@Kenneylynn3 It depends on where you are. In the US, they typically have you come in once a month in the beginning, so probably around 12 weeks. Depending on your age and risk factors there is also some testing that can happen around that time. I was told I will have some screening tests (an ultrasound and some blood work) at 12 weeks because I am “advanced maternal age”. But I didn’t have any of that testing done the first time.
My question is I had my appointment today and was given samples of Bonjesta for my nausea/vomiting has anyone taken it? It says it can cause drowsiness which makes me nervous (not about taking it at night but taking in the morning).
@ashley14598 it probably impacts everyone differently but you could try it on a day when you don’t have as much to do and you might be able to take a nap.
[spoiler=TW in signature]
Me: 36, DH 37.
August 2014- 6w MMC
July 2015- CP
PCOS, plus some medical issues that make me high risk.
2 questions for you ladies...first one, I am 35, will be 36 in 3 days. I know that I have a higher risk now of downs and other birth defects because of my age, but honestly, even if we have a baby that has downs syndrome or anything else, knowing ahead of time is not going to change the fact that we will carry the baby to full term and love him/her just the same. At my first intake appointment yesterday I said the same thing to the OB (who is not my ob, but he is on medical leave until october) and I said that we would not abort anyways, yet I felt that she kept pushing to have the genetic blood testing done. We decided against the testing going through IVF for the same reasons that I listed above, yet she spoke of the testing no less than 5 times at the appointment yesterday and brought up that then we could decide what to do with the baby after knowing. This just irked both my DH and I to no end that she kept bringing it up after saying we didnt want to do it because we dont care if the baby ends up with downs syndrome. I keep saying that one because that was the big one she kept mentioning. Now it has me questioning if it would be easier to know ahead of time if it would make preparing for baby easier if it would have a chance of having it, or just stick to my guns and continue to decline that testing. She kept saying well if its money, usually mothers of your age insurance pays for this testing, and then you have a chance of knowing ahead of time the sex via the DNA blood testing with it. What do you ladies think? 2nd question: is anyone planning on getting a doppler to hear the heartbeat, etc at home? if so what ones would you recommend?
@pipsqueak624 this is such a personal one when it comes to the genetic testing, but my 5 cents (for what it's worth) is that we'll do the testing because I want to know in advance if there are any complications we need to be prepared for.
@pipsqueak624 First, it sucks that the doctor is behaving that way. But with regard to the testing, I plan on having it done (I'll be AMA when this baby arrives) so that I can be prepared for any complications. But I can certainly understand why you don't want to, and would suggest you stick to your convictions. It's not like the test can't be done later.
@pipsqueak624 Maybe ask what they test for besides downs. There are other complications that they might be able to detect that would require certain NICU/hospital capabilities. Also even if downs is the only thing they test for, it would give you time to wrap your head around it and start collecting resources and a support group so that when baby arrives you aren't dealing with that AND a newborn.
I plan on doing whatever testing my insurance will cover, which I don't think is much although I heard they cover the NT scan. I don't plan on getting a doppler.
DD1: June '16 DD2: March ‘19 :::: Married since 2011 :::: USN Wife ::::
@pipsqueak624 I would have another chat with your Dr. and go over why they do the testing. It is absolutely up to you and I declined the testing last time. However, I'm a little more knowledgable about it now and will likely do it this time. In the unlikely event that there are complications, you can have a team of health professionals on the ready for when you give birth. Being prepared would give me the peace of mind.
@pipsqueak624 - I am also an AMA mom at 40. I had the genetic testing with my daughter just because I felt like I wanted to be prepared. There are also a lot of things other than downs that it tests for and some are things that would make the pregnancy nonviable or mean a short life and I needed to know that for myself. BUT, I was told the same thing about insurance covering because I was AMA and if they didn't the genetic testing company would lower my bill to $99 and NONE of that was true. I wonder if doctors get kickbacks for getting people to do the testing? I don't know. I am glad we did it, but be aware because that doctor isn't going to pay the bill if she is wrong about insurance covering! Lol. This might be overstepping a bit, but just from your post it sounds like maybe you are having a little issue with your doctor. I knew after my first appointment that I didn't like my doctor but I felt like maybe I was being over emotional, and I didn't want to be mean or rude even though I really wanted to switch. That is my one regret about my first pregnancy. I should have followed my gut that she wasn't the right doctor for me. Lastly, I have a home doppler. It was really fun my first pregnancy to let my Grammie hear the heart beat! I don't remember what brand I have. I'll have to look and let you know.
@pipsqueak624 This is such a good question, and like the other ladies have said, the answer is very personal.
It sounds like you and your husband are in good agreement on not wanting to do the screening, and I respect your reasons. Your doctor should too. At the end of the day your medical treatment is up to you. Please don’t be pressured.
If it’s helpful, most cell-free DNA screening tests screen for the following: Y chromosome Trisomy 13 (Patau) Trisomy 18 (Edward) Trisomy 21 (Down)
I would encourage you to research these conditions and decide for yourself if knowing ahead of time is something you want.
