7w6d - Yesterday was my first OB appointment.
Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed. They specifically got me in sooner rather than later given my history of losses. Had I not seen the heartbeat the week before, I would have been really frustrated. They didn't do an ultrasound. Heck, this office doesn't even have an ultrasound machine on the premises. You have to go to one of several different offices when you have ultrasound appointments.
I know I was released from the RE, and he said I'd basically be treated like a regular pregnant person from there on out, but don't most regular pregnant people get to see their baby at the first appointment?
It was just all the basic stuff. I had to give blood, 3 vials worth. My poor arms still haven't returned to normal after all the blood draws during the IVF cycle that the poor girl had a hard time getting a good bleed. There was also a urine test, and the regular Pap and full exam.
We talked a bit about the different screenings they recommend. The NT or Nuchal translucency screening will be the first one we do. That's scheduled between 11-14 weeks, so I have about a month before that will take place.
Before I left, I did get scheduled for an ultrasound. It'll be tomorrow afternoon. Now I'm not sure what I want to do about clinics. How important is it to have ultrasound on site? Most of the important ultrasound appointments are going to be booked ahead of time. Do I stay at the convenient close to home location or make a permanent switch to one of the offices with the ultrasound machine? I guess this is something I need to think about a little more.
Tomorrow afternoon can't get here soon enough. I just want another peek at the baby and to see the flickering heartbeat again.
I spoke to soon
14 years ago
7 comments:
Sorry you didn't get an u/s. I'd probably have to go with the farther clinic, to ensure that you can get an u/s if you need.
The town I live in does all their ultraounds at an ultrasound clinic, (regular OB, not RE) so must be somewhat like yours. It's just because the equipment is so expensive. It's okay, I would stay close to home since the majority of your appointments don't involve an ultrasound.
I don't think it is too big of a deal if they can't do u/s on site. My OB's office does them, but they are with a nurse practitioner, so I have to schedule separate appointments anyway. Sorry you were disappointed -- good luck at the u/s tomorrow!
For what it's worth, I think most people don't get u/s unless there is something believed to be wrong. I know I didn't get one until I started spotting blood. So don't feel bad you didn't get one today. But I am glad they are giving you one tomorrow. I would say stay close to home for your clinic. In just 3 short weeks you'll be able to easily hear the HB on a doppler so an u/s really isn't needed except for those important appointments, like the NT scan and the big gender reveal. So unless you're unhappy with the doc, I'd stay put :) Just my 0.02
Our clinic didn't have an ultrasound machine there either. I had to go to a different clinic. You'll go to the clinic more than you will to the ultrasounds, so I'd say the clinic location is more important - and if you like the Dr. It's a strange feeling to go from being looked at so closely to being looked at as "normal". It takes a while to get used to it - it did for me. Hopefully things continue to go great for you. It's all so exciting! "normal" pregnancies only have 1 ultrasound the whole time - maybe 2 at most. We just get used to getting scanned all the time and want the re-assurance that everything is ok. I assume that if you ask for more they'll do them for you. Good luck at the US appt!!
Mavis
i don't have an u/s until nov 14, and i only expect to have one. unless there is a need, my clinic errs on the side of the fewer, the better, as the long-term effects of ultrasounds aren't known. we have used a doppler to hear the heartbeat at every appt tho. and i also have to go to a different location for the u/s. so don't worry too much. :)
I personally didn't have an U/S until my anatomy scan at 20 weeks. (and then later to check growth, and because of my developing pre-e) Given your history though, I am sure they will schedule you for others. I don't think it is as important to have one in the office, especially if you like your OB. That relationship is more important than having to drive to get one. However, you may want to check and see if your Dr. sees patients at an office that has one. That could be a win/win.
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