Overweight, My Ultrasound Experiences

shimmer6855 · September 2015

I'm having some trouble with my pregnancy prenatal care and I need to vent. For reference I am overweight, size 22, and have always been pretty sensitive about it. When my husband and I started seriously thinking about having kids I decided I wanted to lose some weight first and I lost 25 lbs and feel so much better and healthier. So when we got the positive pregnancy result I was really thankful I was able to do that. My pregnancy has been going great so far with no complications at all. Where I am having trouble is with ultrasounds. I was excited to go in for my prenatal care and get ultrasounds. Finally a Dr's apt to be excited about! After doing some research I was aware that it can be tougher to see things due to additional body fat so I was prepared that they might not be able to see so well.

The first look appointment went OK, they were able to see all they needed to but the tech was pushing down extremely hard on my abdomen which hurt, never was a trans vaginal ultrasound offered. I noticed on the report that stated reason for sub optimal exam "maternal body habitus", which after some digging on google seems to mean, mother's body type, aka you're overweight and they are covering their butts in case they missed something. Never during the exam was this mentioned that the exam was “sub optimal.”

At 18 weeks I had my anatomy scan and I was so excited to find out the sex of the baby. The negativity started before I even entered the ultrasound room. The tech was leading me in and said "We'll try to see what we can see today but the results will most likely be sub optimal". It was as if she took one look at me and gave up on even trying. Then when I lied down she sprayed the ultrasound goo on my stomach and it sprayed over on my arm and hand (like a lot) and she didn't apologize or give me a towel to wipe it up. She poked and pushed on my abdomen for about 20 minutes before declaring she couldn't see everything she needed to check and would bring the Dr in. We then waited 20 more minutes for the Dr who rechecked me and confirmed I would need to come back for a second scan. I asked if she knew the sex and she said well, I'm 90% sure but I don't want to say. We had her write it down anyways because we're doing a gender reveal party.

Last night I went back for my recheck anatomy scan and I got the same exact treatment from a different tech. She made a rude comment about a sub optimal exam before I even sat down and she was literally killing me pushing down so hard during the exam I thought I was going to get bruises. Honestly, I don't even care about that as long as they can get the pictures and measurements they need to check up on the baby to make sure everything is OK. Then the Dr came in and rechecked everything. During the Dr’s exam she asked if we wanted to know the sex. She said she could tell by what she was looking at. I asked her to write it down because she seemed MUCH more sure than the Dr did at my last appointment and I figured I'd go with this result. When she was done she said I need to come back for a third scan because they still couldn't see the spine and face clear enough to pass me. I went to the waiting room to wait for the report and the envelope with the sex information. The tech came out and gave me the report but no envelope. She said the Dr reviewed the pictures again and she can't tell the sex. Um, WTF? In the apt she said she could and was very sure about it. I left feeling so discouraged and upset. I'm really starting to feel like I am being treated this way because of my size. It’s as if they just don’t want to deal with me. For reference this is at one of the top hospitals in Boston. I'm not sure what to make of all this. I'm going to give it a few weeks to book the third anatomy recheck in hopes that the baby being bigger will help them see better. I just want to make sure that everything is OK. This is a happy time for me and I am getting pretty frustrated with this negative treatment.

Sorry for the LONG post, I just need to vent!

willashbaby · September 2015

I'm sorry that you're receiving less than compassionate care. I'm a solid size 28 (more butt and thighs than abdominal fat though) and my ultrasound office has been realistic but kind with me. They always tell me to let them know if they're pushing to hard or they warn me that they have to and to just hold on a minute while they get what they need. They have had to call in more experienced techs a few times but have always been patient with me and got all the pictures they need. They had no problems telling me the sex even at 17 weeks. When they couldn't get perfectly clear views of everything at 17 weeks they cleared me for the non-invasive prenatal testing just to make sure all was well. They are having me go back at 26 weeks and every 4 weeks after for growth scans due to my size but they are kind and non-judgy so I don't mind. They do "regular" scans but are also a high risk practice so maybe that's why? I've seen plenty of other larger ladies in there so maybe they are more comfortable working with plus sized patients. If I were you I would speak up if they are making you feel "less than" and ask if they can recommend a practice that has plus size patients more frequently.

