I am 10 weeks and 3 days, A couple of questions?

Question

I have seen the heartbeat on the ultrsound but I haven't heard it. When can you hear the heartbeat?? This my first so it is new to me. I also was just told I am high risk but the dr. didn't really explain why, I asked several times and was told repeatedly I need to be referred to a high risk OB, but it's been over 2 weeks and I haven't heard anything about a referral. Can I just find another dr. on my own?? Anyone been through this before?? thanks for the kind comments in advance

I have nevr had a m/s fortunately and I got pregnant on my first try. I called the dr. back a couple of days ago to see the status and the nurse didn't nkow what i was talking about. I am having a hard time trusting doctors because nobody ever seems to know whatthey are talking about. I feel like I am just getting lost with the mix of patients...you know. The onyl reason I can think I might be high risk is I am taking a medication that is required but the dr. sayd it causes no harm....I'm just as confused...thanks.

oh and I'm 26 years old. I think the dr. is nuts after hearing your comments....thanks for the advice

Answer 1

You should be able to hear the heartbeat in about a week or 2. There are numerous reasons to be referred to a Perinatalogist/high risk doctor.. it could be due to being overweight, or having diabetes, having any kind of blood pressure problems.. just about anything. It is good that the doctor cares enough to send you to high risk. You may not see that doctor til you are about 16 to 20 wks along. I would not look for a new doctor, they are showing concern and this is a good quality. I am gestational diabetic and have been seeing a high risk doctor. They will only be there for the baby, they will tell you things that are going on..but mostly they are just watching the baby. It is going to be ok. Stay calm and relax.

*Perinatologists, also known as maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists, are medical doctors who specialize in high-risk pregnancies, maternal and fetal testing, and fetal therapy.

Perinatologists can be consultants or primary care providers during a pregnancy. They may provide medical care throughout a pregnancy, particularly if there is a higher risk of complications, an ongoing (chronic) medical condition, or a multiple pregnancy. In addition to a residency in obstetrics and gynecology, a perinatologist has 2 or 3 years of maternal-fetal medicine training.

Answer 2

It is still early to hear the heartbeat. If you have seen it on ultrasound then you know it is there. I think it is around 12 weeks to be able to hear it. As for the high risk, you doctor needs to explain that to you. Are you over 35 or do you have a preexisting health concern such as diabetes or asthma? I would call the doctors office and ask them about the referral. The high risk OB may not take patients without a referral, but if you are a high risk pregnancy then they need to get you in as soon as they can.
Keep asking you doctor questions, and if they don't answer them then complain. That is why you are paying a doctor. Just relax and enjoy your pregnancy. Stress isn't good for either of you. Best of luck.

Answer 3

You are considered high risk usually if you have heart problems, diabetes, severe asthma or epilespy, reproducitve problems, or other major medical conditions. Are you taking meds for anything right now? That may be why you are considered high-risk.

Being over age 35 or severely obese can also land you in the high risk category, but not always.

If your doctor won't answer your basic questions, such as why you need to see a high risk OB, then you are better off without him/her! You need to be proactive and call your OB office right now and make sure they give you a referral TODAY as well as the names of 2 or 3 high-risk OB specialists. then start calling around today and schedule an appointment, which may take several weeks.

PS usually the doctor can let you "hear" the heartbeat, via external doppler (uses high frequency soundwaves), after 12 weeks. Can't always pick it up that early, though.

Good luck.

Answer 4

10 wks is early to HEAR the heartbeat. Wait a few more weeks to see if you can hear it. There's alot of padding between the top of your belly to the baby.
Your OB should've given you a reason as to why you would be considered high risk. Did you have a hard time getting pg? Reoccuring miscarriages?
Call your OB and ask about the referral. If they dont give you any answers or call back in a day or 2 find someone different. Good luck!

Answer 5

PLEASE if at all possible go to a midwife. A midwife will at least have time for you. Most midwife appointments are an hour long. OBs may give you 5-15 minutes.

If this is not possible find a new doctor. See a family doctor or call Planned Parenthood for assistance. Your doctor is NOT being a good doctor. If you are high risk you need to know why. You need to be told EVERYTHING. You can DEMAND to see you medical file, you will likely have to pay if you want a copy. But they must allow you to view it on the premesis. Another health professional can get a copy for free.

Planned Parenthood:
1-800-230-PLAN

Answer 6

Relax and don't worry. You'll probably get to hear the heartbeat at your next appointment. I heard the heartbeat at 13 weeks. You need to call you OB and ask him/her why you are considered high risk, because it's important to know. I've noticed that these OB's don't explain things unless you badger the h*ll out of them with constant questions. Anyway, after your OB explains to you the reason why you are high risk, ask for a referral name and number right away. They shouldn't expect you to find one on your own. Call them right now. Don't wait. It's important for you to know what the heck is going on and why you're considered high risk. You are incharge of your body and baby. Call.

Answer 7

Usually at 13 weeks or so you can hear it.
The Dr. should explain to you why they think you are high risk and explain to you what to do about it. If he won't answer your questions - I would find another Dr. If that Dr. thinks you are high risk, then hopefully he will explain to you the reason for it.
I would not stay with any Dr. that won't sit down and discuss things with you. You need someone that will take the time to talk and tell you what they are thinking.
Find a new Dr.

Answer 8

I don't remember when I heard my daughters heartbeat for the first time so I can't be any help w/ that. But as for the referral thing- have you called the OB's office who you are using now and asked about it? Let them know that you are still waiting for the referral and you want to know the status of it..

Answer 9

If you are high risk, and your doctor hasn't referred you to anyone run don't walk to another ob. Tell your current ob that you need a name of a better ob that he/she would feel comfortable sending you to. If you do not get a referral then call another ob and set up an appointment.

Answer 10

You can hear the heart beat as soon as 6 weeks in some cases.
If your dr told you that you are at risk then you need to pressure him to tell you why and make him explain it in terms that you can understand. And YES you can get another DR when ever you want. Call his office and make them explain. This is you and your baby and that is important.