No ultrasound at first visit? Not sure of dates.

Question

Hi,

First pregnancy and I'm a little confused as to why I won't be getting an ultrasound at my first prenatal visit. I have a slightly irregular cycle and am not exactly sure how far along I am (9wks vs. 10wks). Is this irresponsible of my doc?

I'm just feeling nervous about not knowing if everything looks alright in there. Will there be anyway for me to hear a heartbeat with no ultrasound? If not, how will I know lil' babe is doing well?

Thank you!

Answer

Yea, I would go see another doctor. Try and go to a plan parenthood. I will call my doctor and ask for ultersound, if he says no ... Then look for another doctor.

Answer

I had a 21-24 day cycle. At our first visit we just did a new maternity chart. I went the following week for the first ultrasound and blood work. We are waiting to hear back from the doctor to confirm our due date. Based on my last period we thought Nov. 5th but based on measurements at the first ultrasound they gave us Oct. 28th. I guess it just depends on your doctor, so I wouldn't be alarmed. Just ask them to outline what your future visits will be like.

Answer

A lot of docs don't do the first ultrasound until the end of your first trimester, unless you're experiencing complications or had problems with a previous pregnancy. Not irresponsible, just standard procedure a lot of places (and I'm willing to bet limited by insurance providers too). Also, not all docs can do them in-office, so they may send you to have one at another location after your appointment. And you don't need an ultrasound to hear the heartbeat- they can use Doppler, though 9/10 weeks might still be a little early to hear it that way. Why don't you just call your doc's office and ask what you can expect out of your first visit and when you'll have have the first ultrasound?

Answer

This first visit might be to get basic health information and blood work. With my 1st I remember the entire first appt was the nurse asking questions regarding my health, my husband's health, and both of our family's health backgrounds.

Answer

My doctor wanted blood work first and ultrasound at the soonest 8 weeks bc they said it may not detect what I'd/they need to see and he (the doc) actually doesn't want to see me until I'm 10 weeks. But I caught the pregnancy almost immediately. I'm not sure if you've gone through the blood work part yet... but if not maybe they are doing the same thing??

You're further along than I am... so it seems like they'd still get your ultrasound...

Answer

I'm in the same boat as you. My cycle is slightly irregular also. When I went to my PCP based off of my LMP she thought my EDD would be 11/11. But based off of my CM changes I'm thinking that I ovulated the last few days of Feb and the first few of March, so based off of that I'm thinking my due date will be between 11/19-11/23.  I did not previously have an established relationship with an OBGYN so I am going with the recommendation of my NP and some coworkers. I have my first appointment on April 1st which they said would include bloodwork, but I am hoping that they will do an US too.

No ultrasound at first visit? Not sure of dates.

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