why is my midwife making me wait to have an ultrasound until I'm 25 weeks?

Question

I had an apointment the other day and I was 20 weeks 1 day, I know that you can find out what it is at week 20 and she said if I wait ill have beautiful pictures. She orignally had it at 24 weeks and now its at 25 weeks!! maybe im just being too impatient

My next appointment isnt until July 19th...my family and my bf's family keep buggin me about "when can u find out?" and "why so late"? Im getting kind of annoyed at being asked what im having by every single family member!

O the joys of being pregnant :)!

Answer 1

I'm not sure why she's making you wait but I have heard that midwives prefer to do ultrasounds only when totally neccessary. I guess you may have one that feels it's not needed if your pregnancy is going fine. Some midwives believe the soundwaves from the ultrasound can harm the baby and won't do them at all unless there is a problem. Sounds like you should call in and talk to her. I was an Obstetrics Counselor at an OB/Gyn office for years and we ALWAYS did one early, around 10-12 weeks and then again at 16-18 weeks. 20 weeks sounds ok, but 25 weeks? I don't see how you will get better pics, just bigger image of the baby,but with 3-D ultrasound,20 weeks is plenty of time for the sex to be obvious,IF the baby cooperates and leaves it's legs apart. I would definitely call and inform her that you want it done now not later and if she gives you a hassle I would make sure she gives you one excellent excuse for waiting. Tell her she's stressing a pregnant woman and that's not what you hired her for! :) Good Luck!!

Answer 2

Typically, you would have a vaginal ultrasound at around 6-10 weeks to determine viability and for dating purposes. Most people then have the main transabdominal ultrasound at 18 - 22 weeks. The purpose of this mid-term ultrasound is far more important than simply determining the sex of the baby. It is at this ultrasound that the radiologist (or the ultrasound technician) will do a series of precise measurements to insure the baby is developing properly - he/she will look at the 4 chambers of the heart, the brain, the spine, kidneys, sex organs, you name it. It is sometimes possible at this stage to check for Downs Syndrome as well (if you are at risk and haven't been tested by other means - blood test or amnio). It is important to have this information earlier than 25 weeks should, god forbid, the pregnancy need to be terminated for medical reasons (for example, if there is a grave risk to you and/or baby). I am working with a doctor, not a midwife, so I am not sure of the level of medical care you are receiving. If I were you, I would discuss your concerns with your midwife and ask her to give you detailed reasons for her decisions. If she is unwilling or unable to answer your questions to your satisfaction, I would consult someone for a second opinion. Best of luck to you and congrats on your pregnancy!

Answer 3

Look into getting a 4D ultrasound done if they have somewhere in your area that does them. My OB was making me wait for what seemed like an eternity so my husband went online and looked for places around us to have a 4D one done. It was actually less expensive then the ultrasound we had done with the doctor at 30 weeks. We were able to find out a whole lot earlier than if we had waited for the OB. I was 19 weeks along and the picture was just as clear as day when we found out we were having a boy.

Answer 4

Tell them that ultrasound is NOT done to determine baby's sex. it is done to check other anatomical structures that may indicate problems. Finding out the sex, IF baby cooperates is just a plus. As for why 25 weeks, I really don't know as it's usually done 18-22 weeks. But it will serve the same purpose at 25 weeks.

Answer 5

You need to just tell your family that you aren't planning to find out the sex. Then you can tell them after the ultrasound. You usually can tell the sex at 20 weeks, but the bigger the baby is the easier it will be to tell the sex. Try not to be impatient, and don't let your family bug you. Just tell them the midwife scheduled it for this date and that is when you'll know.

Answer 6

i think you could ask her to move the appointment because i had my ultrasound when i was 20 weeks and i found out i was having a boy he looked beautiful i think it was the perfect time

Answer 7

maybe because the baby is move developed at this stage.... and its better to go later to find out the sex because then its more deffenent