Asking Doctor to use fetoscope instead of Doppler to hear baby's heart beat? - Page 2

[missmelancholy]

It would be nice if the doctors would ask every women and get their permission before hand. I went in for prenatal care knowing that I only wanted 1 ultrasound and on my very first visit at 10 weeks my OB performed a transvaginal ultrasound on me without even asking me if it was ok.  I asked her what that was, expressing concern and she was like oh don't worry it's just soundwaves and made it sound like it was something good.  I was caught off guard and let her do it.  Now i'm learning that doppler uses ultrasound technology as well.  So pretty  much the way I look at it,  I have had  a total of four ultrasounds so far and all during my first trimester and for no reason at all, it makes me so mad.  

[zekedancin]

I am new to this knowledge of possible harm in doppler and ultrasound. I just did some reading online about it today after watching a short clip of Ina May Gaskin in More Business of Being Born suggesting that it be possibly dangerous, and at the very least unnecessary.

I am using a midwife, but am in the early stages, and haven't even picked one yet, I am still interviewing. Now I will add this to the question list.

[phathui5]

Originally Posted by missmelancholy 

It would be nice if the doctors would ask every women and get their permission before hand. I went in for prenatal care knowing that I only wanted 1 ultrasound and on my very first visit at 10 weeks my OB performed a transvaginal ultrasound on me without even asking me if it was ok.  I asked her what that was, expressing concern and she was like oh don't worry it's just soundwaves and made it sound like it was something good.  I was caught off guard and let her do it.  Now i'm learning that doppler uses ultrasound technology as well.  So pretty  much the way I look at it,  I have had  a total of four ultrasounds so far and all during my first trimester and for no reason at all, it makes me so mad.  

Have you thought about looking for a midwife? Most midwives won't perform any tests without your consent, certainly not an ultrasound without asking you.

[naturalcrunch]

I've been concerned about the use of the doppler as well as ultrasound, there is some controversy about how it may affect the fetus so I think the concern is valid. I have opted for the fetascope and no ultrasound unless there is a concern. Although I agreed to allow my midwife to use the doppler during labor. With the fetascope the heartbeat can not be detected until 17 weeks which may be one reason why the OB refused. It is also more time consuming and requires more skill then a doppler. I am doing a homebirth so I have a lot more flexibility in my choices and have found a wonderful midwife to accommodate. Without a second thought I would keep shopping for a provider, a midwife may be more willing to assist you with your desires and if you want a natural childbirth I think they are much more respectful of that as well.

[missmelancholy]

Yes, i'm in the process of switching to midwifery care.  My appointment is next week. Hope everything goes well :)