jferrer1212 · September 2015

Omg, I'm boiling FOR you. I'm in healthcare. I'm also a FTM. I'm also a larger gal to begin with. I'm besides myself reading that. No one should ever, ever treat you that way. It sounds like they gave you Suboptimal care, at best. I'm also very conscious about my weight, I usually make jokes or light of it before anyone can even side-eye me; in my scan appt I said, oh is it my size that's giving you trouble seeing the baby? Flat out, both the tech & doctor gave me a similar answer. They said just some babies don't show well. They have some smaller women that scan terribly as well as a fuller woman. They said there's more to it than just our size. Anyway, there was no sensitivity treated to you, and they should be a heck of a lot different (just to be pregnant & worried to begin with right?). I'm not sure if this is a hospital or office you're dealing with, but I'd be so turned off. I'm sadly not sure who you could voice your terrible experience with. I would google 'who to complain to about a doctors office' or something like that. Bbb? A certain compliance company that monitors them? Not sure. I hope they treat you & your baby better going forward. You can always try to find another doctor (if location of other docs are an option). Good luck. I still can't believe this. Good luck in your pregnancy- screw the stupid people.

Theliops · September 2015

I'm very sorry you're going through this, it sounds extremely frustrating and disheartening.

Please remember you are beautiful simply because you're growing a human being!

I've always been overweight, pre-pregnancy I was around a size 20, with lots of abdominal fat, so I know how hard they have to push to get those ultrasound views. I've had two anatomy scans because they just can't seem to get all they need to (also I'm having twins so they can't get all angles). They never actually told me the reason, just that they "couldn't get what they needed." I would panic and think something was wrong with my babies! Finally yesterday at my second AS, the doctor told me it's due in part to my abdominal wall. He was very nice about it, and never once made me feel self conscious. He phrased it as something that happens often and it's not a concern. They just might have to wait a couple more weeks to get those particular views.

Please remember that you're not alone!

shimmer6855 · September 2015

Thank you for the sweet replies ladies! I am definitely going to speak up next time and ask them what the problem is. Honestly, I was so stunned I really didn't know what to say. This last appointment was really the tipping point and they either need to shape up or I'll be changing doctors.

UptownPearl · September 2015

I'm sorry you're being treated poorly. You obviously care about your baby's health to want to get healthier before getting pregnant and you should be proud of your accomplishments! Maybe you can look for care elsewhere that you'll be treated with respect?

fragglemom · September 2015

Wow. I might have just chalked that first tech up as having a bad day, but it boggles my mind that you were treated that way by both techs. I'm also overweight but they were able to complete my a/s at 18 weeks in one appointment. She briefly switched over to TV because I was having contractions which made it hard for her to be certain on placenta placement. I don't understand why they couldn't switch to TV for you when they felt the abdominal wasn't "optimal". Add me to the list of PPs who think that it's more the placement of your baby and not the extra weight causing the difficulty. I would recommend discussing your concerns with your OB concerning the lack of professionalism, specifically why they continue to conduct abdominal instead of transvaginal if they believe it's such an obstacle. I'm so sorry about how you were made to feel. If your doctor doesn't address your concerns then I would definitely get out of there. You should be comfortable around your prenatal team.

