@catem07 3 pregnancies and 3 different OB’s here and all have done in office ultrasounds. You’re probably right about the hospital connection. US machines are expensive.
@thepretzelchick that sucks how he handled it. Not great bedside manner at all . Mine was pretty nonchalent about it when she told me. She just asked if I had already been told at a previous appointment that I was at higher risk for GD (didn't even say because of weight but I knew that was why) and that we should do the test at my next appointment. Up until that point I hadn't gotten any comments on my weight or weight gain (I see somebody different every time).
I agree rather safe than sorry even though I'm not looking forward to it.
My OB's office has an US tech and their own machine, but if the appointment is supposed to have an US you know in advance and it's scheduled different, you'll have a time slot scheduled with the tech for the scan and then immediately following you will have a time slot scheduled with the OB to go over results and for the rest of the checkup etc.
@lfritos I've never heard of that. My OB starts trying the doppler to hear the HB starting at the second appointment (around 12 weeks) and then every appointment after that.
I'm glad everyone's appointments are going well!
@thepretzelchick Sorry about the terrible bedside manor. I had to do an early glucose screening (1 hour) already. I think I was around 9 or so weeks when I did it, but I had diet controlled GD last time. I am starting this pregnancy out heavier than the last one too. It sucked, but wasn't the worst. I was more scared of the results but I passed.
I have my 12 week appt tomorrow. I didn't do the NIPT scans, so no US. I always get really nervous right before appts that they will be able to find the heartbeat quickly enough.
@pirateduck that's how my ob does US too, which I really appreciate. My 16 week will be my first doppler appointment, though. Not sure how they run those.
@lisush the doppler is just a little handheld device/wand with a little speaker that they have in the office. Nothing too fancy. They just pull it out of the cupboard for like one minute to listen to the heartbeat and since there is a small speaker, you can hear it too!
@lisush don't panic if they don't find the heartbeat instantly! The baby is still itty bitty and depending what position it's in it can take a bit for the doctor to get everything pointed at your belly at just the right angle to pick it up. I've had it take like 5 seconds and at another appointment had it take a few minutes.
@catem07 yes my practice does it in the office, but I’m assuming since my anatomy scan is at my 20 week this one will just be heartbeat which I’m happy with. I like all these little check ins on her!
Midwife appointment was today. All my test results have been good so far but I have to redo my NIPT blood work. They were not able to find the heartbeat today and the Doppler battery was dying. I’m honestly not worried though. I know it’s common to have a hard time finding it before 14 weeks and both my 8w and 12w ultrasounds measured a strong heart rate. If it was my first pregnancy I’d be anxious as all hell but third time around I’m much more “eh, whatever, we’ll catch it next time.”
13 week appointment this morning, we got to hear baby’s heartbeat for the first time. It was the most beautiful 5 seconds! Also, baby’s so much lower than I thought, practically was listening on my bladder
12 week appt today. *TW all is fine* but they couldn’t find the heartbeat for like 5 mins. Queue me freaking out even though it’s common this early. DH also wasn’t with me which made it worse. They got me into an US within 20 mins and baby was just wiggly. 147 bpm and I got a bunch of pictures.
@mamaqdubu sometimes the early appointments are nerve wracking when it takes awhile to find baby. Glad you were able to get in for an US quickly and baby is doing well!
@mamaqdubu most of my appointments they find the heartbeat quick but I hhad one that took several minutes. It’s tough, but the baby is still tiny and they gotta get the angle just right which can be hard if baby isn’t in a good position!
I met with my new, high risk OB and I LOVED her! She did an US and was great about explaining everything. Babies look great. Heart rates of 155 and 151, so at least for me (B/G twins), the old wives tale about HR isn't reliable. Next appt is in 4 weeks, plus a consult with a MFM specialist and anatomy scan at 20 weeks.
