Blood flow ultrasound -update on what it is

riveridgional · November 2015

So, I had my beta testing today. I'm 4w3d and my beta is 1,075. My nurse said all my numbers are looking great, and I'm going back Thursday for more bloodwork and a blood flow ultrasound. Anyone have experience with this type of ultrasound and why the doctor would do it so early? I'll be just 1 day shy of 5 weeks when it's done. I'd assume if they were worried about something in particular, they'd let me know when they called today...

Xath · November 2015

I've had blood flow ultrasounds, but never this early. At the NT screening it can be used to scan for heart defects, but I don't have any clue what they'd see at 5 weeks.

riveridgional · November 2015

@xath Yeah, I couldn't find anything on Dr. Google as to why it's being done so early. I have hypothyroidism (controlled with meds), so I'm starting to wonder if that may have anything to do with it. My dad and two brothers are doctors, and they have no clue either.

bsckgb7 · December 2015

Does the baby even have blood then?

riveridgional · December 2015

@bsckgb7 I wouldn't think so. We'd be lucky to see the yolk sac from what I've read trying to research this online. The only thing I can think of is maybe it has more to do with seeing if my uterus is getting proper blood flow. I guess I "only" have to wait 2 full days to find out...

Xath · December 2015

riveridgional said:
@xath Yeah, I couldn't find anything on Dr. Google as to why it's being done so early. I have hypothyroidism (controlled with meds), so I'm starting to wonder if that may have anything to do with it. My dad and two brothers are doctors, and they have no clue either.

I don't think that's it. I'm hypothyroid too; for that you'll need a blood draw every month to check your antibody levels and adjust your medication. It can fluctuate a lot during pregnancy and they'll want to keep on top of it. I'd ask for a blood draw at your first appt. At 4 weeks my levels were already off enough to change my dosage by 25mcg.

riveridgional · December 2015

So, I went in for my blood flow ultrasound this morning and everything is looking good so far! I'm still waiting to hear back on my bloodwork, but we got to see one gestational sac and what appears to be the yolk sac. The blood flow ultrasound was apparently done because my doctor wanted to ensure my uterus and lining were getting proper blood flow. They checked blood flow while I was lying down and standing up. It sure is strange to have that wand up there while you try to stand and while standing for about 5 minutes. Anyway, he said my results showed no isses, so I don't need to go on bed rest (I didn't even know that was a possibility this early). He dated me at 4w5d (I thought I was 4w6d) and was surprised we were able to see anything on the ultrasound. He said I probably will have another viewable sac at next week's ultrasound. Based on my bloodwork last week, he says I have a 60% chance of twins, 10% chance of triplets or quads (with trips being much more likely) and 30% chance of a singleton. I guess we'll see next Thursday at 9! It's finally feeling real!!! I attached a picture of my one so far in case you want to see!!

bsckgb7 · December 2015

Congrats on the great ultrasound!!

mcmurray33 · December 2015

Congratulations!

Xath · December 2015

That's awesome! Thanks for the update.

bsckgb7 · December 2015

riveridgional - Just cuz I am trying to picture the scene. Do they shove the wand up there and then you have to waddle off the table or do you stand and the then they shove it up like a tampon (in that case, wouldn't it be easier for you to shove it up)? And how does it stay? Is there a tech sitting on the floor?? Or is she hanging out under your gown? Just trying to picture this and it's pretty commical to me!!

riveridgional · December 2015

@bsckgb7 hahaha It was definitely a pretty awkward maneuver. First, she stuck it up there. Then, we saw the sac, and she took measurements of the the sac and what she believes was early visual of a yolk sac, my uterus, ovaries, etc. Then she did the blood flow test while I was still lying down. After she did that, she said okay, now we're going to need you to stand, so take your feet out of the stirrups and kind of feel around for the stool with your feet. So, with the wand in me (she's still holding it), I'm kicking around trying to find the dang stool. Then, I just stood up, kind of on my left tiptoe and flat footed on my right. The tech was still seated in the chair but leaned over to the side aND lower. I was just holding my drape up thinking about how weird and awkward it was. Then, of course, DH covertly pinches my ass lightly cause he could see it clear as day. Haha if looks could kill...

ElizabethM30 · December 2015

He gave chance of multiples based on beta?

Im wonder for myself because my betas for this pregnancy are tracking higher than my previous twin pregnancy

bsckgb7 · December 2015

^^ I think River is an IF lady so that may have something to do with it

riveridgional · December 2015

@ElizabethM30, @bsckgb7 is right. I was in infertility treatments when I received my BFP, specifically injectables of the follicle stimulating hormone. This course of treatment has the highest rate of multiples of the infertility procedures. I knew going into ovulation this round that I had a 70% change of a singleton, 25% chance of twins and 5% chance of triplets or quads. I had 3-4 mature follicles at the time of ovulation. Since seeing my blood results, my reproductive endocrinologist told me today what my chances of various multiples are based on my estradiol numbers before ovulation, mature follicles, and HCG numbers from last week. I got my bloodwork back after posting my update, and my numbers increased from 1,075 at 4w2d (16dpo) to 3,150 at 4w5d (19dpo). I'm not sure how or if my newest beta result would sway the statistics he gave me today. My RE is a big statistics guy.

ElizabethM30 · December 2015

riveridgional said:
@ElizabethM30, @bsckgb7 is right. I was in infertility treatments when I received my BFP, specifically injectables of the follicle stimulating hormone. This course of treatment has the highest rate of multiples of the infertility procedures. I knew going into ovulation this round that I had a 70% change of a singleton, 25% chance of twins and 5% chance of triplets or quads. I had 3-4 mature follicles at the time of ovulation. Since seeing my blood results, my reproductive endocrinologist told me today what my chances of various multiples are based on my estradiol numbers before ovulation, mature follicles, and HCG numbers from last week. I got my bloodwork back after posting my update, and my numbers increased from 1,075 at 4w2d (16dpo) to 3,150 at 4w5d (19dpo). I'm not sure how or if my newest beta result would sway the statistics he gave me today. My RE is a big statistics guy.

I became pregnant with twins with same treatment and similar beta's. I guess you find out soon. Best of luck!

WinchesterGirl · December 2015

@riveridgional, I am laughing my butt off reading your description, because I know how uncomfortable you just have felt, and yet there is DH, just going for it. Mine would have done the same!

DragonMom2 · December 2015

I totally needed that laugh!!!

Blood flow ultrasound -update on what it is

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