bdamico123 · September 2015

This is horrible!! I am a size 26 with a lot of abdominal fat and have been freaking out over labor and delivery and just being pregnant in general in worrying about the stress on my body. I was really nervous about getting pregnant in regards to what my doctors would say, how they would treat me, etc. I am happy to say that I have not had one problem yet in terms of treatment. I have had transvaginal ultrasounds when my office couldnt see what they needed to, and I was never meant to feel badly about it, my tech just said she would do the transvaginal in the beginning until the baby got bigger and they could see more. When going for my anatomy scan, they are bringing me back in 2 weeks, which also freaked me out, and I specifically asked if it was because of my weight and she assured me that sometimes that has an effect but sometimes the baby doesnt cooperate. Nothing but kindness. I have been really happy with the treatment so far at these two places that I have been to, and if you are not comfortable,I urge you to find someone that you are comfortable with. Just because you are overweight or obese, it doesnt mean you are less of a person or that you shouldnt have a child or that you should be treated horribly. It just means that you may have to be accepting of more or different testing, such as more transvag ultrasounds, harder pushing on your abdomen (within reason), and more testing ( I am getting tested twice for GD instead of once). I swear this boils my blood!

apinkpelican · September 2015

I am sorry you are receiving this treatment. I would file a complaint with your Dr. It sounds like maybe it's more the techs than the Dr? Id a
consider switching offices if you do not see a response or change.

andimegie325 · September 2015

As someone with lower self esteem, and a bigger gal myself, I'd be incredibly discouraged too if I were treated that way. My Dr has never said anything about my size being an issue, though he was adamant about not doing the scan until I was at least 20 weeks. I've honestly been surprised at how many ladies on here have their scans so early because of that... Not that there's anything wrong with early, but the chances for having to go back for another are higher the earlier you go. I hope their attitude was due to gestational age and not your size. I'd definitely report them to at least their office manager if they were being size-ist! Hope everything works out for you and LO

mommap2 · September 2015

I am so sorry that you are being treated this way! I am also on the larger size, size 20. With my son, we had to go back 4 times to get everything they needed to see, however, they never complained about my size, they would always just tell me that baby was not being very cooperative. We just went last night for our anatomy scan at 19w4d and the tech was honest and said that we would probably have to come back again. She said it is very typical to not get clear shots especially of the heart and most patients have to come back at a later date for more screening. I have high blood pressure so I know we will be going back for ultrasounds every 4 weeks once I hit the 3rd trimester.
Keep your head up girl! You are getting ready to bring another human into this world and you will be a wonderful mom!

SisterSunshine · September 2015

This is a bunch of crap. I'm comparatively a size 12, and because of some bleeding I've had three Ultrasound so far and all three were transvaginal. Why in the world haven't they offered you a transvaginal ultrasound? Wouldn't that be the quickest way to get the clear picture if they think they're going to have difficulties? Why do they keep putting you through this? And why do they have terrible bedside manners! I'm not overly thrilled with my doctor, she seems cold and maybe like she doesn't respect me quite for some reason. But the Tech and nurses have all been awesome. I would try to find a different doctor if I were you.

starree444 · September 2015

I'm a size 20 and this makes me worry for my AS next week. At my 12 week u/s the tech had issues getting good quality pictures but it appeared to be more because the fetus was very active. She did abdominal and transvaginal.

TifVB · September 2015

I am so sorry and disgusted with your medical team and how they have treated you. There is NEVER a reason to make someone feel less than especially over weight.

On another note I am a size 8 and they couldn't get my baby to show them her heart...she kept kicking and acting crazy and they couldn't get anything so I also have to go back for another scan. I am 22 weeks.

peppercorn16 · September 2015

That is so disheartening that you're being treated that way. I think sometimes, some medical professionals have trouble looking at a patient as a human being, and they are probably just looking at anything out of the ordinary as a difficult appointment. It is just so ridiculous and infuriating that you are made to feel different than any other mother who is going in to get an ultrasound of her baby. You should not have to miss out on any experience because of your weight. Congratulations on your 25 lbs lost pre-preg, I know that doesn't come easy! I hope that you can continue to feel good about yourself despite these awful experiences. And congratulations on your little one, I hope you get some better care here in the near future, or I am pretty sure there are a mob of ladies from this board that will be coming after your current medical team! lol.

