Forum Index
»
Expectant and Postpartum Moms
1st appt with midwives
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
Hi there. I'm using Midwifery Care Associates for my new pregnancy, and they didn't want to see me until 12 weeks, the admin person said because they may not be able to hear heartbeat before then. I thought heartbeat can be heard at 6 weeks? Is this because they use a different type of equipment?
Also, does anyone know if MCA offers NT test (or a different/better/newer first trimester test) or will I have to push for it? I'm over 35. |
Anonymous
| you can see it later in the 6th week but not hear yet. |
Anonymous
| You can see the heartbeat on the ultrasound starting around 6 weeks. But you can't actually hear it (with a Doppler) until around 12 weeks. Re: NT - you probably already know this, but the latest that this test can be done is 13w6d. If you wait until your appointment at 12 weeks, you might not be able to schedule it in time. If that's a concern for you, I would call and ask them for a referral before your appointment. Good luck and congrats on your pregnancy. |
Anonymous
| I'm still learning all the acronyms. What is NT? |
Anonymous
nuchal translucency. It's an ultrasound that includes a measurement of the fluid at the back of the baby's neck, and can help diagnose several chromosomal abnormalities (including Down). |
Anonymous
| I will be switching to MCA from a regular OB practice that I thought was much too interventionist. I understood at the MCA orientation that they were natural childbirth oriented (which I like) and did not have the most state of the art ultrasounds (because they have less use for them, I suppose). My guess is, you will maybe have to push a little if you want all the testing done. |
Anonymous
| 12 weeks seems really late for a first appt. |
Anonymous
| my first appointment with midwives was at 12 weeks, too. the only thing OBs do before that is an ultrasound. there's not really much else to do at that stage. |
Anonymous
|
OP here. I actually pushed and got my first appt at 10 weeks, so I'll just insist they get me in for the NT by that 13 wk mark (there or at a specialist).
I used MCA last time around, but switched at 20 weeks so I wasn't sure what happened before that point. Thanks everyone for the insight. It's been very helpful. Congratulations to all of you on your pregnancies. |
Anonymous
| You won't haveto push for an nt--they Suggested mine before I did, and I'm only 29. However, they cannot do them there, you have to go to a specialist. They sent me to greater wash maternal-fetal medicine and genetics, who were great. My first appt with them was 10wks too, but it seemed to be scheduling difficulties rather than preference--the first appt is 1hr and harder to schedule because they are busy. Good luck! |
Anonymous
my first appt with mca was at 10wks, sorry (gwmfm was at 12). |
Anonymous
My first was at 12 weeks, I think, but only because they couldn't fit me in earlier. They're super super busy right now, so that might be part of it, as the first visit is pretty long. (I was willing to go to their Frederick office, which helped.) Glad you got a 10 wk appt, if that's what you wanted! 
|
Anonymous
| I gave birth in '06 with MCA and just asked for a referral for the NT screen -- it was no big deal and they clearly were used to making the referral. (They don't do them in house -- you want someone who specializes in reading NT ultrasounds and does a ton of them.) I went to GWMFM (like PP) and had a great experience. |
Anonymous
| OP here. Thanks again, everyone, for alleviating my concerns. I think part of the reason they are so backed up right now at MCA is because Chris is on maternity leave. |