Has anyone ever used one of those non-Dr Office ultrasound places?

fro88 · October 2014

Had an appointment today, and while all went well with my NT scan several days ago, today they could not hear the heartbeat on the doppler. The Dr. didn;t seem super concerned, saying that at just around 12 weeks sometimes it's hit or miss, and to just come back next week. However, it has me straight up bugging out. I googled ultrasound places in my area and found somewhere that will do a 15 minute U/S for $35 dollars. Has anyone ever used one of these places? I think it will give me great peace of mind, but would love to know other people's experiences with places like this!

fro88 · October 2014

That's exactly the kind of place! I'm glad your friends had good experiences! They're known for the 4/d ultrasounds and early sex of the baby scans, but this one also has just a cheapo- 2/d U/S and heart rate check. I think Im going to make an appointment, otherwise I will spend the next week just freaking out.

Smash1215 · October 2014

My NT scan was at a place like that. It was awesome. Great technology and a knowledgable sonographer.

SuperFudge00 · October 2014

What about investing in a doppler? You'll get more than one use.

Btw, not being judgy, I'll be going to one next week for 3D

fro88 · October 2014

@Superfudge00 I WISH, but hubby won't let me get a doppler. I have stamped and kicked and acted basically like a whining toddler but he thinks I will get obsessed and then, in instances like today when no HB can be heard, I will freak out and go nuts..... I know he's not completely wrong.

He is on board with me easing my mind with the U/S place, though, (as he knows I wont go twice a day every day, and a scan is much more conclusive than a doppler at this stage)

Im glad you have all had positive experiences with these places. The technology looks really advanced, and I know it will ease my mind. Not hearing the hb this morning has me in a frenzy!

SuperFudge00 · October 2014

The place I scheduled said they are having sales right now and that the prices go up next month.

fro88 · October 2014

@Souptin I think thats another reason Hubby said to just go for it (besides the calming down the crazy wife aspect, which I'm sure is the most attractive part)... It's cheaper than my usual insurance co-pay! Go figure!

littlewest1 · October 2014

I've never went to one but it is completely normal to not find the HB at 12 weeks. Before they even attempted to find it they warned me that we might not be able to hear it and not to worry. I think it's still pretty early. Good luck with whatever decision you make, I know waiting is hard.

taahira · October 2014

I think for peace of mind it's total worth it. I would so I wouldn't have to worry all week. We went on Sunday to a 3/4D elective ultrasound place. It was a great experience.

fro88 · October 2014

Thank you @littlewest1... I see so many people that have their at home dopplers who can hear their LO's hb as early as 9-10 weeks, and I know the doppler at the Dr. office is probably even stronger than the ones you can have at home, so I was so nervous. I really do know that it can be hard to find, but the mind goes into those awful 'what if' places. The waiting IS the worst part!

fro88 · October 2014

tupelohoneybee I figured they might demand proof of some kind, so I have my dated U/S pictures ready to go.

I don't care if they measure or do anything of that sort, as long as I can see baby moving around and see the heart beating, I'll be golden! That's my kind of entertainment! lol

Ginja85 · October 2014

Another alternative is tech schools or community colleges that have ultrasound or sonogram educational programs. The 2 near me are free & you bring a DVD for all the pics. Yes, they are students but, the instructor is always there.

crystald88 · October 2014

fjt908 said:
That's exactly the kind of place! I'm glad your friends had good experiences! They're known for the 4/d ultrasounds and early sex of the baby scans, but this one also has just a cheapo- 2/d U/S and heart rate check. I think Im going to make an appointment, otherwise I will spend the next week just freaking out.

I just did this at a place like that!! It was so wonderful less medical feeling and more nurturing. The technician took the time to watch the baby wiggle and jiggle and we all laughed. She also recorded the heart beat and we were able to put it in a teddy bear. I was way more impressed with this place than I expected. If they are all like this one I would absolutely recommend them. My husband loved it too and he was skeptical.

fro88 · October 2014

This place sounds just the same @crystald88‌ ! Even down to the option of recording the hb into a teddy bear. Reviews for the place are amazing so I made the appointment. I just know I won't be able to wait a week to hear the heartbeat, so if I can see baby at the same time, I'm just going to go for it.

ashleigh76 · October 2014

Just be warned that most of the time, these are not licensed sonographers. I know you said you don't care about measurements and such, but if they see/hear ANYTHING wrong with baby, they are legally not allowed to tell you.

catlover790 · October 2014

I haven't been to one (ftm) but I've heard of them and would maybe go to one later in the pregnancy.

I think if I were in your situation I would probably call my dr and explain my concerns and see if they could get you in for another ultrasound or check sooner. As @ashleigh76‌ said, I've heard that they can't tell you if something's wrong so it's possible you could leave that worried as well.

Another option; could the dr get you in for a transvaginal? At my RE when I had some early ultrasounds we could hear the heartbeat with it at like 7weeks. Good luck with whatever you decide!

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