Ultrasound

May 31, 2012 - 12 comments

So today it was time for my monthly check-up and ultrasound. I waited for my dh to come back from work and we went together. The first words I heard from receptionist were: Why are you here for? What's the reason for another ultrasound? Did any of the doctors order it?
I explained very patiently that yes, a month ago dr. X said to schedule another appointment with him and ultrasound in a month. She looked at me with disbelief and said that I already had one ultrasound at 20 weeks along and that it should be enough for the whole pregnancy. I didn't know what she was talking about so I asked if she was referring to the level 2 ultrasound I had at specialist's office. She said with an attitude: No, I'm talking about regular ultrasound and you should only have one during entire pregnancy time.
I asked her why I should only get one ultrasound if my insurance pays standard one ultrasound per month or more frequently if there is a good reason for that?
She looked at me like I didn't know what I was talking about and went to office manager's office. After a few minutes the office manager called us and started asking the same questions; what's the reason for having another ultrasound etc? I said that I thought it was standard to get an ultrasound every 4 weeks and told her that as far as my knowledge goes, my insurance paid everything up to date. She checked and said that yes.
But the whole situation already made me nervous and angry: I kind of felt like in their eyes I was doing something illegal because I wanted just to check on my baby. I felt disrespected and very disappointed.
If they told me at the beginning that they allow one ultrasound during the whole pregnancy time, I wouldn't even pick that medical office in first place. But no, they didn't tell me anything before, I have already started liking both of the doctors and staff and suddenly today they treat me like first timer or a criminal...
Honestly, I would leave that office, but I wanted that ultrasound really badly - I kind of prepared myself that I will be seeing Jacob today..
I know it's not just my pregnancy hormones talking - my husband said that that whole situation was very unpleasant and he didn't like the attitude.
Is it really too much to expect to see my baby once a month?
Thanks God, Jacob is doing great and I even got a few nice pics, but I really wish I could have more understanding and respectful people at my doc's office.
I guess I have to sleep with it and then decide what to do (my first thought was to leave and never come back).

Anyways:
Jacob weighs 2 pounds 12 ounces, his heartbeat was at 136-140 and he tried to hide his face as usual;-)
The u/s technician was able to take a few pics and told us that our baby will have lots of hair, because she could see a lot of hair already! Jacob is head down and hopefully he will stay this way. His measurements were perfect and my uterus measures 30 cm, so 2 weeks ahead.

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Sorry to hear you had such a crappy experience. But I'm glad you got to see Jacob and he's doing well. He's getting big! I know all my friends who don't have any issues with their pregnancies only have maybe 3 u/s total that includes the level II. So I think your not getting a monthly one because your doing so well. Do you get another one? Did they say anything?

I thought that it was standard for everybody to get an ultrasound once a month..
They told me that they will talk to one of the docs and see what he says.
Yes, Jacob is getting big - almost 3 pounds! No wonder my belly feels so heavy, especially at the end of the day.
How are you doing?

I'm sorry about the crapy situation at your doc's office. The whole insurance thing *****. Why can be have a monthly u/s and see the progress of our babies. My perinatologist have been scheduling my U/S every six weeks because of the fibroids. But I'm glad you got to see Jacob and he is doing great.

The thing is that my insurance is willing to cover the cost of every u/s I have (they even paid when I was having u/s every 2 weeks). It's the doctor's office that's not cooperative...
But I will survive:-) At least I feel Jacob's kicks all the time and I know he's doing ok!

I'm so sorry about your experience! I had a difficult time with my ob/gyn. I was seeing a midwife and for my 32 week check and I asked her what position the baby was. She said the baby felt like it was breech and asked if I wanted an u/s to double check. Of course I said yes. u/s confirmed the baby was breech and she gave me some exercises to do and mentioned an ob/gyn can try versions to flip the baby if it's still breech at 36 weeks. So I scheduled the 34 week check with the ob/gyn and she refused to check what position the baby was because she said it didn't matter, there was still time for the baby to turn. However, you're only supposed to do the exercises if the baby is still breech and now I didn't know if it was or wasn't. So I scheduled the 36 week with the midwife who was more than happy to check with u/s and baby was still breech. I scheduled the versions with an ob/gyn but made sure it was a different doc. I have since changed my ob/gyn. I was already unhappy with her because she would only spend 2 minutes with me at the prenatal checks. She only checks for a heartbeat and then has me schedule my next appt. The midwife took much more time with me at visits and was way more thorough in checking the baby and much more willing to do an u/s. I hope the office treats you better if you stay at the same place or that you find a much better office! So glad to hear that Jacob is doing well!

