@mischief-managed my office does NT scans for everyone and the NIPT is elective. But even while I was in the scan, since we already had the NIPT results, the tech said the NIPT was a more reliable indicator than the actual measurement when it came to chromosomal defects. But a questionable NT measurement plus good NIPT results could indicate heart issues, so I’m glad I had both done. For reassurance purposes, I think it makes perfect sense to ask for the NT. If they say no, I’d even ask them if they have recommendations for other practices that would do the NT for you and communicate results to their office. I totally understand wanting both, even though the NIPT is seen as sufficient.
@modoodles my main questions have been about exercising, foods/drinks that i should or shouldn't be consuming, medications, I had questions about first trimester screenings, symptoms like cramping/sharp pains. Nothing major, that I haven't probably heard or read other places, but I like hearing the words come from my doctor about certain things I guess. It was also nice to hear that she didn't care that I've been eating practically garbage 95% of the time, she said when she was in her first trimester she would carry around a bag of bagels to snack on every day.
@mischief-managed same. The local office doesnt do NIPT or an NT scan, so I'm switching. The new office only does NIPT, then if that comes back anything but low risk, you get genetic counseling and are then provided with additional testing options. Definitely argue for what you want. I understand the fear, I am PGAL, and haven't had an ultrasound or anything other than betas at 4 weeks. I'm so anxious for my appointment tomorrow when they are going to do a dating ultrasound and listen for a heartbeat.
@nursejenn5 the idea of a bagel snack bag cracks me up lol... like, you're just standing there talking to someone and they whip a bagel out of their purse and start munching
@blaf322 the way she said it she’s like yeah I’d be sitting in classes and just pull out a bagel and eat it every couple hours or so. When we left the office H was like “do yo I think she meant she ate an entire bagel every couple hours?! That’s a lot of bagel”😂😂
Appointment today. I had a PA student which actually I love because they’re usually super interested in everything and I love teaching (actually they all come to me in the next month rotation so it’s funny to watch them freak a little). Everyone has to learn sometime 🤷🏻♀️ But I felt the heart rate he found was slow (115) but my OB said it was fine.
Scheduled my anatomy scan. It’s weird after so many US in my RE office, I haven’t had one since 9 weeks.
Also this OB wasn’t super convinced I’m a good VBAC candidate so I tentatively scheduled a c-section just in case. I’m so torn on this.
Ya, I'm pretty annoyed with my OB's office re: NT scan. Apparently they don't do it either? I messaged them and asked them if they would do an US because I haven't had any other than the ones with my RE and I thought they'd want to do a NT one. They were like "usually insurance doesn't cover more than one in the first trimester, so you should call your insurance to see" so I did and insurance is like "sure we'll cover it" so I messaged the clinic back and they called me and were like "I think I mislead you....we won't do an ultrasound unless it is medically indicated so that you don't abuse your insurance and our US services....but you can go to fetalfoto and get one there if you want". GRRRRRRRRR
I know I'm being overly cautious but as a FTM with past fertility issues, I would really appreciate some compassion or understanding, you know? I know it's just another baby to them, but it's so much more than that to me.
married to DH on March 15, 2018 TTC since May 2018 dx: PCOS, hypothroidism tx: timed intercourse with meds (dexa, clomid, letrozole, metformin, trigger shots)
First TTGP: 5/9/19 BFN, 6/21/19 BFN, 7/29/19 BFN, 8/1/19 started a break from tx, 11/16/19 surprised with a BFP! LO born 7/7/20 Second TTGP: started meds for first cycle of tx on 10/13/21
@knockupthestock ugggggh. That would make me rage-y. And emotional. I totally understand where you’re coming from. I know they’re often not medically trained, but I still found the elective ultrasound company I used to be very knowledgeable. They also asked for doctor info so that they could send over the US if anything seemed awry. So even though not at your OB, an elective US might provide some reassurance.
