Anyone not using U/S and doppler?

[WriterMom2be]

Hi,

I've read some stuff that gave me pause and now I want to forgo these. I'm not sure if I'll get a a lot of resistance from my provider. The risks for not doing it seem small but I'm wondering if they can really confirm a healthy pregnancy without hearing a heartbeat. Also birth position with U/S might be a gamble, right? Anyone have experience refusing these?

-Heather

[jgale]

I didn't have any ultrasounds when I was pregnant with my first. I also asked the midwives to use the fetoscope instead of the doppler to check the heartbeat.

Most midwives (I think) would be comfortable with these requests.

The midwives who attended my birth did use the doppler to monitor the baby in labor and I would never want to have anyone messing around with a fetoscope when I was in labor!

J

[WriterMom2be]

Hi J,

Thanks. I feel okay with using doppler during labor. I'm hoping the midwife I'm going to will be okay with a fetoscope and no sonos for my office visits...it's a hospital based midwife group so I think it could go either way.

-H

[outlier]

I'm seeing a hospital-based midwife. I'm 37 weeks today and haven't had any ultrasounds or used doppler at all. They didn't have a fetoscope, so I did have to order one and I just bring it to all my appointments. I think the first time she could hear the heartbeat was ~22 weeks, though by that time I was feeling movement. My midwife has not said anything about doing a position ultrasound. She seems pretty comfortable getting all that information from palpating.

The least you could do is ask! I was surprised at how accommodating all the midwives and nurses were of our "strange" request.

[nia82]

With DS I had all the shennanigans you can think of. This time, I started care with an obgyn (DO)/CNM practice and when I refused the doppler, I was fired by the obgyn for refusing the standard of care. That was the most natural minded practice in town!!!
I don't want doppler use during pregnancy, instead a fetoscope. I am ok with using the doppler intermittently throughout labor when I'm in the tub and such, it is for very short periods of time. I opted for a birthing center, so they don't even have a fetal monitor, thank God, I hated that thing with DS and despite my wishes to not have continuous monitoring, I had to endure it for no reason (not even one decel).
We opted for one ultrasound at 21 weeks, if the insurance approves it (will find out tomorrow) for a quick organ check and DH wants to know the gender. We want to be as quick as possible with it though, and the obgyn who does it is very experienced and understands 'natural' parents.

[MamaFern]

i didn't know better with my son and had a 10 week US and used the Doppler throughout pregnancy with my midwives.. but with my last 3 pregnancies (including the current one) i have passed on the Doppler. i had a US with my 3rd for measuring large for dates and one for this pregnancy, but both after 28 weeks and both very short and to the point. i think that they can be good when needed, but i also strongly believe that they shouldn't be overused.


Nia: that's crazy..you got fired? wow.. what a strange world we live in!

eta: i have had 3 home-births and plan a 4th. i did consent to Doppler use in labor only because i wanted to be left alone most of the time and fetascope felt too fussy.

[ema-adama]

I don't live in the US, but I have had a rough time turning U/S down. My very supportive midwife really wanted me to do an anatomy scan. I agreed if we could find a gentle doctor. We couldn't.

My issue is that I cannot find a doctor who will support my choices. I was mocked when I went in for my anatomy scan with my previous pregnancy as I had declined the nuchal translucency and the 16 week anatomy scan (all standard here). And proceeded to be the equivalent of raped with a transvaginal U/S at 24 weeks.

Anyway, due to a shortage of humane doctors, I am skipping the U/S this pregnancy. Baby is growing and moving about just fine. I am feeling good, no blood pressure or sugar issues, no swelling etc.

I will go in for an U/S if I start bleeding, stop feeling movements, but nope, no routine U/S for me.

[WriterMom2be]

Oh wow, that's awful! I can't believe they would use the wand at 24 weeks. I had some health issues and had to be checked over and over with that thing and the Drs don't even care when you tell them they are hurting you. My last gyn visit (with a brand new doc) resulted in a really painful vaginal tear.

[guest123456]

First timer, not having any U/S or doppler, just a fetascope. The movement should confirm if you don't want to use any of the fancy stuff. My midwives heard the heartbeat with a fetascope faintly at 16 weeks. The baby's skittish though, any time my tummy's poked or massaged at my appointments, s/he disappears! Looks like lots of hide n' seek in the cards for the future! : )