emzie54 · September 2015

Before my first appt I was really scared that I might have to deal with insensitive doctors about my weight. Luckily that has not been an issue thus far, but please know you are not alone! The pushing on my abdomen at the A/S was intense, and she had a hard time getting a shot of the heart for a while but attributed it to baby's position and her arms being up casting a shadow. It never occurred to me that the difficulty could have to do with my weight until reading this. The doctor came in at the end and told us everything looked good, but that she wanted one more look, and getting the shot she wanted seemed much easier for her and was done much more gently than by the tech. Maybe the position of the baby or the skill of the tech were the issues at your scan and not your size. I'm really sorry that you had to deal with this. This time should be joyous and fun and should not leave you feeling bad about yourself! Fuck them!

essentialpeace · September 2015

I can empathize! When I was in the office for my 15 weeks appointment, the midwife (one I had not met in the team) told me I couldn't get my AS at my next appointment due to being "so overweight". I am 14/16 pant size and this took me off guard. I am aware I am overweight, but waiting until 23 weeks for my scan seemed a bit much. My sister was 40lbs+ heavier than me and got her's at 16 weeks at a different office. I didn't argue, but I left feeling awful and embarrassed.

Skip to 19 week appointment with the midwife I usually see. She asked why I didn't get an ultrasound before our appointment that day and I explained that the last person told me I had to wait until 23 weeks due to my weight. She was visibly upset and asked if she could pass my experience along to the manager. She knew which person it was just based on what I told her.

She moved it to the soonest possible and apologized profusely as I was leaving. Turns out we could see him just fine, but we have to return because his back was facing us the entire time.

Hrc724 · September 2015

I am sorry you are getting poor treatment, is there another us facility you could go to? Maybe a third party place?

SamAdams2006 · September 2015

I've been to two "top" hospitals in Boston for ultra sounds during this pregnancy. One specific hospital I had to go to for the First Look, this is the same hospital that I will deliver at. My ob is out of a seperate well known hospital that does not deliver babies. I'm a size 6 when I'm not pregnant and they were unable to see everything they wanted to, I have to go back in 2 weeks. I have grown a pretty large bump for being 18 weeks along, and the tech was seriously digging into me yesterday. They made me lie on the table for two and a half hours while they prodded around and acted annoyed. They were unable to see her heart and face so I need to return in 2 weeks. I was less than thrilled with the care I received, I love my actual dr and wish I could deliver at the hospital her practice is out of.

kfreeman2008 · September 2015

Please don't beat yourself up about this! I am having twins and lost 20lbs BEFORE getting pregnant bc of Fertility drugs. So I'm a good 30ish lbs less than I was this time with my son. I don't even look pregnant and am probably as size 8-10 right now. Even though I have twins and don't gain much weight during pregnancy, they still had issues finding some of the organs. They moved around so much that she could only tell who was who when she realized they were boy/girl twins. She took 10 minutes to get more than the top of one of their heads. It was a longer sono bc they kept moving towards my back.

I know the extra "fat" can make it a bit difficult, but even with two babies on a 5'9" 180lb body, my tech had issues. My doctor has to press really really hard to even get the heart beats and they were right at my belly button facing out today. Some babies are just difficult when it comes to scans. I have another one next week (I have one every month bc of the twins and a high risk pregnancy. I know she will struggle finding kidneys bc she could barely get the heart last time.

I would totally say something to your doctor. I've had friends that never found out the sex bc their baby was shy and they couldn't make them move. It's not just you and its not just bc of your weight. I've had doctors tell me if be a horrible parent bc of my SEVERE anxiety. So, I just ignore the negativity now. You are beautiful and are having a baby.

claireloSC · September 2015

That is so not okay! I'm so sorry that you are being treated this way. I would definitely complain, find a new doctor, and maybe even complain to the medical board. All patients deserve proper care and there's no excuse for you to be treated like that. I hope you can get better treatment at your next appointment.

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