My midwives office refers to the MFM at the hospital for NT scans and anatomy scans. When I had my blood drawn for the NIPT they asked if I wanted them to refer me to MFM for NT and I decided not to since I felt it was a little redundant. I did read up on it later and realized NT can pick up some heart issues that NIPT doesn’t, but my reasoning for skipping it was I figure I’ll spend plenty of time at MFM if (when) I get gestational diabetes again and I might as well save myself the one trip. Wouldn’t they pick up heart defects during anatomy scan anyway? Or no? Last pregnancy I had an echo ultrasound down to go over the heart super thoroughly because MFM recommended it since I had gestational diabetes.
@knockupthestock what the heck? If your insurance covers it I cannot imagine why your doctor wouldn't honor patient wishes. It's YOUR pregnancy. Even if insurance didn't cover it and you wanted to pay out of pocket and they said no it would make me ragey.
@knockupthestock how they said that to you was RUDE. I'd have been pissed about that, alone. Definitely go to an elective place if you don't feel comfortable not having one between now and your next US. When was your last US? I assume your next is your AS?
@rachelredhead@blaf322@modoodles thank you for making me not feel like im crazy! i was so so mad. its okay if you dont want to do my US, just dont claim that im abusing my insurance and your office by asking for one.
my last one was a couple of weeks ago, so it hasnt been too long, but i was having them weekly with my RE so its hard to just stop cold turkey lol. im at 12 weeks today so im just wanting some reassurance that the first trimester is almost over and everythings okay. ya, my next one will be the AS which they scheduled in March, I think. i understand if they dont want to do it, i just want them to be more compassionate and kind about it.
married to DH on March 15, 2018 TTC since May 2018 dx: PCOS, hypothroidism tx: timed intercourse with meds (dexa, clomid, letrozole, metformin, trigger shots)
First TTGP: 5/9/19 BFN, 6/21/19 BFN, 7/29/19 BFN, 8/1/19 started a break from tx, 11/16/19 surprised with a BFP! LO born 7/7/20 Second TTGP: started meds for first cycle of tx on 10/13/21
@knockupthestock that is SO frustrating. I personally have had 3 US already due to bleeding and they said they love to just be able to reassure their patients. They also do them on a cheaper quick machine vs the actual us room so Idk what the bill will be like. But I haven’t gotten billed for the first (and was billed for the second already). I’d definitely go for an elective one if that’s what you need to do to put your mind at ease. (I also elected to do an NT partially so I can see babe again.) but I do know that some offices don’t do this IN their office and have to refer out. (My insurance also most likely won’t cover NT or the majority of it) You could just be adamant on what you want. It’s not like electing for an X-ray on a hurt ankle. This is your baby.
@zande2016 your AS would pick up on heart defects typically. (But it can miss some things, I personally was born with a heart defect that was a surprise to everyone.) Interesting order of things. My office suggests NT(which is a scam and two sets of labs) then the NIPS (or others) of the NT is abnormal. Because NIPS is more in depth/inclusive for genetic probabilities.
@knockupthestock I wonder if you talk to your doc about it at your next appt, what kind of response you'd get. I almost wonder if they're coming at you like that because the doctor acted annoyed, or if he/she is just being a bish.
Thanks for your responses about the NIPT vs NT scan. I reached out to my OB and she said that if you have an NIPT they don’t do an NT Scan but refered me to an outside place to have it if “I am really determined to even though it is unnecessary.” I’m annoyed because I know she does them (she did mine for my first pregnancy 5 years ago) and I don’t see why she won’t just do it at my 12 week appointment since I am asking. I have read that it can check for heart defects which the NIPT can’t do. I was on Paxil when I got pregnant and even though I weaned off, it can cause heart defects so I think it’s stupid she won’t do it. Ok, rant over.
@knockupthestock I personally would consider switching practices if my office said something like that to me. You deserve health care that is looking out for your best interests, and having anxiety is not good for you, nor is being spoken to the way they did.
@nursejenn5 I have had 4 ultrasounds now, because of bleeding also. My ob said they would do anything they could to relieve my anxiety, which I have a ton of!
