How many 3rd trimester ultrasounds is normal?

[Scotland2009]

I'm really curious how many ultrasounds is normal for the last trimester?  I went for my 29 wk appointment that included an ultrasound.  Everything looked great according to the doctor.  They estimated the baby at 3lbs, 4oz, they said there was plenty of fluid around the baby and the cervix was long.  They also mentioned the placenta was long too.  She's sitting breech though.  The doctor wants to see me in 2 weeks which is normal at this point but he also said they'd do another ultrasound then too.  Is he just keeping a good eye on me or is that unusual to do another ultrasound after 2 weeks?  What do you make of that?

[nola0805]

I agree that we should feel empowered to request what we need from our doctors.  Peace of mind can mean so much and more importantly, no one is more invested in our health and the health of our baby as we are.  But the ultrasound thing is tricky for me.  Ultrasounds are very helpful and when you hear stories like Amanda's, the first thing I want is more ultrasounds to make sure everything is okay.  And sometimes there is a clear need for multiple ultrasounds to keep everyone safe.  But, on the other hand, the scientific verdict is still out on the actual safety of multiple ultrasounds.  I work with many developmental pediatricians and neurocognitive researchers.  There are suspicions about the safety of multiple ultrasounds as well as some clear studies in mice showing that they are not always safe.   I don't want to alarm anyone or encourage anyone to not get ultrasounds - I am scheduled for my first on Monday - and plenty of people get multiple ultrasounds and have healthy babies.  But I did want all of you to know that unless medically needed, there might be some reasons to hold back on multiple ultrasounds.

[SoCalTricia]

I had lots of ultrasounds...probably due to my age and I had gestational diabetes, so I had to do non-stress tests three times a week. So that last month or two I had ultrasounds 3x week.

[Helen72]

I had no u/s after my 18 week u/s.  Unless there is a concern mosr ob's will not do any u/s in the 3rd trimester.

[Courtcoop]

Two weeks makes sense right now.  We are not doing weekly ones until 33 weeks.
What I would do is request more ultrasounds as you get closer.  It is piece of mind...you are the patient and you are paying (well, insurance hopefully) for services.

Many DR's don't even bother doing much near the end or in 3rd trimester...I am a firm believer to set the rules with DR's with what makes YOU feel comfortable. As a matter of fact, I remember my original DR only wanted to do  2 BETAS in my 6th week (48 hours apart) and I said he needed to order 2 more to make me feel comfortable my numbers were still doubling. He did.  "If that's what you need/want" he said. I am the one paying for co-pays...nothing out of his time/pocket so he does not care.

We are all higher risk being over 35, it is better to be safe  than sorry and he cannot say no to your requests or concerns (that is if you want to be so anal about it like me!! lol)

[Scotland2009]

After he told me he was going to do another one in 2 weeks, I mentioned Amanda's story to him.  I'm glad he is but haven't heard of them doing another one so soon.

[Courtcoop]

Sounds normal to me. I was told  that starting  at 33 week I would be at DR every week and an ultrasound every 1-2 weeks. But I think that is because I mentioned Amandas story on here to my DR and the fact that I get dehydrated easily causing contractions.

Thats great they are doing it, some DR's are extra cautious, others wont even do another one unless an issue.  Rather be safe than sorry!