No U/S until 19 weeks??

LGW2015 · February 2016

I'm 6 weeks 4 days, and I have my first appt 2/19 at 2 days shy of 8 weeks. I called my dr's office today to see if I could expect an ultrasound. The nurse said they only do 1 ultrasound at 19 weeks unless you are bleeding or have a history of miscarriages. I told her we struggled with infertility and she said that it's possible the dr would send us for one but unlikely. I asked what to expect at the appt and she said they'll do a pelvic exam and send me for bloodwork. When I asked if the bloodwork would tell us if everything was ok (i.e. HCG levels), she said they only run a full test if you're bleeding.

So basically my first appt will tell me NOTHING. I guess their thought is that if you're going to miscarry there's nothing that can be done about it but it would be really nice to know if everything is ok or not at least at the moment!

Oh and I'm a fraternal twin so I thought maybe they would do one to check that also but I guess not. And they only have someone come into the office once a week on Tuesdays to do ultrasounds so I can't get one done at my first appt even if I convince them to because they won't be there.

I'm really upset because we're planning on telling the family after our appt and I thought we would be able to confirm everything was ok with a visual and heartbeat

Is this normal or are my pregnancy hormones getting the better of me?

lilylover27 · February 2016

I can't speak for all doctors but I know mine like to see you at 8-10 weeks for the first appointment with an ultrasound. This is my first pregnancy too with no history of previous losses. It does seem though that each doctor/state/country handles the first prenatal appointment differently. I have some women on here say pretty much the same thing your doctor said. I think it depends on their practice and where you are located.

I know waiting until I am 9 weeks is killing me so I can understand your frustration with having to wait till 19 weeks to see/hear the baby.

FinePlacentaPie · February 2016

*lurking again*

This is normal. Some doctors still do dating scans, but many doctors only perform the anatomy scan at 20 weeks unless you have a history of miscarriage or experience other complications during your pregnancy.

PeggyOlsonFTW · February 2016

Sounds normal to me. My OB only does the anatomy scan unless you opt for the NT scan at 12 weeks.

LGW2015 · February 2016

Thanks ladies, so basically i'm never going to be able to relax?! I guess it comes with the territory of being a parent, huh? haha ugh

TNgoldengirl · February 2016

Do you have the option of changing OBs? I personally wouldn't go to one that didn't offer a first u/s since so many do. I've been grumpy about having to wait until 10 weeks because they didn't have anything sooner available, but I don't think my anxiety would let me wait until 19. At least you'll be able to hear a heartbeat with the Doppler before that, and we have our own at home too.

Sally1990 · February 2016

I do think that some ins are like that and only do one or two u/s. Why do you tell him or her you want the nt scan around 12 weeks. My pregnancies have always been a bit crazy so we have always had a lot of u/s but I think that if i had normal pregnancies she would still set up around 4. Maybe look for a different ob.

alysie89 · February 2016

Totally normal for me. I only get the anatomy scan. The only exception was when I got pregnant after having my dd (she was 10 months old) and I hadn't had a period since before getting pregnant with her, so we had absolutely no clue when I was due.

LGW2015 · February 2016

I guess I just want reassurance that everything is ok. I heard that they can do that by using a Doppler to hear the heartbeat but the nurse didn't mention that one would be done. I guess I'll just have to wait to speak with the dr next week :-/

jolydan · February 2016

**lurker***
I doubt that at 8 weeks they'll try the Doppler. It's really early to hear anything. They usually start using the Doppler around week 10-12, but some midwives wait until week 15 to be sure not to cause unnecessary stress.
Asking for the NT scan would be a good option or the boutique ultrasound will take you after 10 weeks, but I think most place want you to have one before by the OB . Good
luck

JamieK1882 · February 2016

My first appt at 8 weeks has no ultrasound. He'll only do one if you're spotting. I honestly don't remember from my last pregnancy when my next one was, but I'm thinking it was the NT scan at 12 weeks. (going to check old calendars now....) I feel your frustration!

krzyriver · February 2016

My 8 weeks appt is just blood work and lots of family history questions. Very boring. I only get ultrasounds because my RE makes sure everything is fine before they officially pass me off to my OB at 10 weeks.

gherkins · February 2016

I don't think that is unusual. You may get to hear the heartbeat via Doppler though. I can't remember if 8w is too early for that. There have been articles published stating that USs may cause hearing problems or other effects from radiation (even though there is very little exposure), so it's probably best to err on the side of caution. I wouldn't worry too much. Trust me, even with an ultrasound every week, you'll still have plenty to worry about! Most everything turns out just fine anyway.

itravelsize · February 2016

i just went in to my registration app it sounds like we won't get an US till about 20weeks either not sure if its normal but they did tell me I should be able to hear a heart beat on my next app which would b about 12 weeks thats when they do the physical exam. I will be swapping docs though so hopping to find someone who does earlier ultrasounds I might go crazy waiting.

LGW2015 · February 2016

Yeah I'm really hoping we get to hear the heartbeat at our next appt if not this one. The wait is TORTURE!!

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