November 2015 Moms

No US until 16 or 20 weeks??

At my first appointment at 8wks, my midwife took bloodwork, did a prenatal exam, etc, but no ultrasound and did not check for heartbeat. At my 12wk appointment, I will meet the OB who will check for the heartbeat using a hand held device, but they don't want to do an ultrasound until my 16 or 20 week appt. Is it normal to have to wait this long? My friend who recommended this office says this is normal and they only do early US if there is something wrong or if you want to pay more money. However, this seems to contradict all of the research I've done. Could this be because our office has midwives and OBs? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Re: No US until 16 or 20 weeks??

  • Sorry guys, didn't see the similar post made 3 minutes before me!
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  • maura+cmaura+c member
    Yes, I didn't have my first Ultrasound with my son until week 18 bc there wasn't anything wrong that the doctor seemed concerned about. Patients is a virtue! You'll see your little peanut soon
  • I wouldn't be happy about that. At a minimum of want the NT testing and I believe that must be done weeks earlier
    DS- June 2009

    Pregnancy Ticker
  • For my first I didn't have one until 18 weeks. Totally normal for low risk pregnancies.
    This time I had a super quick dating scan at 10 weeks. I will have my anatomy scan around 19 weeks and I don't expect another one unless we do a 3D scan and pay for it ourselves.
    YCSWU
  • Jame414Jame414 member
    18-20 weeks is normal if you don't get genetic testing and no high risk factors. I'll be waiting also.
  • I think it varies with the dr and the insurance. I've had 4 and I'm 13 weeks. I think it depends. . .
  • I think it depends on where you live and your OB/Midwife office. Every pregnancy I've had has been normal, never do any genetic testing, and always have 2 ultrasounds. One around 10 weeks and one around 20 weeks.
  • tayzavtayzav member
    edited May 2015
    I would hate that. I had one done my first pregnancy around 6w, she didn't hear a heart beat at 9w but wasn't concerned due to still being early, went in at 12w5d and tried the Doppler again, still nothing, sent me for an emergency US and the baby hadn't made it. They think I lost it at 8-9 weeks. I would be freaking out had my doctor made me wait that long. As above some places that is normal but for me I would need proof for myself that everything was a-ok, and if I loved my doctor, like I do, a personal friend of mine, I would just go pay for one for reassurance. But that's just me. I'm going nuts wanting another US so I'm planning on paying for a 3D this or next week.
  • It depends on the office. My first 2 kiddos were with the same Ob and they didn't have an US in the office. So, we didn't have one until 20 weeks. Since we moved and I have a new OB I've had one every time. I love to see that kiddo moving around in there
  • OhashfoOhashfo member
    I would have a conniption if I had to wait that long!! I had my first ultrasound at 6w1d bc we thought we were a bit further. My next is tomorrow at 11w2d. I enjoy the peace of mind of knowing my baby's heartbeat and that everything is going well so far. I would ask them to do one, it doesn't seem right that they would wait that long.
  • Thanks for the feedback ladies!
  • I had an ultra sound at my first 8 week appointment. And I'll have another at my 20 week
  • Yes totally normal.
  • My ob said she didn't need to do one early but asked if I wanted one. I chose to get one at my 10 week appt to verify due date (us are more accurate in the 1st trimester for due dates).
  • I've had 3 and Im 15 weeks. I guess it depends on the doctor and the testing that you opt for. Also, you can go to a private facility and have a 2d ultrasound done for around 50 dollars (depending on area) I am getting 3d/4d done this weekend to determine gender and it's 75 dollars!
  • urby87urby87 member
    I had one around 10w for dating purposes, but probably wouldn't have had one at that point if I was certain of my lmp.  At my last appointment, they used a doppler to check the heartbeat.  As others have said, many offices won't do an early u/s unless you're high risk, unsure of your lmp, or doing genetic testing (which is optional).  Waiting until your anatomy scan is totally normal, but it sounds like some doctors just do them more frequently.
  • I went to the ER at 6 weeks and they did a vaginal, I had my 9 week US at my first OB appointment to check due date, then at 12 weeks I had the genetic testing and US. My next is not until 20 weeks but we are opting to get one at 15 weeks to check gender at a private facility. 
  • My doc doesn't do US until 18 weeks. He explained that it will give him the best view of everything at that stage. Too much earlier and they can't tell much. We did hear a good strong heartbeat at our first OB appt, so he was comfortable waiting until my next appt.

    The exception would be if the pregnancy were high risk or I had complications like cramping or spotting, then we would do one sooner.

    I will admit though, at about week 11, I couldn't take it, I went to one of those free mobile pregnancy test/ultrasound labs because I didn't want to wait until wk 18 to know everything was okay (previous early term MC). I was stressing every day and worrying that something was wrong...the US let me relax and start to enjoy the pregnancy because baby measured right on track and had a good strong heartbeat, so I figured it was good for both me and the baby.
  • @Stephanieshort2, that does seem a little strange to me as no one can know if something is wrong unless they do testing and ultrasounds. I wasn't high risk with my second pregnancy until they saw that something was wrong. I was considered "low risk" before 11 weeks pregnant and fortunately they did an ultrasound because they couldn't hear the heartbeat on the hand held Doppler. I would def ask some questions about that just for peace of mind. Hope you can get it worked out and see little bean soon!
    My DH and I are expecting our first child! A boy.. we're thrilled :)http://www.thebump.com/profiles/kestes946/settings/avatar/index# BabyFruit Ticker BabyName Ticker Anniversary Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • Jame414Jame414 member
    edited May 2015
    Lol n/m got bumped
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