Am I the only one?

[RileyMom]

I'm hearing about all these women getting transvaginal ultrasounds at 5-7 weeks, getting beta levels checked, getting to see the OB at 6 weeks, and I'm feeling a bit jealous. ;)

I can't even get in to see the NURSE PRACTIONER until 8 weeks. The OB won't see me until 11 weeks and even then, no ultrasound. :eek: I probably won't get an ultrasound until 12-13 weeks they told me.

Am I missing something? Should I question my OB's way of doing this? It seems like I am missing out here. I also have a bicornuate uterus and am 38 years old, if that means anything. I would think they would want to see me earlier than that. :confused:

[Nigellas]

Before I was diagnosed with RPL, I couldn't get into the OBs office until I was 10 weeks – and that was to see a nurse. I definitely understand your frustration!

[Lobeth]

The only reason I had one for my dd at 7 weeks was because I was continously spotting. It turned out to be a polyp on my cervix.

I've only had a regular ultrasound with this one @ 14 weeks for dating purposes. Should have had a transvaginal much sooner than that because it would have been more accurate (but I had an idiot for a doctor, so I had to switch doctors).

[elladee]

I didn't have my first OB appointment until 10 weeks. They wouldn't start checking the hb until the next one at 14 weeks. I only get 1 u/s for the whole pregnancy at 18 weeks.

Sometimes I feel like I'm missing out, I'd love any extra chance to see the baby. But, there has been nothing wrong with this pregnancy. I got pg without any issue and since my cycles are so textbook, there was no doubt about when the baby is due. So I'm going to take all that as I'm darn lucky to not need any extra medical attention.

[RileyMom]

I got pg without any issue and since my cycles are so textbook, there was no doubt about when the baby is due. So I'm going to take all that as I'm darn lucky to not need any extra medical attention.

I'm trying to look at it that way. :) But my paranoid self would just like to see some sort of reassurance before 12 weeks. A picture, a h/b, talking about my anxieties to the OB, ANYTHING. I feel like I am left hanging here. :o

[jennylou]

It all differs by OB, but I've noticed that most here get an early u/s if they've had a prior m/c or if they were seeing an RE or taking fertility drugs.

[usafwife]

I saw my OB when I was 8 weeks along. I had some minor spotting over the weekend and they said to come on in. I had an ultrasound the next day to make sure that everything was alright. Otherwise I do not think that I would have had one done at that time. I had regular bloodwork done at that visit as well. I never had beta levels drawn or anything. I didn't have another ultrasound done until I was 17 weeks along.

In retrospect I have a feeling of what caused the spotting. We had moved that weekend and I most likely lifted more and did more things than I should have. Plus I was really suffering from bad morning sickness at that time as well. (That was another reason I was told to come on in.)

I wasn't sure how many ultrasounds I would get during my pregnancy. I really only expected to have two at the most (one in the middle of the pregnancy and one towards the end to determine the position of the baby and that stuff). I ended up having a total of 5 (but the last two were because I was past my due date).

[elladee]

I'm trying to look at it that way. :) But my paranoid self would just like to see some sort of reassurance before 12 weeks. A picture, a h/b, talking about my anxieties to the OB, ANYTHING. I feel like I am left hanging here. :o

Ack, I know that feeling. I actually was pretty certain that when I went into the office for my first appointment they would tell me I'm crazy and not pregnant. Sure I had symptoms, but I figured it was one of those thigns where my mind convinced my body to act pregnant. I couldn't bring myself to buy any maternity clothes or baby related items because of that.

I guess the doctors operate under the assumption that if nothing's gone wrong before, things are perfectly fine. Doesn't help much where you are, though, does it. I don't know anything that could make you feel better, but no, you aren't the only one.