Oh yes, I was so mad I forgot to say that I had my 12 week appointment today, and things went well and I was bumped back into the “low risk pregnancy” category, which means I probably won’t have another US until 20 weeks. Little babe was moving around a whole lot and even waved to us! My husband cried, and I just sat there in happy shock. I asked a ton of questions (about baths, exercise, weight gain, prenatal screening, if my doctor will be at delivery, etc). I am so much more at ease now!
Follow up appt today (13w6). Just a check up and everything looks good. Heard a sweet little heartbeat and saw the little guy squirming. Next appt will be in roughly a month when we do some additional blood work, etc. And next US will be the anatomy scan, which seems years away. She also was totally on board with me doing a 5K in mid March, so that’s gonna be my workout goal. I did a half marathon in October but haven’t run at all since getting our BFP so I’m looking forward to getting back into running now that I’m feeling a bit more alive.
We had our dating ultrasound today and baby measured 9 days further than expected (13+1 rather than 11+6) so the doctor did give us new due date of July 16th! ❤❤❤ Heart rate was 156, and I cried with relief. Baby was moving so much she couldn't get leg measurements 😂.
@stlbuckeye132 omg if I hadn't thrown up 5 times already today I would feel like I'm at the end of first tri 😂😂 but seriously, this can stop anytime now. I'm so, so excited that we are a little earlier in the month!
@mischief-managed My OB talked about NT and NIPT as if it would be one or the other. We discussed NIPT briefly (MH was excited about the fact we could find out the sex earlier, lol), but since I'm just shy of AMA my insurance doesn't cover it. They do cover NT scans, though. She said that she would recommend NT scan and 1st tri screening bloodwork over NIPT because it checks for more stuff than just the NIPT. I don't know if that's specific to the scan + bloodwork combo, though.
Those of you getting NT scans, do you have a bloodwork panel to go along with it? I'm in CA, and it's a state-recommended program here. I think they even subsidize the cost if it's not covered by insurance.
@knockupthestock That ridiculous! First of all, since when do insurance companies let themselves be taken advantage of?! They'll refuse coverage for all sorts of stuff. And the NT scan is a screening for potential problems - it's not like you're asking for a random US just for fun. Things can be medically indicated *because of* the NT scan. It's the thing that determines if you need other tests; there's not really an indication for it (other than prior genetic abnormalities I guess).
2/13 Blighted ovum, D&C -- 6/13 MC -- 8/14 DD born -- 3/17 MC -- 9/18 DD2 born Expecting again -- EDD 7/27/20
@treeofcheem I had my NT scan and bloodwork (finger stick) that is analyzed together and called the first trimester screening. It looks at risk factors for Down syndrome and the trisomies I think. The same thing was ordered when I was pregnant with my DD and that was a different practice, I think it’s standard in my state as well (all covered by insurance).
We had an appt yesterday. They took alllll my blood, but I didnt pass out this time! Heartbeat was 168. We talked about genetics and I was told it was NT or NIPT but not both. I'm waiting to see if my insurance covers the NIPT before deciding which one.
We scheduled an impromptu ultrasound today at a standalone ultrasound clinic. We haven't seen the baby since our 7 week dating ultrasound so wanted an updated visual!
Re insurance convering NIPT - I am 32 so my insurance denied coverage, but Natera (Panorama) offered for me to pay $249 for their cash/out of pocket price rather than the $1,500 it would've been. I used my FSA card. Not bad.
If anyone was debating doing NIPT testing I’d call the company directly. My OB told me my insurance wouldn’t cover it. When we called maternity21 it was covered by our insurance 100%. Most OB’s just assume it won’t be covered if you are under 35 but I’m only 27 and mine was covered.
Okay, sorry to rant again about my OB experience, but here goes.....
So I get a call today from a nurse at the OB clinic and she was like "so I know the midwife saw you, but the OB was reviewing your chart and she thinks that you should be seen by maternal fetal medicine because you are high risk due to your hypertension. Is it okay if I call over there and get you referred to them? Their office is at the hospital, but you'll have to deliver at [hospital that is 30 mins from my house] instead of [hospital that is 5 mins from my house] because they have the NICU there." And I'm just like ummmm yes thats okay? Like, that is a lot to spring on someone somewhat randomly. I mean, none of this was mentioned at my appt with the midwife....we talked about my hypertension, and she was like "ya we will just monitor it and go from there" and she told us our whole pregnancy plan and got us scheduled like 4 months out. sooooo why did we do all that?? I have anxiety, and plans are super important to me.....so creating a plan gave me a lot of help with my anxiety and then it was all just changed with one phone call.
