resistance about u/s

[mizznicole]

I was more or less driven to get a u/s at 17 weeks by my midwife practice because I measured a month ahead. So that cost $260 to tell me that my dates were exactly on target. I asked the tech if all the organs were inside and she said yes. That's really all I care about. They did not do a full anatomy scan because the baby was at 17 weeks instead of 18.

Well, I came back for my 21 week visit and the midwife was very disappointed that they did not have an anatomy scan, and really wanted me to schedule one. I explained that I could not afford it, and she said, well let's just check how much it is. I already knew that it cost an additional $260 and told her so. She was not very happy about my decision but didn't press it.

I am already paying almost $4000 to have this baby out of my own pocket. I don't really see the point of the additional scan when everything looked normal at 17. Am I crazy? Guess I'm frustrated that the mw's are treating it like this. Sorry, I'm not an endless piggy bank.

[BlackSheepPDX]

I'd be more annoyed by the timing of the first u/s than the subsequent urging to have an anatomy scan. There are things like heart defects and kidney problems that might be shown on an anatomy scan. I rely on a 20ish week u/s to give me my best estimate that a homebirth is in fact a safe choice, and barring other situations, it's the only u/s I'd be having. It is my understanding that there is a great deal of development between say 17 and 22 weeks, so what can be seen on u/s is quite different. While I understand that you're concerned about the costs, I do think the later scan is pretty important. If you have anything to be annoyed about, I think it is the fact that they didn't just wait until the "right' time for the anatomy scan and do it all at once. No matter how you were measuring, it wasn't going to become relevant until late pregnancy anyway.

If you're really hurting for money, you might graciously raise the issue about why a 17 week was so important and see if they might consider helping you out by taking a hit out of their fees by the $260 you feel you shouldn't have needed to pay.

[Family4Christ]

I thought I would also throw this out...when I was with a MW for my dd, I went to a MW friendly OB for an u/s. I'm not sure if you have insurance, but if so, that would solve your problem.

[mizznicole]

Unfortunately we have zero maternity coverage. I've been around this u/s tree before. It seems like they would require everyone to have one at the birth center if it were truly a liability. But they don't.

[St. Margaret]

This is why I go to the people my insurance covers for all labs. I don't tell them I'm having a HB, I just go to them for check ups and to get my labs so that insurance will pay. Of course if you don't have insurance coverage it's totally different. At some point they'll find out I had the baby at home .

[cristeen]

It sounds to me like you and your MW are not on the same page regarding your care. I'd suggest sitting down and having a heart-to-heart. A big reason why many of us choose MW care is because of the role we get to play in our own decision making - having them pull this just makes me wonder why you're not just with an OB, ya know?

If they're so adamant that you must have another U/S, I'd ask them to provide you with the studies that show repeated U/S exposure during pg is safe. Since there is no such study, that should at least get them off your back about it. But really, I'd be contemplating finding another MW.