@ruby696 DS1 was usually in the 140s. DS2 was always in the 160s. Baby girl is somewhere between in the 150s. I’ve never understood the heartbeat one. 😂
I had my appointment with my new OB today. Surprise surprise my crazy OB hadn't sent records yet. They had me fill out a form at the new OB so they can harass them further for them. They didn't want to do too many things today (blood, US etc) without my previous records in case it was already done and insurance wouldn't cover it. We just chatted a bit and he used the doppler and the HR was 150s. I gave him a very very brief rundown of my encounter with crazy OB and he seemed appropriately shocked. I kept it simple though so as not to cause him concern that maybe I'm the crazy one lol. The staff seemed nice, and I even received a cute little welcome back with "What to Expect When Expecting" which I never received at my previous OB. It's a nice feeling. My blood pressure was a little high, but I'm hoping it was just from being nervous after my last encounter with a dr. My next appt is in 4 weeks for the anatomy scan and then visit with the dr immediately after which is also nice because at the previous OB you had to do your ultrasounds offsite in a separate appointment.
@bananapanda we had issues with DS1’s first Pediatrician and when they sent over records to the next pedi we tried to go to they sent a nasty gram all about us and the second pedi ended up refusing to treat my son because of them. So because of all that, I got the second pedi to mail me the medical records so that the third wouldn’t have to communicate with the first one. All that to say, don’t be surprised if this OB includes a message about how horrible you are and that she kicked you out of her practice. Probably a good thing your OB had a chance to meet you first and hear your side of things.
Well I was supposed to have my 16 week appointment Thursday, but today I got extremely lightheaded and started having heart palpitations at work. So I called the school nurse for myself 🤦🏻♀️ She said it was probably a sudden drop in my blood sugar gave me juice and checked my blood pressure, but told me to call my doctor anyway.
When I called I got the crazy nurse who told me I had to go straight to the ER - what?? No thanks I don’t want what’s floating around the ER during flu season. Also, she said I have to take an ambulance because now I’m a liability to the doctors office...So no. 🤨 I did not go to the ER after many phone calls I got an appointment for tonight. My mom was able to drive me to and from the doctor and we both met with him. He was wonderful. I haven’t met this doctor yet in my practice. He was not an alarmist thankfully. We listened to her heartbeat 💓 and he told me I need to eat more little meals. As an aside I haven’t gained any weight this pregnancy so far. We also did some bloodwork and he gave me the name of a cardiologist, but long story short it seems like my blood sugar dropped suddenly and I panicked which caused my palpitations.
Moral of the story - you know your body best and don’t jump to conclusions.
Also I am so grateful for the amazing people I work with who covered me during the phone call madness 😊
@bananapanda if your old doctor continues to drag her feet on your records, maybe you can share your EOBs/bills with your new doctor and they can decipher what’s been done?
DD #1: April 2017 DD #2: May 2020 Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
@Austenista wow that is so unprofessional of your doctor to send a nastygram like that! It never would have occurred to me that a doctor would do that, how awful.
@babyfoxden10 I'm glad you figured it out and are feeling better, but that must have been scary. I had a sudden drop in blood sugar the other day that produced the extremely weird side effect of my lips and tongue tingling (along with the dizziness/light-headed feeling), but no heart palpitations thankfully. I'm glad you didn't go to the ER with the super long wait, very expensive bill and sick people everywhere!
@Austenista I was actually wondering if the crazy OB would do something like that, but honestly what is she going to say because even in her rant to me it wasn't anything serious just like "oh this b!tch wanted her lab results within 24-48 hours of us receiving them and THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE because we are SO BUSY!" Idk that's the thing with crazy people though who knows how she will spin it. Did the second pediatrician that refused to treat your son tell you what was said or why they were refusing? I feel like if this crazy OB says something about me and then the new one tries to boot me that would just be more to add to my formal complaint against her since I'm pretty sure I didn't even do anything out of line. Yes, calling twice may have been slightly annoying to her staff, but nothing that warranted what went down last week.
Had my OB appt. Strong heartbeat of 150 at 15 weeks. Dr doesn’t love my blood pressure and since I was induced for high blood pressure at 39 weeks last time, she thinks it’s best if I take baby aspirin daily. I had never heard of this before, but I guess it is well studied as low/no risk to baby and effective in potentially preventing pre-eclampsia. I still somehow feel a little nervous about taking something, but obviously pre-eclampsia is not good. ****TW****
My mom almost died having me due to complications from pre-eclampsia. She nearly hemmoraged out. This has made my doctors pretty nervous since my blood pressure tends to be a little high. As a kid they called it white coat hypertension, but that doesn’t seem to be working anymore.
