How many ultrasounds have you had?

nataliep777 · July 2015

I'm 14 weeks and I've already had 4.... 3 of which were in the first trimester due to ongoing spotting and a scary bleeding episode. My 5th one will be the anatomy scan at 18 weeks 2 days. However, I've been reading some scary stuff about how ultrasounds are potentially linked to autism and other neurological defects... Anybody know anything about this? My mom is an RN and always deemed them safe, telling me to obviously avoid radiation exposure.
I've only come across a few things here & there about his as I'm trying to avoid giving myself even more anxiety about this possibility by listening to Dr. Google.

So, how many ultrasounds have you had this pregnancy or in previous ones? Am I able to decline future scans after the anatomy scan? Seems like my doctor does them at every appointment.

Thanks ladies.

willashbaby · July 2015

I've had 3. An early one to make sure the pregnancy was viable, then a dating scan, and last the NT scan. I'm expecting 2 more, early anatomy and regular anatomy. Unless there are any issues that should be it. I'm not concerned.

JandJ62914 · July 2015

I don't know anything about this so I have no further information to give you unfortunately! But like you I'm 14 weeks and I've had three ultrasounds so far...tomorrow will be number four at my next appointment. My doctor also does one at every visit. I've been thinking that was strange since it seems like that's not the case with most people.

eviolet9 · July 2015

I would guess if you're having them so frequently, any potential risk is outweighed by knowing what's going on with your little one. I've never heard of multiple u/s being linked to any issues though. I would bring your concerns to his or her attention if it's bothering you that much. GL!

amyelise25 · July 2015

I'm 14.5 weeks and I have had 6 ultrasounds. I had IVF and MMCs, so doctors have been more cautious. But I'm back to a normal schedule now. There will probably be two more (anatomy and one later in the third trimester).

I trust my doctors to know the safe amount of ultrasounds to administer. I believe the risks are greatly outweighed by the benefits.

arose3eb · July 2015

I see a midwife in a very earthy-crunchy area and the whole practice is "low intervention until it's absolutely necessary". Now, when I found out I was pregnant, I watched those mini follow-up documentaries to the Business of Being Born on Netflix, and they mention in one of them how ultrasounds can be harmful to the fetus. When I mentioned this to my midwife, she was actually pretty dismissive of it, saying "unless if you're getting one every week, it shouldn't be an issue." That was enough for me to be comfortable with it, I'm 15 weeks tomorrow and had 3 (viability, dating, NT), and don't feel like I'm over-scanning my baby. Just curious (because I haven't really thought much ahead on this topic), after the anatomy scan just to make sure all the fingers and toes and everything is there and working...are low-risk pregnancies subject to more after? I just kind of assumed they just do dopplers for the FHR and just do physical measurements from that point on because it's mainly just growth after that, but am I wrong?

Tink415 · July 2015

I've only had one and I'm 14 weeks. Depends on your doctor I guess. I've also read numerous studies over the years about the harmful effects of too many ultrasounds. I think I remember reading though that the 3D ones are the worst. This is my 4th child and the only child that had a 3D ultrasound, has sensorsy processing disorder and as a toddler started showing signs of autism (after a certain set of vaccinations). My other 2 are perfectly fine and I opted for regular ultrasounds with them. Not sure if there is a connection but I just wanted to share my experience. I try to opt for as few ultrasounds as possible. :-)

CaraBoonie · July 2015

We so far seem to have one at every visit (8ish weeks dating scan and 12ish weeks), but our visits are spaced about a month apart since we are issue-free, and my 2 first trimester ones were both very quick transvaginal just the doctor, no tech. I'll have my first abdominal ultrasound with an actual tech at 15/16 weeks, which will be the 3d/4d NT scan. I'm not sure if I'll have others after that point or not, but if so, they're likely to be those quick (like 5 min or less) transvag ones by my doctor to check in.

emzie54 · July 2015

At 13+3 I've had one. I have my anatomy scan around 20 weeks. If everything is going normally are there any more after that? This is my first baby.

MissMheMhe · July 2015

I have had 3. A dating scan at 7w, a scan for the hb at 12w (dr was looking in the wrong spot with the doppler) and an NT scan at 13w. My next scan will be the anatomy scan at 20ish weeks. My dr told me that after my 24w appointment, I will have an u/s at each appointment to check growth of the baby due to a thyroid issue I have. I believe my dr has my and my baby's best interest in mind and wouldn't perform multiple scans if there was a risk of adverse issues.

babybluu · July 2015

15 weeks and I'm considered "low risk" so I've had one at 12 weeks. I go Friday for an elective 3d scan to find out the sex, and I'll be 16 weeks then. I know I will have another with my OB at 20 weeks and then after that who knows.