[charmcitygirl]

i had a transvaginal u/s at 8-9 weeks because my uterus was large and my ob thought i might be carrying twins... she was right! there were no other indications so it was really just a shot in the dark.

as far as early tests, u/s, hearing the h/b, etc. go, i got very little of this done early on. not by choice, my ob just didn't do it. she still is lax about alot of these things and as far as i'm concerned it's fine. i'm a worrier and the less i know the better. the nurses don't even tell me my blood pressure numbers or the babies h/b unless i ask (i don't- they will tell me if it's too high or too low). i know many people will disagree but the way i see it, i don't need to know every little detail... as long as the babies are fine that's all i need. i even opted out of any genetic testing with the exception of the cystic fibrosis test because i'm not really at risk for any of it. i know alot of people do them just to be safe but really, if you're not at risk there's no reason to do it.

that being said, you are of "advanced maternal age" and i would think that you'd be treated as being somewhat "high risk" so if you have any concerns, def. talk to your ob. if it goes nowhere, get a new ob. just trust YOUR instinct.

[ktdelsur]

I didn't see my OB until 11 weeks and had an ultrasound that day. I didn't have bloodwork done until 14-15 wks. I didn't have any weird symptoms or other complications that would make them want to see me sooner - plus I think their policy was that they didn't see anyone until between 6-8 weeks. There's not much to see at 6 weeks on an ultrasound!

[kdotp]

I've had two consecutive previous losses within the last 9 months and my OB still won't see me until I'm nearly 11 weeks. I don't know if I'll get an u/s at that appointment or not (I may start begging and crying if we don't). It is very frustrating, especially since we don't know what caused the previous losses and I'm a healthy female in my mid 20s with no family history of losses or heath problems.

Two more weeks to go. Two long, painful weeks to go.

[mamax2]

My MW's office sees patients between 8-10 weeks. I had no clue how far along I was for my first visit, but it turned out to be 10 weeks. They don't even have an U/S machine in the office, so that took care of that question. Actually, since I didn't know my last LMP and we couldn't accurately date the pregnancy AND the MW couldn't find the HB at the visit, I did end up w/a transvaginal U/S a week later, but she told me very clearly that it wasn't the 'norm'. I had the normal size/dates/gender U/S at 20 weeks and that's it for us. And, outside of a Pap smear and the routine blood draw for STDs and profile, blood type, etc., that's all the testing that's taken place.

I know the wait is frustrating, but I think it may just seem like more women are getting all these tests, etc. because the women that aren't don't post what they're NOT having done, kwim? The posts that we read are just kind of skewed in that direction, by default, IMO.

[AusMarchBride]

I'm hearing about all these women getting transvaginal ultrasounds at 5-7 weeks, getting beta levels checked, getting to see the OB at 6 weeks, and I'm feeling a bit jealous. ;)

The OB won't see me until 11 weeks and even then, no ultrasound.

I completely understand your frustration. I'm one of those women you hate ;) , had 3 betas and then a 6week ultrasound. BUT, I was doing IVF to fall pregnant. The reason I had the 3rd beta was because I was bleeding and they (and I) wanted to check the pregnancy was still viable.

Also, the 6 week ultrasound is standard with patients who have done injectibles (either IUI or IVF) to make sure that the ovaries have gone back to normal size and there are no cysts that can cause problems later in the pregnancy. So, although you do get the U/s, and to see the baby, it's to ensure that you don't have problems from all the stimulating drugs.

My OB wouldn't see me until 12 weeks either. I also had an extra ultrasound at 12 weeks, but that was part of my CVS testing for abnormalities.

I think mamax2 hit the nail on the head here
because the women that aren't don't post what they're NOT having done, kwim I (and others like me) are posting about our extra testing/scans due to our problems with falling/staying pregnant/genetic issues etc.

So, it's a good thing in one way that you don't need the extra monitoring as a result of problems and just the mere fact that the medicos don't want to see you any earlier is very positive. I would have thought though, that the bicornuate uterus was something that should be monitored a little closer. And certainly the "advanced maternal age" (I appreciate this, it's all over my files too, I'm 39 :rolleyes: ).

I know it must be annoying and frustrating not to have the reassurance, maybe you could pressure the nurse practitioner or the OB into seeing you earlier. The crying thing (as kdotp suggested) might work.

Good luck and I hope you have a wonderful and healthy pregnancy.

[AusMarchBride]

As I'm so bad at wording things sometimes, and tone of voice is very hard to convey on message boards, I reread my post above, and wanted to make sure you understood I'm not trying to make you feel guilty that you haven't had issues falling/staying pregnant and other women have. That's definitely not what I'm saying.

I just wanted to explain that some of the reasons for the extra testing/docs visits are to check for problems over and above normal pregnancy issues.