****end TW*** I am just hoping all goes smoothly from here on out and that my blood pressure stays in an ok range.
@adventuresawait2 My BP has been fine so far this pregnancy but I had gestational hypertension with my last and my doctor also recommended I take a baby aspirin this time around. That reminds me I need to pick some up...
DD #1: April 2017 DD #2: May 2020 Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
@adventuresawait2 I've definitely heard of other women taking baby aspirin, and I'm sure the risk of pre-e is much greater. I hope your BP settles down!
**TW**
Me: 35 | H: 40 Married Sept. 2013 DS1: Nov 11, 2016 MMC: 11/16/18 (9w6d) CP: 2/3/19 (5w3d) BFP! 8/24/19 DS2: May 10, 2020
@adventuresawait2 I've been taking baby aspirin since day one. It's related to my loss history, not pre-e, but I believe it's pretty common for pregnant women to take it. I hope it helps your BP!
I've taken baby aspirin with every pregnancy, and said I would start second tri with this one but haven't bought any yet. I've had pre-e/GH with both of my others so I won't be surprised if we experience more of the same with this baby. My other two were born at 37+0 and 37+1 weeks.
So follow up the my Monday appointment. I went initially for my heart palpitations scare, but the doctor ended up doing a screening on me also some kind of sequential screening or something. Today I got a call that they want to follow up with me due to my heart palpitations but also taking blood again. So of course nervous Nellie over here I want to know why more blood. The nurse just said for the modified sequential screening, but I did that. So now I’m worrying that something went wrong or it could be nothing and they didn’t listen when I said I did the screening already. I don’t want to go in unnecessarily and I want a clear answer. So I left a message for my doctor l, but I’m not a happy camper.
Is the modified sequential screening more than 1 blood test within a week of each test? Has anyone had this done. Also I am only 31 years old so I don’t know what’s with all the extra screenings since NIPT and 12 week sonogram back clear.
Doctors draw a ton of blood at different stages of your pregnancy to check both your health and the baby’s health. @babyfoxden10 I don’t think this necessarily means anything is wrong. It certainly would not hurt to talk to your doctor to go over all the tests you have had so far and outline for you the potential tests to come, especially if it sets your mind at ease.
@babyfoxden10 FWIW I had NIPT, NT, and also blood draws for the sequential screen (well next blood draw next week) and it’s just standard practice at my doctor’s office, not because any risk factors were identified in one of the earlier tests.
@pirateduck thanks that makes me feel better. Sometimes I feel like medical professionals don’t realize I don’t know what they are talking about and I need a full explanation. I don’t want to be a pain, but I am the patient and as a first time mom I’m so lost!
I had a 16 week appointment today. First time they were able to get the heartbeat on the Doppler (anterior placenta). Doctor complimented me on my slow weight gain (insert eye roll) and we scheduled the AS for the 23 of next month. I’m surprised they’re open so close to the holidays honestly.
Had a good OB appointment today. We were able to hear the heartbeat on the doppler (156) and I got my order for my formal anatomy scan that I'll do in 3-4 weeks. I asked the OB about early glucose testing and he said my A1C was low so he's not worried about testing early.
@splashmountain That is great that you can wait on the glucose test! I'm glad everything else is going well!
I had my 16 week appointment yesterday and we were finally able to hear the HB with the doppler (160)!!! She picked it up pretty quickly and said my uterus feels right on track for size. DD came with me to this appointment and got to hear the HB too! My next appointment/anatomy scan is scheduled for 12/19! I don't have any appointments beyond that scheduled yet as I was trying to decide between the OB I used for DD or the midwives. So far I've met 3/5 midwives in the practice and only really like 1 of them. So I think I may go with my OB because I know the personality fit is really great.
Had my 14 week appointment today. So it was supposed to be tomorrow but they called and asked me to come in today because it was better for their scheduling, so I said sure no problem. I got there at 9 for my 910 appointment and wasn't even brought to a room until 9:40 so I was already a little annoyed that you asked me to change to this time and can't even be on time. Then I sat in the room another 20 minutes before I went out and asked the receptionist how long it was going to be because I had only slotted in hour in between my work appointments and she was like oh I am not sure go back in there and I will see, then another 10 minutes before the midwife came in. Appointment was great after that heartbeat was 135 and strong. I got to schedule my AS which is going to be on my birthday and then the receptionist said to me in a very snotty tone "you know we are usually running at least 20 minutes behind so you should schedule work better" so I replied "well had you not called yesterday and asked me to switch my appointment to a time a "that worked better" for you, I would not have had any other appointments and I do think it is insane to be waiting for over an hour when I was the second patient of the day" because at this point I couldn't take it.
