Sitting on the fence..

[Jlse]

about an early ultrasound for this one. I had only one late in pregnancy last time to ensure a homebirth vbac. The homebirth was great and will do that again this time.
I was sure of my dates and everything last time but this time I had a mc a few months back and seems to have thrown me off. I had a period for a day and a half that stopped abruptly which I'm using as my lmp. Wondering if that was really a period since they usually last about a week. I also have that want to see the heartbeat.
I would have to be a new patient wherever I go as I don't have a regular OB or anything (my midwife did suggest someone if I chose to though). I'm not sure about the hassle of it and dh doesn't care either way. Each day I change my mind.

[BirthFree]

I'm not a fan of ultrasounds really so if it was for me personally I'd choose not to. Would it change your birth place or just your EDD? Anything else big it would change?

As you progress in pg, you should measure in the range for your EDD whatever it is (or close), would that give you a better idea?

For me, when I feel my babies move would also help me. It's always roughly round 13w-ish.

Good luck on your choice!

[Kylahroo]

Personally, we will not have another U/S unless it is medically necessary or if we were considering birthing twins or a breech position at home.

Why not? I'll try to be quick! When I became pregnant with our 3rd, we were not positive about my dates as I was measuring very large very early on. We had an U/S around 12-14 weeks for "dating" and I was diagnosed with a complete previa. I saw it on the screen, the tech saw it on the screen and basically told me, "well, I guess you're having a c-section". I was absolutely devastated. No way was I accepting this. We were terrified and did a lot of research. We learned that most likely it would migrate out of the way, but not knowing for sure subjected me to 2 more US's during his pregnancy. Not to mention CONSTANT worry and stress. I really was a basket-case for most of his pregnancy. At the final US, the placenta had migrated safely away, but he was breech! At that point, I didn't care! LOL! He turned around 36 weeks.

End of story: long, hard home waterbirth - 10#3 baby (which is why I was measuring large early on), lots of bleeding (fainted when getting out of the tub)

I went on to having a beautiful 4th baby 3 years later. No problems whatsoever.

[imbarefoot]

I'm not a fan of ultrasounds really so if it was for me personally I'd choose not to. Would it change your birth place or just your EDD? Anything else big it would change?

As you progress in pg, you should measure in the range for your EDD whatever it is (or close), would that give you a better idea?

For me, when I feel my babies move would also help me. It's always roughly round 13w-ish.

Good luck on your choice!

I completely agree with this!

I have no intentions of ever getting an ultrasound, and my dates are bit iffy as well. A due date is kind of silly to me, they don't mean much anyway!

For me, I just did a lot of research on ultrasounds and dopplers and decided they were definitely not worth the risk. I knew I could and should hold off on finding out what my babe's sex is, how far along the babe is measuring, and hearing my babe's hearbeat.

[BirthFree]

Well, and there are ways to hear the hearbeat that don't involve dopplers, ultrasound waves too imbarefoot, but I'm sure you already know that. ;)

[witch au lait]

@}-`-}-,-'-

[strmis]

For me, I just did a lot of research on ultrasounds and dopplers and decided they were definitely not worth the risk.

Would you mind citing some of that research for me, where you found them, or if you could send them to me? I'd love to read them and be more educated on that topic. We never really hear or read about the risks, only the benefits. You can PM me if its easier, i don't want to hijack this thread. ...sorry

Why is that?

Thanks in advance
Missy

[LolaK]

I personally have researched the ultrasound question extensively and find that the "risk" is highly overblown by people in certain areas. If it would make you feel better, or you care when your due date is then I think I would go ahead and have the ultrasound.

I had an early ultrasound around 6 weeks because I had two miscarriages prior to this pregnancy with no real period whioch could be used to date a pregnancy. I wanted to make sure that I was actually pregnant with a viable fetus and I needed to have a pretty accurate due date since I will be out of the country this summer around when I am due and I don't want to deliver anywhere but home or put myself at risk flying too close to my due date.