Can I decline an ultrasound?

Question

Do I have the option of declining an ultrasound? Or at least asking them to turn the screen to where I can't see it?

I have a high chance of miscarrying this baby and seeing him/her only makes it harder, I've been here before and the mom in me remembers my son at 16 weeks looking fine and then passing away that night. I've had 4 u/s so far, I just don't want to see my baby anymore until after I pass that point. I guess more to protect myself than anything, losing a baby is awful, but seeing them looking healthy and then burying them a few days later is even worse.

Answer 1

OK obviously people did not read your question. I'm sorry for your prior loss. Yes you can refuse. But like others said, don't, just request the tech not to tell you anything and to turn the screen the other way. I hope all goes well with you and you angel. Best wishes.

Answer 2

i don't know your situation or your reasons for wanting to decline but you must have your reasons for it so i wont judge you on that...declining to have an ultrasound wouldn't be the best idea you need to have this done so they can make sure your baby is healthy and if there was going to be a problem they could see it early on but they can definitely turn the screen away from you if that's what you want as long as they can see i don't think it really makes a difference to them if you want to see or not so I'd recommend you do that have the ultrasound for your baby's sake and just have them turn the screen that sounds like the best idea in this situation.

i understand more now that you have posted the additional details its completely understandable I'm so sorry for your previous loss and wish you the best of luck ,you and your baby

Answer 3

You can do both, decline or ask them to turn the screen and not say anything. I personally wouldn't decline it because it's checking to make sure your baby is okay. I would talk to the tech before you begin the ultrasound. Tell them you do not want to see the screen or have the tech talking about the size or anything. It's always your choice. Good Luck, I wish you all the best!

Answer 4

You can decline anything you want to decline.....it's your body.

I think it would be important to talk to your caregiver and find out what the reasons for the u/s are and what information the caregiver hopes to get from it. If the results of the test seem like they would be important for your caregiver to have, talk to the tech before you even get on the table and ask that the screen not be pointed towards you or if they can put a curtain where you can't see or something. Consider asking if they will tape it so you can watch it later if you want.

Answer 5

Well, the ultrasounds are happening to watch baby's progress and are important to help treat you and baby, so declining is not a good idea. You can absolutely ask for the screen to be turned so you can't see it. I know its hard, honey, but don't turn your heart away from baby until you think its safe. He/she needs you and feeling your love can only help.

Answer 6

I'm sorry for your losses, I understand how you would want to distance yourself. as far as declining, i wouldn't reccommend it. they use the ultrasounds to detect problems. It may seem like they haven't before, but it's always best to take precau.tions You can tell them you don't want to see it though, and ask that they not give you any pictures. I'm sure if this is the same OBGYN who had seen you through your other pregnancies, he/she will understand. Good Luck, and I hope you have a healthy baby

Answer 7

Are you just afraid you might see the sex? Why wouldn't you want an ultrasound. They don't do an ultrasound just to determine the sex...they are primarily to look for birth defects and see the overall development of the baby. If you don't want to see it, then ask them to keep the screen from your view, but you really should have one, for the welfare of your child.

Answer 8

I agree with you. Why are they insisting on an ultrasound. You have the right to choose. Especially since an ultrasound can't save the baby, why bother, that is until you are out of the first trimester.

Answer 9

One misscarriage doesn't necisarily (sp) mean you will have more but a U/S is a must. It not only is to monitor the baby but to ensure you health don't decline it and I would even ask them to turn the screen but I would ask for picture printouts in case you changed you mind ( ask them to put them in a envelope.)

Answer 10

yes you can ask them to turn the screen. i wouldn't decline the ultrasound though, b/c they use it to detect abnormalities that could be harmful. just a little advice...if you've never had an ultrasound....you can't tell what they're looking at anyway, it just looks like blobs!