Thank you, Ladies!
My pregnancy hormones may have played a role in the whole situation yesterday, but as I mentioned - even my dh was surprised with the way they treated us.
He even mentioned that it was maybe we are originally Poles and still have the accent - sometimes (not very often) we get this weird attitude, a little bit disrespectful. But because we are of different nationality, it doesn't mean that we are not smart enough or that we won't pay them if the insurance doesn't cover the tests, right?

Soccermom2b:
I am sorry to hear about your ob/gyn. It looks like there may be similar situation here: they never have time, if I ask too many questions -they look at me with that special look on their faces...etc. I read a lot and I don't want to be treated like a child. This pregnancy is a magical, very special time for me and it bugs me when someone doesn't pay attention to what I say or when someone is annoyed with me and my questions.
I was thinking about having a doula or midwife, but my dh wasn't really happy with that idea - he used to say that he wants to be the main support person for me and that he doesn't need anybody else in the delivery room. But who knows, maybe I will have to re-examine the idea while I still have time....

HI Honey,
they did that to me at my RE's office. The truth is you only get US if there is something wrong weather the Dr. orders it or not. Mine made a mistake and the tech told me he saw me last month and that I didn't need another one. I've had 3 children and didn't know the gender except for my DS because went into preterm labor at 34 weeks and then they told me he was a boy. I know I hate not seeing my Ella too. I was going to pay for a 3d one just to see her again. I know how you feel!
Hugs,
Mel

I don't think it is standard procedure to get an u/s every 4 weeks. I think most "normal" pg get only one the whole pg. Us that have been through fertility get a little over zealous and the anxiety kicks in and so we want to check in more but I don't think it is the norm. There have been some worries that mulitple u/s could cause unknown risks to the baby

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2005/jun/23/thisweekssciencequestions2

Anyway if you are just going because you want to see the baby I don't think that is necessary I think you can check up on him by just using the doppler.

Yeah.... I will have to practice my patience and wait a little bit longer than usual this time around.
I know that Jacob is ok, I can feel him moving several times a day, so we should be fine.
Honestly, I didn't know that it's a norm to get 1-2 u/s per pregnancy! I assumed that if my insurance covers one ultrasound a month, than it's probably standard..

I understand you feeling upset! I would too. I think all of us over 35 are considered 'high risk' so that should be enough to get more than the standard 1-2 or whatever it is. Anyway, their approach was definitely lacking.

You are getting so close! Soon you'll be holding baby Jacob ;0)

Hey Juana,
I just saw your post. I'm sorry you had such a crappy experience. Definitely do not blame your pregnancy hormones. We have all been through so much and it is so important that everything just "feels right" because we need every ounce of reassurance we can get. It sounds like the ladies at the front desk behaved extremely insensitively. I gave up on my RE office even though I loved my doctor there because it just didn't feel right anymore. Office staff play a huge role in keeping clients and unfortunately many doctors seem to be too busy to notice. I think you should do what feels right. Maybe you don't need an U/S once a month but you weren't to know this and those bi__hes should have been nicer to you. This is important business getting pregnant with the struggles we face. I say find another OB who takes good care of you and treats you like a lady and not a number. So happy your beautiful Jacob is doing so well. I can't believe how fast time is passing too. Reward yourself for being such a good mama. XOXO :)

Thank you, beautiful Ladies:-)))
I think that what's missing is their sensitivity and understanding. And yes, we over 35 and with some baggage deserve the best:-) I know, tiadreams, what you mean by that we should do what feels right. I know from my experience that my intuition is almost always right and that I should trust my gut feelings.
Well, I guess I will give them one more chance - only because I really like that Asian ob/gyn who is always so nice to me and very respectful and sensitive.

Warm hugs for you, my friends:-)



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