Seriously, hassle your doctor/OB. Worst outcome is that they refuse to do extra/earlier testing and you're in the same position you are now. Best case, you get earlier scans/tests and much needed reassurance.

Good luck. I'm good at hassling doctors so if you need any phone calls made from Melbourne Australia, let me know.

[crazycaro]

I didn't get seen to with Ruby until I was 10 weeks along.

I had a doctor confirm the pregnancy when my period was due/late, but apart from that had to wait until 10 weeks when I had my first hospital appointment (got to have a dating scan then).

I just noticed you have a BU, I have a unicornuate uterus! My Mum has a BU like you. I would think (hope?) you will get seen more often as the pregnancy goes on, but perhaps because it is early days yet earlier appointments would not really be useful, apart from confirming the pregnancy KWIM?

I didn't know about my UU until I had Ruby at 31 weeks, we are TTC now and I am really hoping I get great care with the next pregnancy so I can carry longer.

Best of luck! :)

[RileyMom]

Thank you ladies! I do feel much better. I was beginning to feel like I was an anamoly, you know?

MamaX2 - What you said makes perfect sense. :)

AusMarchBride Oh, I didn't take it that way at all! I knew what you were trying to say, and actually it did make me feel better that they are obviously not all concerned about the fact I am almost 39 and have a BU. I guess it would be worse if they said "OMG, get in here right away, we must do an ultrasound at 4 weeks!" :p

crazycaro - Gotta love those funky uterus' of ours. :rolleyes: The good news is that I called my previous OB, who was a "high risk" specialist and spoke with the clinical coordinator there. They pulled my history and saw that I recently had a pregnancy that a) went full term and b) had no complications and told me that if I wanted to go to a "regular" OB that would be appropriate. Of course, there are never any guarantees, so I'm not saying I'm automatically in for smooth sailing again this time around. Not at all. But according to them, it is a good sign that I just experienced a normal, healthy, full term pregnancy. The thing with bicornutates (and probably UC too) is with the first pregnancy, because they really don't know what to expect, KWIM? They don't seem worried at all. :) Good luck to you! ETA: crazocaro I just noticed you didn't quite go full term. I hope you don't take my comments the wrong way. I'm sure that now that your OB is "aware" of your UC, you will go full term next time too. :)

Thanks again ladies! :)

ETA: The reason I dont' want to go back to the "high risk" specialist, is I would like a more laid back pregnancy this time. The first time around, from 11 weeks to 39 weeks, I had ultrasounds every 2 weeks, they were always prodding and poking me, measuring my cervix, etc. I would like a more normal experience this time. So I am glad they gave me the "go ahead." Of course, if my "normal" OB sees a problem at any point, they will refer me back to the high risk specialist right away.

[solongtogo]

At my OB it's standard practice that you get an early one at 6-8 weeks and another at 20 weeks. I had my first one at 6.5 weeks and the ultrasound picture is of my baby when she still had a tail. It's really really cool. Little tadpole :)

[phart]

With my first pregnancy I was seen at 6 weeks to confirm the pregnancy and didn't get an u/s until 28 weeks or so and no betas.

I changed OB/MW practices this time. I went in for my annual appointment (which I messed up on the timing) and ended up being pregnant instead (again, bad timing on my part). I had 2 (inconfirmed by the office) chemical pregnancies so they wanted to get the betas in case something bad happened again. The numbers went up but were a bit low so they wanted to do an u/s at 7 weeks to make sure all was well.

[Jane&Andy]

No early u/s for me either. I don't get one til 20wks. But I did have an appt with the NP at 6 1/2wks and when I go back in a month they'll start looking for the heartbeat (and I get to see the doctor then too). I'd love to see the baby now but I'll just be happy to hear the heartbeat. I'm not concerned about them needing to date the pregnancy through u/s since I've had very regular cycles.

[jh124]

Rileymom - I would consider yourself lucky and blessed! I am high risk and go to the dr all the friggin' time. I can see how some might be jealous that they don't get to see their baby as early or as often as I have. But really, there is no way you would want to trade uteruses with me.

Frankly, I'm envious of those that haven't wasted days of sick leave on otherwise routine dr's visits. Each hour that I'm getting an endovaginal u/s is one hour I won't be paid while I'm on maternity leave. You could look at it that way. ;)

[twinnyme]

RileyMom - are you pregnant?? If so, congratulations!!