@PipSqueak0313@maggiemadeit gave you some very good advice. If it’s a test like Prelude then it tests for several genetic fetal abnormalities— and to avoid a trigger warning you should do the research on your own, but many mothers would want to know if their child was effected in order to mentally prepare themselves.
Having a trisomy 21 diagnosis beforehand can be helpful because Down syndrome can sometimes coincide with congenital heart defects, and if they have identified this early they can have special teams on call for the delivery if Baby needs extra help (which could potentially save a life)
@KatieJo1205 yea, the problem is that I actually love my actual OB doctor, hes amazing. However he is out of the office until october for medical leave which is why I had to see one of his partners. There is another partner in the office and I thought about asking for my next appointment to be switched over to the other partner, I have met her before too and liked her also and thought about requesting that she be the one to take over my care until my OB comes back from leave but I wasnt sure how to really go about doing that without making the office angry I guess. I definitely appreciate all the info you guys have given me, I was just really confused and I just didnt understand why she kept pressuring me to do this and kept mentioning aborting without coming right out and saying that exact wording. Yea if you can look at what doppler you had would be awesome. I think that I want to get one, just to make it fun to hear the heartbeat and stuff
@PipSqueak0313 I didn’t have the testing done with my first for the same reasons you listed. I was 31 the first time. I’m 33 now and I haven’t decided about the testing this time, but I’m leaning toward no.
My OB told me that testing is recommended by the American Society of OBGYNs which is a big reason that they push it. I also think the previous posters have good points about possibly being prepared at the actual delivery. With that said, it’s a very personal decision and you shouldn’t feel pressured to do it just because your doctor says so. I would probably ask my doctor what would happen if I tested positive or highly likely for something. What would the next steps be?
Either way, it’s important to find a doctor you trust and who will respect your wishes. Make sure you are comfortable with this practice.
Edited: just saw your latest post about your doctor being out of the office until October. That’s a tough one, but I think your idea of requesting someone else in the office would be the way to go.
Hi. First of all, you do what works best for you! In my last 3 pregnancies I have chosen not to have any of the testing you mentioned.
This baby will be our 4th and I think we will have it done this time. My only reason is because we had to have some genetic testing done on baby #2 and baby #3 after birth. If any of that testing could have been done before, it would have helped ease my mind.
I'm not sure if the conditions my girls needed to be screened for can be done on the prenatal test or not..... but it is something I will ask about. Both of our girls carry different hemoglobin deficiency genes (one alpha the other beta), one had possible hearing loss (which she miraculously outgrew right before we were getting hearing aids at 4 months but had genetic testing for that), and one has hypothyroidism. Overall we were blessed with healthy kids but if any of the screening can be done beforehand so I can worry less after baby is here... Great!
I have another question ugh! My doctors papers says if I go 12 hours without peeing I need to be seen by their office or go to the hospital. I have been so sick this pregnancy and I don’t want to drink/eat anything which I realize isn’t helping my cause. I don’t want to hurt my kidneys either. I just have no appetite and when I do force myself to eat I throw up anyways. I had massive diarrhea today at 10am but haven’t used the bathroom since. Any ideas, tips, etc. I’m calling tomorrow to talk to the nurse but until then I’m trying my best to sip on water. Any other ideas/tips/etc? I don’t remember being this sick with my son.
@ashley14598 Yikes! I'm sorry you're not feeling well. That stinks. I have to say, I have the opposite problem - I constantly have to pee! I get up at least 2x per night, it's annoying. You sound like you must be dehydrated if you're not peeing, and that isn't good (ever, much less in pregnancy). Are there any liquids you can keep down? Ginger ale might be easier to keep down than water? Or try some Gatorade, it has electrolytes that will help you get hydrated again. You definitely need to be drinking throughout the day, even if it's one small sip at a time - I know that's easier said than done when you're feeling so crappy though! Good luck! I hope you feel better soon.
I'm also interested in opinions and brand recommendations for dopplers. I didn't use one during my last pregnancy but I'm considering it this time around, since I loved hearing DD's heartbeat at all my prenatal appointments.
@ashley14598that’s no fun at all. My last pregnancy was like that. I resorted to eating ice and popsicles when possible. And I also lived on Zofran. Definitely call the doc and keep them updated; you don’t want to get dehydrated, and they could maybe give you some IV fluids.
I had a sonoline b Doppler with my daughter and plan to get another one. I leant it to my SIL and I’m not sure if she still has it...nothing else has ever come back, but hopefully my owlet baby monitor will! Loved that thing.
Me: 30 DH: 31 Married: 2012 BFP #1 Sept 2014, MMC Dec 2014 | BFP #2 May 2015, DD Jan 2016 | BFP #3 May 2017, MC July 2017 | BFP #4 Jan 2018, MC Feb 2018 | BFP #5 July 2018, fingers crossed
Can I vent here? I need to wait until 8/20 for my first appointment! Living vicariously through you all while I pee on sticks and wait to see the little bean.
@ashley14598 How does ice sound? Like sonic crushed ice or even a snow cone with no flavoring in it?? With the heat I find myself wanting a little ice becuase I also have not wanted to eat much. And drinking water gives me that water belly feeling which also makes me sick. The only way I’ve been able to drink water is with tons of lemon squeezed in it.
