Question about going overdue, ultrasounds and amnio -fluid levels

[SusieRain]

I am pg with baby #5. I ALWAYS go 2-3 weeks "overdue." I have always had natural labors at home or a birth center with a midwife with minimal intervention - no ultrasounds during pregnancy, limited tests, etc.

On pg #4, I could not find a midiwfe I connected with (we had just moved) and so I UC'd.

This time, due to us having other children and no close family, we have found a local midwife - we moved again between baby 4 and baby 5. I clicked with her at first, and she said all the right things. But I am a little concerned at this point.

My biggest issue is this....

I am "due" mid-Feb and she is doing ultrasounds at EVERY appt - EVERY week - to "check amnio" levels to see if baby is still ok. I have had 4 children "postdates" and never has this been mentioned to me before, even when I was with a midwife at a birth center. Has anyone ever heard of this?

I want to go back in next week and refuse any more ultrasounds. It just doesn't feel right to me to have one every week. I went entire pregnancies without a single one and I feel I have already had more than enough this time.

My GBS, iron, blood pressure, urine tests, etc are all PERFECT and this midwife has commented multiple times about how very well my body handles pregnancy. So, if that is the case, then these ultrasounds seem unnecessary to me.

I should also mention that I do NOT pay anything extra for these ultrasounds. There is no extra fee involved as the machine is in her office. It just seems excessive to me.

I would appreciate anyone's experience/opinions/etc. Has anyone heard of this type of practice before? Has anyone ever been induced for low fluid levels? She has said that my fluid pockets are really good. So, couldn't we just let it go at this point?

[RedOakMomma]

Say something!

She's doing weekly ultrasounds to check a baby that isn't even to the due date yet?! That's totally bizarre. You have a fine history of birthing healthy babies, no amniotic issues, right? So why would she be worried about amniotic levels this many weeks in a row?

She sounds like she's either used to using the u/s as a crutch, or she's lacking confidence in supporting a person who needs to go that far past her due date.

I would ask her to justify her use of the u/s (nicely of course), ask if she thinks she's going to have issues with your probably labor date, and come to an agreement (now, not later) of when u/s is appropriate to check for amniotic fluid. Once a week past your due date? Never? You should be a part of the decision.

[ellairiesmom]

I do weekly U/S & NSTs for the last month of my pregnancies BUT it's only because I have gestational diabetes. It is under very good control but with medication so it's considered a risk factor.

I have never heard of anyone doing weekly ones unless there was some sort of real risk factor. I would understand doing one once you are a week past due but it does seem excessive in your situation.

[SusieRain]

Originally Posted by RedOakMomma

Say something!

She's doing weekly ultrasounds to check a baby that isn't even to the due date yet?! That's totally bizarre. You have a fine history of birthing healthy babies, no amniotic issues, right?

That is EXACTLY my thoughts on this! No, never had any problems and from what I am reading, low fluids would be indicated by low measurements, but my measurements are consistently fine, and sometimes even over. The ultrasounds that I have had have confirmed that I have more than enough fluid pockets and all is well.

[Jenica]

Did she just get an ultrasound machine? She sounds like a kid with a new toy.

[at_the_hip]

I would only have a hard time saying no because it would be SOOO tempting to see my little one! For that reason I doubt she's had too many complaints.

That being said, I wouldn't see a NEED for one until at least after the due date. I never had BPP or NST until at least a week or more after mine. FWIW, my children have ranged between 6-13 days past my dd so that is normal for me. No signs of postmaturity for any of them, and my mom & sister went over too.

[sweet_tart_vt]

First off: Congrats on your new LO-to-come!
You sound like a mama who is very in-tune with her body, healthy, and knows exactly what is "normal" for you and your babes. That is what you need to keep sticking to, and definitely take a stand and talk to this MW ("medwife perhaps"?).

I agree with the pp who said it sounds like she is using the u/s machine as a crutch of some type for lack of confidence. Is she an independent midwife or part of a group practice? I was thinking that if she worked under others perhaps it was "policy" at her establishment to do weekly u/s, but Im on my 7th babe, been to ob's to mw's to cpm's to now my 4th UC, and ive never heard of this as standard operating procedure anywhere. Perhaps she lacks confidence in herself, not a good sign. Plus I am sure,as was said,that if this is SOP for her, there are not many mamas that would say no to an u/s when they can get another glimpse of LO in the womb inspite of it not truly needing to be done. By all means, tell her you want no more U/S until you are at least a week past your due date (or whatever date is comfortable for you if you are willing to have another one, or a NST) and remind her*again* of your gestation with other babes. She can not "force" you to undergo any medical procedure, you are free to refuse anything that she offers. I would be concerned with her over use of interventions already when you arent even due. She should be able to get all the information she needs at this point in your pg from your weight, urine, vitals, fetal heart tones, and manual external palpation.

Sounds like you, in your head and in your heart, know exactly what is going on with you and your babe and this MW just needs to be reminded. Best of luck to you mama!

Blessed Be!