Seeking advice about early ultrasound

[irises]

Hello all,

I know there are some here who are hoping to avoid ultrasound altogether, but due to a previous ectopic pregnancy, I am going to have an early one. Here is my dilemma, which I hope some of you more experienced moms can help me with: because of a vacation, I can either get the ultrasound on 10/9 or on 10/23. At the first one, I won't even be 6 weeks yet. The second date, I'll be 8 weeks. If this were you: would you have the earlier ultrasound for peace of mind, knowing that not much more than a sac will be visible, or would you wait for the 8 week one, with an opportunity to see a heartbeat? I can't decide! My HCG numbers look really good, so I am not too worried about another ectopic, but I would like to take advantage of this opportunity for confirmation that all is well.

Thanks,
Iris

[saratchka]

I'd do it in week 8, but that's just me. Good luck making your decision!

[Jilian]

I'd wait until a little later. I would find it more comforting to see a heartbeat myself. But if you're having any kind of pain and you're really scared it could be ectopic then you should probably have the u/s sooner so they can catch a possible ectopic as early as possible.

[ChristineIndy]

Personally, I'd wait until the heartbeat could be seen, if I knew that the risk for an ectopic was low . . . .

You'll make the right decision, either way!

Christine

[firemommaof1]

I would also wait for the 8week apt. I would want to see the heartbeat and whats two little weeks right? Good luck on decision making.

[lilgsmommy]

Could you do both? I know alot of moms wont get ultrasounds, but in my case I need to due to my history. I would go for the first one, for simple peice of mind that your little one is in the right place.......if they cant see much have them schedule you for another one for the later date when you get back. Thats just what I would do though.....I will be getting frequent ultrasounds through out my pregnancy due to losses, incompetent cervix and premature labor.

[Cate]

Sorry to crash your ddc, but I saw this in new posts... and have a *lot* of experience with this... I've had sergery twice for ectopics, and had early ultrasounds to rule it out with several other pregnancies. I can tell you that it's possible that you won't find out anything conclusive at a 6 week ultrasound, and end up having to go back for the 8 week one anyway (that's what happened with me). I can totally understand wanting to find out, especially if your experiencing any sort of side pain. The two weeks between ultrasounds was excrusiating for me... I hated not knowing, I was a wreck. However, there is a chance you could find out conclusively (I've also had that experience) at 6 weeks, and be able to save yourself the 2 weeks of terror.
If you want to talk about it, feel free to PM me. I'd be willing to talk to you about my experiences if you feel it would help you at all.
Good luck. I know it's scary.

[irises]

Thanks, all, for so many replies. I have decided to have an u/s on 10/23. I am not feeling any pain, my HCG numbers are rising appropriately and look completely different from the last time, so I am not concerned that this is ectopic. I think I need to learn to be at peace with this pregnancy. That said, if I am feeling panicky on Friday, I may go in for a quick look before leaving on vacation. But, I have no reason to think that anything is wrong, so I will trust that my body is working as it should.

I can't wait to see the heartbeat on the 23rd!

PS: Cate, thank you for dropping in. I am sorry that you've been through this so many times.