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Not getting a diagnostic ultrasound

post #1 of 15
2/20/13 at 4:09pm
Thread Starter 

I'm now 24 weeks pregnant, having my second home birth with midwives.  For the last month I've been feeling like I would like just one diagnostic ultrasound to check for placenta placement, if the baby is OK, etc.   I haven't had any ultrasounds so far and have done minimal testing.  I really feel I need the peace of mind.  My problem is, no one will order me a diagnostic ultrasound because I'm having a home birth.  My midwife can't order them anymore and no doctor will order me one.  It's upsetting to me that I'm being refused a test I want. 

 

My mother had two home births with no doctor, midwives, or ultrasounds.  With my first child I had one at 16 weeks.  I feel like I could go without the ultrasound if I could hear from some other moms who are also not getting ultrasounds or have not had any during a pregnancy.  I'm not sure they are necessary, but it seems a lot of moms believe they are.  I've read about possible risks of ultrasounds, which is why I just wanted the one.  I've read other moms say they don't believe they are necessary, but they also say they've always got at least one done.   

 

So, who here is not getting any ultrasounds during their pregnancy or has forgoed them before?    

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post #2 of 15
2/20/13 at 4:40pm

I would say go with your instincts.  If you feel like you need one to put your mind at ease then do it.  It seems like a doctor should be able to order one for you.  They have ultrasound places you can go to on your own.  They are normally just to find out the gender, but maybe seeing the baby and getting a good look would be enough.

post #3 of 15
2/21/13 at 6:36pm

With my second baby, first homebirth, I had no ultrasound and was so happy not to have to go through that and put baby at risk.  It was a wonderful healthy pregnancy and birth.

 

This third pregnancy, I was pressured by my midwife to get one.  I was measuring about 4 weeks ahead and she wanted to rule out twins.  I told her all my instincts are telling me it is not twins and wanted a remeasure.  A junior midwife came to measure me a week before my US appointment and thought I was only measuring 1 week ahead.  Then the senior midwife said I didn't grow enough and needed the US! 

 

I finally gave into the pressure because I only had one day DH could watch the kids and the thought of switching midwives was overwhelming.  Of course it was not twins and growth is normal.  I really regret it.

 

I think it is a blessing for you not to have one, BUT I think the most important thing is to follow your instincts.  If your instincts are telling you strongly, don't worry about the cost, convenience, pressures, etc.  That is the lesson I learned.
 

post #4 of 15
2/21/13 at 7:13pm
Does your midwife have a back up doctor? That's how I had mine. I am sure you could make an appt with a local OB to schedule one.
post #5 of 15
2/21/13 at 8:06pm
Where are you that a doc won't order you a us b/c you are going with midwives? That is strange to me. If the docs are being really weird schedule an appt under the guide that you are changing care and have it ordered then. It may seem underhanded but if you have a gut feeling go with it.
post #6 of 15
2/22/13 at 12:23pm
Thread Starter 

I live in California.  I've tried 2 OB offices, and both have denied me an ultrasound.  Something about liability.  I'll ask my midwives about a back up doctor, but so far they have not been able to help.  I might just give up getting one.  I'm just afraid being unsure or scared will affect my labor negatively. 

post #7 of 15
2/22/13 at 12:25pm
Where at in CA?
post #8 of 15
2/22/13 at 12:31pm
Thread Starter 

Central coast.  San Luis Obispo, CA.

post #9 of 15
2/22/13 at 12:57pm
Why can't your midwife order them anymore? She should have a relationship with an OB that could order one. I have home birthed in CA and that is how I had a ultrasound.
post #10 of 15
2/22/13 at 1:31pm
Thread Starter 

The OB she used to order from, who works with midwives, decided home birth was a liability. 

post #11 of 15
2/22/13 at 3:59pm
Why can't your midwife order them anymore? She should have a relationship with an OB that could order one. I have home birthed in CA and that is how I had a ultrasound.
post #12 of 15
2/22/13 at 4:03pm
Thread Starter 

Yay!  My midwife just talked to a doctor and I'll be able to get my ultrasound next week.  I'm glad she came through.  I'm so paranoid and I really think some peace of mind will help me in labor.

 

Thank you everyone for your input :)

post #13 of 15
2/22/13 at 9:14pm
Thats is great! I hope everything goes well!
post #14 of 15
3/8/13 at 10:28am

The OB's offices here (in VA) won't order them, either, unless you're paid up with them for a whole prenatal + delivery "package." Very frustrating.  But a midwife here can order one directly - they just write up an order and the local ultrasonographer's office will do it.

 

I had no U/S with my first baby.  Had one with the next two (because I'd had a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and wanted to ensure babe was in the uterus where she belonged).  None with this pregnancy, so far (I'm 32 weeks).
 

post #15 of 15
3/9/13 at 6:17pm

I am glad you were able to get what you wanted!! I hope that like with most people, all is well and you get your peace of mind.

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