

I have to count myself lucky though. Nothing was out of the norm, and I am greatful for that. I was told that I will have two ultrasounds, and will only require more if something has gone awry.
I have to keep telling myself that less is more!

Critter015 · August 2014

This sounds like my doctor's office. With my first when I knew my LMP, They just did a pee test and went over family history and then sent me to the lab for blood work at my first appointment. I didn't have an U/S until 13 weeks, even though my cycles were wonky and I didn't think the date was right. At that ultrasound they dated her at about 6 days different than my original due date, but they didn't change it because the difference was less than a week.

With my second I hadn't had a period yet and they already had my history so they did my PAP and scheduled a dating ultrasound for the next week, then sent me to the lab again. This time I anticipate the same as my second pregnancy since I still haven't had a period.

cinderella105 · August 2014

...........This is the normal first appt. most moms have to wait until AT LEAST 8 weeks, maybe even 10-12 before their first u/s. The only reason you would get early and frequent u/s's is because you're high risk. Just be glad you didn't go and have an u/s showing your baby didn't make it past first trimester.... And I pray that doesn't happen to you. I'm sorry, but there have been so many losses on this board and it's kind of inconsiderate to whine over the fact that you had a normal first appt.

JCWhitey · August 2014

It sounds like a typical non-high-risk prenatal appointment to me. Pretty much sounds like ALL of my prenatal appointments minus the 30 chit chat with my midwife or doctor. I won't have an u/s until the a/s at 18-20 weeks. While I know it can be frustrating, it's not necessary to know your exact gestation. The due date really only becomes important at the end if you go into labor before the estimated 37 week mark or go later than 41/42 weeks. And by then other methods can be used to determine the health of the baby and your placenta to determine what care your baby will get after birth or if an induction is needed. The only reason I'd be super pushy to get a dating u/s done and get an accurate date is if I was with an induction happy practice who would push an unneeded induction on me. If that's the situation you are in I'd maybe call and see if you can do a dating u/s or switch to a practice you are more comfortable with. But seeing the baby at this point isn't a dire thing by any means.

JCWhitey · August 2014

Adele 1981 said:

I would request a dating ultrasound, and the sooner the better, because I think having an accurate due date is really important. If your due date is wrong, it can lead to conversations about induction/c-section way before it might be necessary! Also, I'm not sure how your maternity leave works, but mine requires an "end date" - the last day you work before taking your time. So if it's wrong, you're wasting your time off with no baby. The earlier the ultrasound, the more accurate the date! Good luck!

So you can't just go until you deliver the baby? That seems a little silly and ridiculous. A due date is just a random guess, your baby can safely come +/- two weeks on either on of that date so how can you possibly give an accurate date ahead of time unless you are having a scheduled c-section?

Unknown · August 2014

This content has been removed.

alexandria22489 · August 2014

My first appointment was the same, weight, blood pressure, urine sample, bloodwork. I had bleeding and ended up in the ER at 9w and had an internal ultrasound at that time, to make sure everything is alright.
I think it's normal to not have one right away. The next one is 20w for me, which is how it's done at the office I go to.

aesf · August 2014

That was basically my first appt. We did a Doppler. I did have an early u/s but that was because this baby was a surprise and my last LMP was 12/2012. But that was seperate from the appt.

I know it sucks. Sorry.

crunchymamaof2 · August 2014

Early ultrasounds aren't always what they're cracked up to be. At least not before 8-10 weeks going by LMP. I had one since I conceived while on the pill and hadn't had a PPAF and we saw nothing. Zip. Zilch. 2 weeks later still no heartbeat. Then one week after that we finally saw a healthy baby (knock on wood) measuring 6w6d. Had my doctor been a little more conservative it would have saved a lot of worry,especially since I've had an early loss previously.

Be thankful you had a boring appointment. I can sadly think of many wonderful ladies on here that haven't been so fortunate. But congrats on your pregnancy and welcome!

aylaroman15 · August 2014

I hear this is normal at some offices. Feel blessed that your appointment was normal and boring. At my office I got an ultrasound at 9 weeks and I don't get another until 20 weeks and those are the only ones I'll receive this entire pregnancy. I pray and hope those are the only ones I receive because otherwise they do extra ultrasounds if something may be wrong. I will admit that on good terms I would love to see my nugget every visit but I know that's unrealistic and selfish. If baby is okay, I'm good. For now just be excited for when you do get your us.

ngolimento · August 2014

Be glad you aren't high risk and needing a super early scan. I would have given anything to trade first appointments with you. Mine was at 6 weeks because of heavy bleeding and what doctors thought was a inevitable miscarriage. Then I got another at 7 weeks to see if my baby was dead so they could do a D&C.

Instead of stomping your foot over not getting what you want immediately, maybe you should be grateful that your pregnancy is developing normally.

JCWhitey · August 2014

khansil5 said:

Yep..my maternity requires an end date too..and since DD was 3 weeks early I'm nervous to work past 37 weeks. I currently placed my date 10 days before my due date but if I go early I go early.

So what happens if you give 38 weeks as your end date and you go into labor at 37 weeks? ETA: Meaning, are you penalized or something?

mftol · August 2014

At my first appt. the OB did a vaginal ultrasound to make sure the pregnancy was uterine and not tubal (in the filopian tube), to check if there were twins and for dating the pregnancy (then 7 weeks). I am teally glad she did it and she made a comment that that was always her policy because that info. is important. She also found a small cisy on my ovary to keep an eye on, anyways a very experienced and good OB.

Rachbobach · August 2014

My first and possibly only ultrasound will be at 20 weeks. This is my first pregnancy so that seems pretty standard to me. It sucks waiting but I'm grateful I don't need to have one earlier because that might mean something is wrong. At my appointment tomorrow (I'll be 12 weeks on Saturday) they will be checking for the heartbeat which to me sounds more exciting than a ultrasound. That might change when I do have my first ultrasound because I don't know what to expect but it just seems odd complaining about waiting for an ultrasound when other ladies have needed earlier ultrasounds due to previous losses or something wrong with their current pregnancy.

Adele 1981 · August 2014

My work place actually requires a Dr's note with the estimated due date and you can't work past that day. No problem if you go early.

ktmac315 · August 2014

My first appointment sounded exactly like your first one. Except they didn't even take a urine sample! Then I had to wait for a month for my first ultrasound :-/ it is super hard waiting but so wonderful once the ultrasound appointment finally comes around! I am 11 weeks 2 days right now (had my u/s at 9 weeks) and have to wait until 22 -24 weeks until my next ultrasound! I definitely understand how frustrating it is having to wait :-/ I really wish they would just do an ultrasound at EVERY appointment lol I hope the next 2 weeks goes by quickly for you

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