Forum Index
»
Expectant and Postpartum Moms
When did you have your first ultrasound?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
I am scheduled to have my very first appointment in a few days - at 10 weeks. I asked if I'd have an ultrasound done at that first appointment, and the Doctor's office said no. I am just curious when you had your first ultrasound and what's standard practice?
I've had some health issues throughout my first tri so far, and had to take some class B meds. I would think that that would warrant an ultrasound. Also, my provider is acknowledged by my insurance company as a "provider who meets certain clinical performance and cost-efficiency standards," which to me sounds like they minimize the number of procedures done to minimize the cost of care for the insurance company. Should that be a warning sign? What are my options here? Can I request an ultrasound? Should I switch providers? I can't switch my insurance at this point. |
Anonymous
|
I think they're supposed to do an "ultrascreen" or triple screen or something at 12 weeks, which combines an ultrasound (looking at the nuchal translucency) with some bloodwork and family history to determine the likelihood of certain genetic disorders. But many doctors' offices will send you to a lab for this rather than doing it in their own offices, so your doc at your 10-week might just tell you to go schedule it at a lab.
At both Reiter Hill and the Fairfax CWC, I got in-office ultrasounds at least twice during the first trimester, but I think most places you just do the 12 week and then the 20 week. |
Anonymous
I tried requesting an ultrasound and didn't get one either. (I ended up having spotting and cramping a week later so I got a quick sono in the ER) I too have issues that should have warranted a sonogram, but unless you are bleeding, they might not do one. |
sybersus
Member Offline
Member Offline
|
The midwife practice at GW generally gives an ultrasound at the first visit (between 7 and 8 weeks) to make sure everything looks okay & to confirm due date, so my first one was at 7 weeks, 3 days. My next one was part of the genetic screening at 11 weeks, and my last one at 20 weeks.
I wouldn't worry about class B drugs -- from what I've heard, they are perfectly safe to use during pregnancy. I take a daily class C drug and occasionally take a class D drug (as needed). I don't even think there are any class A drugs, so class B is as safe as it gets. |
Anonymous
| Hmm, this is my third pregnancy and I've always gotten an US at the first appointment, somewhere between 8 and 10 weeks. If you're going to do the Nuchal screen, that HAS to be done before 12 weeks anyway and that is an ultrasound. I know all docs differ but I think I'd push a little harder for an US, especially if you've had issues and you want one. Make sure you ask about the Nuchal screening bc not everyone considers it standard these days. |
Anonymous
|
My OB (Forrest/Allen in Fairfax) does one at 8 weeks to confirm and date the pregnancy. It seems a bit odd to me that your first appt wouldn't include an ultrasound.
I'd talk to the doctor's office and let them know this is something you want and if they still refuse to do it, it may be time to shop around. |
Anonymous
| 12 weeks. A lot of women don't get their first till the a/s at 18-20 weeks. |
Anonymous
| My OB does the first for dating purposes at 8-10 weeks. Then there is the nuchal fold test at 12 weeks and then the biggie at 18-21. You may have more later in pregnancy if there are problems. Generally, they don't do too many early sonograms b/c there isn't much to see before 8-10 weeks. |
Anonymous
| I had one at 8 weeks, but I was 35 (advanced maternal age). Not sure if that makes a difference. |
Anonymous
the NT screen should occur between 11 1/2 weeks and 13 1/2 weeks. OP is 10 weeks. Btw this is my 3rd pregnancy as well and I am the PP not getting a sono. I was a little shocked as well, because I always got one in previous pregnancies as well. |
Anonymous
| My doctor (Dr. DeSouza) did an ultrasound at every visit, from my first to my last. |
Anonymous
| at 6 weeks with both pregnancies, I am now realizing though that this isn't the norm. |
Anonymous
|
20 weeks with first.
Then with second at 12 weeks bc I chose to have the nuchal test |
Anonymous
| 13 weeks for the nuchal. class b drugs aren't a big deal. tylenol is a class b drug. i was told at my nuchal though that most women do get an earlier u/s for dating purposes. i got this my 1st preg but not my 2nd. i also got the standard 20 wk one, and then another 36 wk one just to scare the heck out of me when they told me to expect an 8.5 lber! [tg it was a lb off!] |
Anonymous
| I did not get any ultrasounds with any of my pregnancies. My midwifery practice only schedules sonos if there is a medical indication for them. I could have also requested one at any time, but never had any need. The "standard" sonogram for most OBs is at 20 weeks, although there are plenty of practices (especially in the DC area) who have moved to also doing routine sonos around 8 weeks to confirm pregnancy and date it if a woman is unsure of her dates. I agree with another poster who said that a class B drug is truly no big deal. It is fine if you want a sono "just because" but I always think it is still helpful to ask yourself what specifically you hope to gain from any sonogram, or any particular pregnancy test for that matter. |