just curious ?? regarding low frills prenatal care?

[mamatosaskia]

Hi,

I am going in on Friday for my second prenantal, the first chance to hear the heartbeat. But, I was curious about something for mom's who don't use doppler?? What other ways can I assure myself that the baby is fine??

I ask because on a mainstream board that I read, there seems to be a number of moms with missed abortions at their 12 week appointment. I have all the pregnancy symptoms, I can feel my uterus above my pubic bone (this is pregnancy #2) and all of that, is that enough to be confident that all is well?

This may seem like a silly question, but I am curious. I feel really good about this pregnancy, so I am not overly concerned that there is something wrong. But, I guess I like to worry! With dd's first ultrasound at 20 weeks, the first thing I said to the tech was "just tell me there is a head!!"

Thanks in advance!

Jacqueline

[keeganjacksmom]

I would guess that the reason there are more miscarriages on the mainstream board is that there are MORE moms on there. Like babycenter for example.....zillions of people lurk and post. About 25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage by the 12th week (give or take) so that adds up to alot of moms on a birth board.

that being said....if you "feel" pregnant and are not experiencing miscarriage symptoms, you are PROBABLY fine that isn't to say that every miscarriage has symptoms of course, but if you aren't willing to do a doppler than all you can do is have faith that everything is ok!! If it is stressing you out so much that it is affecting you, I would think that the doppler for a few seconds would be less risk than the stress.....but only you know how much it's bugging you

[kltroy]

If it will give you peace of mind hearing a heart beat via doppler, I really don't think a few seconds will do any harm to your baby. I personally don't have a problem with dopper - it's sound waves just like ultrasound - and when used infrequently and judiciously, I think it's generally more good than bad.

BUT that said, there's no real reason you NEED to hear the heart beat. It will not change the outcome of your pregnancy. If you're going to miscarry, it will happen regardless of what you hear.

As I said, I like the reassurance, and I don't have a problem with it. For me, it's one of the things that makes the baby "real" until I can start feeling kicks. And it's fun. : yummmm. Babies.

[mamatosaskia]

Thanks! I just reread my post and I wasn't clear. I am going to use the doppler at my 12 week appointment!! I agree that a few minutes for the reassurance is fine. I am actually also getting the NT scan this time around.

I was just curious about moms who don't go for all the extra stuff. Just as a way to reassure myself between appointments that all is ok.

I'll let you gals know on Friday how it all turns out!! I am sure it is fine, like I said I am a worrier. That, and it really is amazing how attached you can get to a baby almost from the start, you know!

jj

[mommyminer]

I guess some moms don't need to reassure themselves - just a deep belief that pregnancy is normal and what will be will be. I didn't get an US with my last pg and I won't this time either (unless something warrants one - like vag bleeding).

[Kylahroo]

Originally Posted by mommyminer

I guess some moms don't need to reassure themselves - just a deep belief that pregnancy is normal and what will be will be. I didn't get an US with my last pg and I won't this time either (unless something warrants one - like vag bleeding).

Exactly. This would define me. I have a very deep belief that pregnancy is normal and natural and were I to M/C, I would eventually. I wouldn't want to find out there's no baby there and sit and wait, what could be weeks, for the baby to pass. At least this way, every day can be blissfully happy. If I'm going to M/C, it'll happen one day. Or it won't.

I'm one of those that have to wait to have confirmation. I really have never heard the HB well with any of my pregnancies. While my MW can usually hear it by 20 weeks, I've never been able to pick it up very well with the fetoscope. For me, the biggest confirmation of being pregnant is movement! Which I should be starting to feel regularly by 20 weeks, too.