@mamaj1220 good for you sometimes your have to stand up for yourself glad it all went well otherwise!
I was supposed to go back in tomorrow for an screening I already had. I’m so happy I finally got in touch with my doctor today who said there was a miscommunication with the nurses and my sequential screening on Monday was all clear and I did not have to go in. What’s so frustrating is I told the nurse last week - in 2 separate phone calls - I already had the test. Then it took 5 long days and sleepless nights to get in touch with my doctor only to find I was right, and the nurse should have listened to me that I did that test already.
Re: November Appointments
I agree rather safe than sorry even though I'm not looking forward to it.
I'm glad everyone's appointments are going well!
@thepretzelchick Sorry about the terrible bedside manor. I had to do an early glucose screening (1 hour) already. I think I was around 9 or so weeks when I did it, but I had diet controlled GD last time. I am starting this pregnancy out heavier than the last one too. It sucked, but wasn't the worst. I was more scared of the results but I passed.
- BFP: 3/10/16 — Baby Girl born 11/20/16
TTC#2 April 2019FTM
BFP: 9/5/19 ~ EDD 5/15/20
I did not go to the ER after many phone calls I got an appointment for tonight. My mom was able to drive me to and from the doctor and we both met with him. He was wonderful. I haven’t met this doctor yet in my practice. He was not an alarmist thankfully. We listened to her heartbeat 💓 and he told me I need to eat more little meals. As an aside I haven’t gained any weight this pregnancy so far. We also did some bloodwork and he gave me the name of a cardiologist, but long story short it seems like my blood sugar dropped suddenly and I panicked which caused my palpitations.
DD #2: May 2020
Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
@babyfoxden10 I'm glad you figured it out and are feeling better, but that must have been scary. I had a sudden drop in blood sugar the other day that produced the extremely weird side effect of my lips and tongue tingling (along with the dizziness/light-headed feeling), but no heart palpitations thankfully. I'm glad you didn't go to the ER with the super long wait, very expensive bill and sick people everywhere!
somehow feel a little nervous about taking something, but obviously pre-eclampsia is not good. ****TW****
My mom almost died having me due to complications from pre-eclampsia. She nearly hemmoraged out. This has made my doctors pretty nervous since my blood pressure tends to be a little high. As a kid they called it white coat hypertension, but that doesn’t seem to be working anymore.
****end TW***
I am just hoping all goes smoothly from here on out and that my blood pressure stays in an ok range.
DD #2: May 2020
Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
Married Sept. 2013
DS1: Nov 11, 2016
MMC: 11/16/18 (9w6d)
CP: 2/3/19 (5w3d)
BFP! 8/24/19
DS2: May 10, 2020
Is the modified sequential screening more than 1 blood test within a week of each test? Has anyone had this done. Also I am only 31 years old so I don’t know what’s with all the extra screenings since NIPT and 12 week sonogram back clear.
I had my 16 week appointment yesterday and we were finally able to hear the HB with the doppler (160)!!! She picked it up pretty quickly and said my uterus feels right on track for size. DD came with me to this appointment and got to hear the HB too! My next appointment/anatomy scan is scheduled for 12/19! I don't have any appointments beyond that scheduled yet as I was trying to decide between the OB I used for DD or the midwives. So far I've met 3/5 midwives in the practice and only really like 1 of them. So I think I may go with my OB because I know the personality fit is really great.
- BFP: 3/10/16 — Baby Girl born 11/20/16
TTC#2 April 2019I was supposed to go back in tomorrow for an screening I already had. I’m so happy I finally got in touch with my doctor today who said there was a miscommunication with the nurses and my sequential screening on Monday was all clear and I did not have to go in. What’s so frustrating is I told the nurse last week - in 2 separate phone calls - I already had the test. Then it took 5 long days and sleepless nights to get in touch with my doctor only to find I was right, and the nurse should have listened to me that I did that test already.