I think it would depend on what the purpose of the u/s are for. Since you're concerned, I wouldn't do any elective u/s. The anatomy scan serves a really good purpose, and sometimes docs offices make it to where they only do one scan, and it's at 20 weeks. I think any u/s your Ob would do would be for good reasons, like to check fetal growth or fluid levels, or head position. You can always ask if they're necessary!

Monilee1017 · July 2015

For DS1 I had 7, for DS2 I had 12. I am 11 weeks and have only had 1 so for. I heard something about this a few weeks ago but I don't know that much about it.

laxdixdar · July 2015

I've had 8. And will have several more until I deliver. My specialist scans at every appointment. I will admit the last ultrasound at my regular ob I got a little nervous... and mentioned to him the large amount of ultrasounds I had already received. His exact words were "never turn down an ultrasound!". Neither of my obs are worried so I feel fine. I have another ultrasound next week at 15wks then the anatomy scan. I will also still get them at each appointment with the specialist.

nataliep777 · July 2015

Monilee1017 said:
For DS1 I had 7, for DS2 I had 12. I am 11 weeks and have only had 1 so for. I heard something about this a few weeks ago but I don't know that much about it.

I hope you don't mind me asking, but how old are your sons now and are they healthy overall? This is my first pregnancy and I feel like there's so much "noise" that I'm trying hard to ignore and just relax.

MaMinette13 · July 2015

I've had 2. A dating scan at 7 weeks, and the NT scans at 12. I go in on Friday, but not sure if they'll do one. I'm going to ask though since DH had to miss the 12 week one.

keshakdavis · July 2015

I'm 13 weeks and have had 2. One at 7 weeks and the other a couple days ago. My next one is in 4 weeks since I'm expecting twins.

steph_pegasus · July 2015

Zero this pregnancy, expecting to do one for the anatomy scan around 20w.
Only had the one anatomy scan for DD.
I don't know anything about the supposed connection between ultrasounds and autism or other disorders. If you heard it from Jenny McCarthy I wouldn't put much stock in it though.

Monilee1017 · July 2015

nataliep777 said:

Monilee1017 said:
For DS1 I had 7, for DS2 I had 12. I am 11 weeks and have only had 1 so for. I heard something about this a few weeks ago but I don't know that much about it.
I hope you don't mind me asking, but how old are your sons now and are they healthy overall? This is my first pregnancy and I feel like there's so much "noise" that I'm trying hard to ignore and just relax.

DS1 is 5 and healthy. Only issue is eczema, which I don't think is related to ultrasounds. DS2 will be 2 in August and is also very healthy.

emmymuf · July 2015

12wks 5days today and will be going for my 3rd ultrasound tomorrow.... 1 dating scan, 2nd one was with my ob-gynae and the 3rd will be a screening one and another one the 4th, end of August for Anatomy

jezygal · July 2015

2 just for dates, I have another tue for the gender and one in mid Aug for the 20 week anatomy scan.

mommiesandbabies · July 2015

I've had 6 so far. IVF and a bleeding episode.

I expect a lot more as I am high risk.

Our first twins had scans at every visit, which was 1-2 a week from 28-35 when they were born. They're fine.

jennaymg13 · July 2015

14 weeks and have had 2. Only one more scheduled around 18 weeks permitting it is a smooth pregnancy. With my first we had one every other week due to on going bleeding and a spot on my sons lung.

mosco14 · July 2015

I've had 1 and am 14 weeks! Have no idea when the next one will be...I'm guessing I'll have one for the anatomy, but haven't a clue when they will do that! Guess I'll find out at my next appointment in 1 week!

smoothobturator@hotmail.com · July 2015

The office can bill for each ultrasound that they do (not to be a cynic or anything). Reminds me of the earlier post where someone got billed for both a transabdominal and transvaginal with the tech knowing they'd do a transvaginal anyways.

jrouge12 · July 2015

I've only had one and I'm 13w. I'll probably just have one more at 20ish weeks. I just question what you've been reading. Was it a scientific peer reviewed study with a large group of mothers and their babies or just some one on the internet with a web address and their own personal experience? Correlation does not imply causation.

mamaksweez · July 2015

According to the Mayo Clinic "ultrasounds are generally considered safe when used appropriately." To me that says they may not be safe if used inappropriately, or too often.
I have had 1 so far and will have 1 at 21wks, and that is all (unless there is a legitimate problem).
With my first I had an additional one because we couldn't find a heartbeat during my 12wk apt, so my doc just wanted to make sure everything was good. So 3 with my first, hopefully just 2 with my 2nd.

abbi1995 · July 2015

1 at 7 weeks for dating, 2at 10weeks for pain in er + follow up with ob, 1 at 11 weeks for heavy bleeding in er, and I have another one tomorrow because I've switched obs and have complete Previa. I'm not worried though