I'm really grateful that they are referring me to someone that they think will provide me with better care. Hopefully this means I will get more engaged and involved doctors, which I want. I'm just flustered and anxious and scared now. I've been worried about baby for days and this doesnt help. Anyway, thanks for letting me vent ladies!
married to DH on March 15, 2018 TTC since May 2018 dx: PCOS, hypothroidism tx: timed intercourse with meds (dexa, clomid, letrozole, metformin, trigger shots)
First TTGP: 5/9/19 BFN, 6/21/19 BFN, 7/29/19 BFN, 8/1/19 started a break from tx, 11/16/19 surprised with a BFP! LO born 7/7/20 Second TTGP: started meds for first cycle of tx on 10/13/21
@rachelredhead Thanks for that reply. It just threw me off as they didn't say that in my first appt. However, that first appt. was a train wreck overall.
@knockupthestock In solidarity on the frustrations with OB office. Glad you are getting to hopefully better level of care.
Re: January Appointments
I know I'm being overly cautious but as a FTM with past fertility issues, I would really appreciate some compassion or understanding, you know? I know it's just another baby to them, but it's so much more than that to me.
dx: PCOS, hypothroidism
Second TTGP: started meds for first cycle of tx on 10/13/21
When was your last US? I assume your next is your AS?
my last one was a couple of weeks ago, so it hasnt been too long, but i was having them weekly with my RE so its hard to just stop cold turkey lol. im at 12 weeks today so im just wanting some reassurance that the first trimester is almost over and everythings okay. ya, my next one will be the AS which they scheduled in March, I think. i understand if they dont want to do it, i just want them to be more compassionate and kind about it.
dx: PCOS, hypothroidism
Second TTGP: started meds for first cycle of tx on 10/13/21
@nursejenn5 I have had 4 ultrasounds now, because of bleeding also. My ob said they would do anything they could to relieve my anxiety, which I have a ton of!
@blaf322 Thank you! ❤
Those of you getting NT scans, do you have a bloodwork panel to go along with it? I'm in CA, and it's a state-recommended program here. I think they even subsidize the cost if it's not covered by insurance.
@knockupthestock That ridiculous! First of all, since when do insurance companies let themselves be taken advantage of?! They'll refuse coverage for all sorts of stuff. And the NT scan is a screening for potential problems - it's not like you're asking for a random US just for fun. Things can be medically indicated *because of* the NT scan. It's the thing that determines if you need other tests; there's not really an indication for it (other than prior genetic abnormalities I guess).
Expecting again -- EDD 7/27/20
So I get a call today from a nurse at the OB clinic and she was like "so I know the midwife saw you, but the OB was reviewing your chart and she thinks that you should be seen by maternal fetal medicine because you are high risk due to your hypertension. Is it okay if I call over there and get you referred to them? Their office is at the hospital, but you'll have to deliver at [hospital that is 30 mins from my house] instead of [hospital that is 5 mins from my house] because they have the NICU there." And I'm just like ummmm yes thats okay? Like, that is a lot to spring on someone somewhat randomly. I mean, none of this was mentioned at my appt with the midwife....we talked about my hypertension, and she was like "ya we will just monitor it and go from there" and she told us our whole pregnancy plan and got us scheduled like 4 months out. sooooo why did we do all that?? I have anxiety, and plans are super important to me.....so creating a plan gave me a lot of help with my anxiety and then it was all just changed with one phone call.
I'm really grateful that they are referring me to someone that they think will provide me with better care. Hopefully this means I will get more engaged and involved doctors, which I want. I'm just flustered and anxious and scared now. I've been worried about baby for days and this doesnt help. Anyway, thanks for letting me vent ladies!
dx: PCOS, hypothroidism
Second TTGP: started meds for first cycle of tx on 10/13/21