[RileyMom]

RileyMom - are you pregnant?? If so, congratulations!!

Yes! :D And thank you, we are very excited!

Jh124 I know, I have been down the "high risk" route the last time around. But you know, even then I only got my first appointment at 11 weeks, and didn't get an ultrasound until 13 weeks. :confused: But I hear ya on the hassle, which is why I'm glad my "high risk" OB gave me the go ahead to forego that route this time around. ;) If you don't mind my asking, (and I understand if you don't want to share) what kind of uterus abnormality do you have? I'm not asking to be nosey, as someone who has a weird uterus, I am always interested in hearing what other people have been diagnosed with uterus-wise. ;) :D

[Lolavix]

My first visit with the NP was when I was almost 8 weeks pregnant. They thought I was further along (because of the stupid pregnancy wheel) and I tried to tell them that I really wouldn't be 9-10 weeks along, but they didn't care and I figured if they insisted, I wouldn't argue. The first real visit with the OB wasn't until I was 11w6d. I was 35 and diabetic, and even though those two things make the pregnancy high risk it didn't matter. The only reason I got the transvaginal u/s at 8 weeks was to date the pregnancy.

[Mindy3094]

I know it must be annoying and frustrating not to have the reassurance, maybe you could pressure the nurse practitioner or the OB into seeing you earlier. The crying thing (as kdotp suggested) might work.
Or you could try the "look of horror" that worked for me. :D

I saw a MW around 6 weeks. When I asked her about when they do u/s, she said I would only have one at 20 weeks. This is when my look of horror came into play because she quickly said, "Oh, but I am going to order one for you because your cycle was a little off!" Never mind I was charting and could tell her exactly when I ovulated. But hey, I wasn't going to complain!

My friend is due December 31 and her insurance company will not cover any u/s, even the big one at 20 weeks because they consider it "voluntary." So they are looking at not having one at all or shelling out around $400. I think I'd happily part with the $400 to have a u/s at that point!

[jh124]

Yes! :D And thank you, we are very excited!

Jh124 I know, I have been down the "high risk" route the last time around. But you know, even then I only got my first appointment at 11 weeks, and didn't get an ultrasound until 13 weeks. :confused: But I hear ya on the hassle, which is why I'm glad my "high risk" OB gave me the go ahead to forego that route this time around. ;) If you don't mind my asking, (and I understand if you don't want to share) what kind of uterus abnormality do you have? I'm not asking to be nosey, as someone who has a weird uterus, I am always interested in hearing what other people have been diagnosed with uterus-wise. ;) :D
I have a T-shaped uterus that is indicative of a DES daughter, although we can't find a direct link to the drug in my mother's history. It might have come from one of my grandmothers. I also have PCOS, so the chances of me getting pregnant and staying pregnant were/are pretty small. We are so grateful our son is healthy and fine. But I wish I didn't have to go to the dr so much! :p

[RileyMom]

I have a T-shaped uterus that is indicative of a DES daughter, although we can't find a direct link to the drug in my mother's history.

I can't tell you how many times I've been asked the DES question. No history of it with my mother either. So glad your son is healthy! I am also so glad that we have specialists available today who are familiar with these types of anamolies. Best of luck to you in the remainder of your pregnancy!

[Pookie]

My OB's practice's first visit is 8 weeks. I got in at 6 weeks because I was bleeding and had had previous m/c's. I also had betas because of that. I could've gotten in earlier with my RE due to my IF issues. (I was just glad to be done with him.)

[kat]

My OB normally wouldn't do an ultrasound until the 18-ish week mark. But I had tons of them because we did IVF (so my RE was doing them right from the start), plus CVS. And, because I'm carrying twins, my OB does one almost every appointment. But FWIW, I know that her general policy with singleton pregnancies is to do only one mid-way through the pregnancy unless there's bleeding or some other problem.

Now as for betas.....I didn't deal with my OB's office re: betas for this pregnancy (instead, they were done by the RE), but I was pregnant last fall (m/c) and my OB definitely did repeat betas then. I thought every OB did at least two -- are you saying yours doesn't? Just curious.