I had an ultrasound today at 6 weeks, 2 days and the yolk sac was there measuring at 6w,1d. But he said he couldn’t see the fetal pole yet. Has this happened to anyone? He didn’t seem too concerned and wanted me to come in again in 1-2 weeks.
@kimbaby2due - According to Radiopaedia (a professional site for radiologists), "The fetal pole is usually identified at ~6.5 weeks with transabdominal ultrasound imaging and at ~6 weeks with transvaginal ultrasound imaging, although it may not be seen until ~9 weeks in some cases."
I'm a FTM, so this hasn't happened to me, but hopefully seeing a site for professionals saying it can take up to 9 weeks to visualize on ultrasound is somewhat reassuring!
@shrub and @purpleteacher82 Also have my 1st appt on 8/15 - i'm just crossing my fingers and trying to remember that going in early might not alleviate the worry given what some are posting about their early sonos
@PipSqueak0313 I wouldn’t be thrilled about the doctor pushing testing when I made it clear I didn’t want it either. I am 36 (will be 37 at delivery) and I am going to get all testing they offer. I have two other kids and feel like they would need to be prepared also. I would consider TFMR (I’m not sure I would have before I had other kids) and have tried to discuss it with MH but hes in the “lets not talk about I think unless we need to” camp. I did research what they test for and what each diagnosis means. I don’t plan on getting a home Doppler. I didn’t have one for the past pregnancies either.
Is there a way to check your PMs when you are Mobile? I keep getting notifications at the bottom of my screen that someone has sent me one but I don’t know how to open them when I’m not on my laptop.
Or maybe I was just passive aggressively trying to model how to correctly use the question thread. Bahaha Your 3 minute response time was a tad slow though so I probably should have just started my own thread.
Re: Question? Need help? ***POST HERE***
[spoiler=TW in signature]
Me: 36, DH 37.
August 2014- 6w MMC
July 2015- CP
PCOS, plus some medical issues that make me high risk.
Our rainbow babies are due 3/21!!!!!
[/spoiler]
2nd question: is anyone planning on getting a doppler to hear the heartbeat, etc at home? if so what ones would you recommend?
I plan on doing whatever testing my insurance will cover, which I don't think is much although I heard they cover the NT scan. I don't plan on getting a doppler.
It sounds like you and your husband are in good agreement on not wanting to do the screening, and I respect your reasons. Your doctor should too. At the end of the day your medical treatment is up to you. Please don’t be pressured.
If it’s helpful, most cell-free DNA screening tests screen for the following:
Y chromosome
Trisomy 13 (Patau)
Trisomy 18 (Edward)
Trisomy 21 (Down)
I would encourage you to research these conditions and decide for yourself if knowing ahead of time is something you want.
Having a trisomy 21 diagnosis beforehand can be helpful because Down syndrome can sometimes coincide with congenital heart defects, and if they have identified this early they can have special teams on call for the delivery if Baby needs extra help (which could potentially save a life)
My OB told me that testing is recommended by the American Society of OBGYNs which is a big reason that they push it. I also think the previous posters have good points about possibly being prepared at the actual delivery. With that said, it’s a very personal decision and you shouldn’t feel pressured to do it just because your doctor says so. I would probably ask my doctor what would happen if I tested positive or highly likely for something. What would the next steps be?
Either way, it’s important to find a doctor you trust and who will respect your wishes. Make sure you are comfortable with this practice.
Edited: just saw your latest post about your doctor being out of the office until October. That’s a tough one, but I think your idea of requesting someone else in the office would be the way to go.
This baby will be our 4th and I think we will have it done this time. My only reason is because we had to have some genetic testing done on baby #2 and baby #3 after birth. If any of that testing could have been done before, it would have helped ease my mind.
I'm not sure if the conditions my girls needed to be screened for can be done on the prenatal test or not..... but it is something I will ask about. Both of our girls carry different hemoglobin deficiency genes (one alpha the other beta), one had possible hearing loss (which she miraculously outgrew right before we were getting hearing aids at 4 months but had genetic testing for that), and one has hypothyroidism. Overall we were blessed with healthy kids but if any of the screening can be done beforehand so I can worry less after baby is here... Great!
I'm also interested in opinions and brand recommendations for dopplers. I didn't use one during my last pregnancy but I'm considering it this time around, since I loved hearing DD's heartbeat at all my prenatal appointments.
George (3)
Married: 2012
BFP #1 Sept 2014, MMC Dec 2014 | BFP #2 May 2015, DD Jan 2016
first appointment! Living vicariously through you all while I pee on sticks and wait to see the little bean.
Edited for spelling
I'm a FTM, so this hasn't happened to me, but hopefully seeing a site for professionals saying it can take up to 9 weeks to visualize on ultrasound is somewhat reassuring!
Married: 2016
BFP #1 4/23/18, blighted ovum 5/29/18
BFP#2 7/14/18, DS 4/5/19
Your 3 minute response time was a tad slow though so I probably should have just started my own thread.