JuliaK2084 · July 2015

I'm almost 13w. I have had 2 so far and will have 3rd on Wed for Nt. At 7w to see its viable. At 9w confirm due date and to check hb since it was early last time. Wed I am doing the NT. I think after this one my next one is anatomy.

amama3 · July 2015

I'm 16wks and I've only had 1 ultrasound so far in my 7th week. My AS is scheduled for August5th(19 1/2weeks)so hopefully I will find out if I'm having a son or daughter then. I had a mc in Feb but they said everything looks good and seems to be on track so they don't consider me high risk/ needing more ultrasounds. Just trying to be patient now.. Wishing you ladies the best

CaraBoonie · July 2015

smoothobturator@hotmail.com said:

The office can bill for each ultrasound that they do (not to be a cynic or anything). Reminds me of the earlier post where someone got billed for both a transabdominal and transvaginal with the tech knowing they'd do a transvaginal anyways.

True, definitely make sure you know how your doctor and insurance work. Mine happens to be awesome and we literally don't pay a cent for appointments, including ultrasounds and genetic blood testing, but I know other people who have gotten screwed over because they didn't ask in advance what things cost and if their insurance would cover it, so keep an eye out if you aren't sure

DaphneMoon1 · July 2015

In Japan they get an ultrasound at every single visit. It's part of routine care. Japanese children do not have a higher rate of autism.

I wouldn't worry!

stlmomof2 · July 2015

Only one. I had my first visit Thursday and had an ultrasound then. Expecting a second one next doctors appointment as well.

OrangeFox · July 2015

I have had any yet. First one is tomorrow. I'm 12 weeks. This is my second pregnancy. My first baby is 2. I only had 2 with him. One at 8 weeks for dating and another at 20 for the anatomy scans. The midwife offered a few others but since they weren't necessary I turned them down. I'm low risk and otherwise healthy so I didn't see a need to do anything extra.

nanamp · July 2015

By the end of this week, I will have had five. I'm 11w5d. Not sure if my doc just does an ultrasound at each visit generally or because I'm having twins.

nataliep777 · July 2015

CaraBoonie said:

smoothobturator@hotmail.com said:

The office can bill for each ultrasound that they do (not to be a cynic or anything). Reminds me of the earlier post where someone got billed for both a transabdominal and transvaginal with the tech knowing they'd do a transvaginal anyways.

True, definitely make sure you know how your doctor and insurance work. Mine happens to be awesome and we literally don't pay a cent for appointments, including ultrasounds and genetic blood testing, but I know other people who have gotten screwed over because they didn't ask in advance what things cost and if their insurance would cover it, so keep an eye out if you aren't sure

Thanks ladies, I actually have really awesome insurance coverage and don't pay a dime for any prenatal visits, including lab work and ultrasounds. It's going to cost me maybe $75 total for the hospital stay and that's it

Honeybee2813 · July 2015

Tomorrow will be my 4th ultrasound (2 bc we did IVF, 1 bc my OB couldn't find a heartbeat, and one tomorrow for the 12 week scan). I had 5 with my daughter and she's a healthy1 1/2 year old.

I think every parent in the world wants to know if there is something that causes autism and because of that we seem to jump to conclusions. I've read studies that say autism in higher in boys, more common among the 2nd or 3rd born child. Seems to me if it was somehow linked to ultrasounds why would it matter the birth order? I also read that kids in New Jersey had a much higher autism rate when compared to kids in Alabama. Turns out the kids in Alabama didn't necessarily have a lower rate, they just didn't receive the same kind of care as the kids in NJ and therefor were less likely to be diagnosed. My point in all this is you can read anything on the internet, if you trust your doctor, and you should, then I would trust him not to put you in harms way, and if you ever get a gut feeling that something isn't right or that you don't want to be doing something don't do it.

banders8 · July 2015

I've had two so far.. My first initial ultrasound was at about 8 weeks and then I just had my gender ultrasound last week at a 3-D place different than my normal doctor.

thismplsgirl · July 2015

3 so far

Blueyedsky · July 2015

From what I read, there haven't been any legitimate studies that show if ultrasounds in high numbers (every week) are harmful. There are numerous studies showing no significant effects of ultrasounds in smaller numbers, though, so i wouldn't be too worried. No one's done the research for higher numbers, so they don't recommend it. They hypothesize that since there aren't any effects in similar smaller doses that there isn't any risk, they just can't say that because there's no research on it.

lowercasecallie · July 2015

I'm 14 weeks today, and I've had zero! My first one is scheduled for 16 weeks, for dating. So I haven't heard Baby's heartbeat yet... Haven't even confirmed that there's only one baby in there!

leap_frog · July 2015

4 so far. 7 weeks, 8 weeks, 9 weeks and 11 weeks.

I'm considered "AMA" so the first was a dating, the middle ones were just checking in and the last one was another dating with my new dr. Not sure how many more I will get. I'm assuming a couple more.

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