how on earth does he know the baby is fine and growing/developing properly between the Ultrasound and delivery? If something was wrong with the baby at time of delivery, should we blame the doctor? I am using the same doctor as with my daughter but never had this uneasiness. Thanks!!!
2007-09-05 04:26:30 · 7 answers · asked by LosersSuck 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I just want to add that I do not believe in midwives and the first answer is one of many reasons why! Regardless, at least one Ultrasound shoud be done because some things can be fixed if caughter early enough!!!!!!!
2007-09-05 06:24:39 · update #1
Many OB's don't do an ultrasound at all, so I wouldn't worry if you're getting only one. Ultrasound is really only necessary for a medical reason, i.e. if the doctor suspects that there might be a problem.
And amnio is an invasive and expensive procedure that carries the risk of miscarriage. It should NOT be done routinely.
Even if there's something wrong with the baby at birth, what can you do about it? They can't fix babies in the womb. Getting a lot of tests done usually just creates a lot of worry and anxiety for the pregnant mother about something over which she has no control.
With my 3rd baby I had no ultrasounds or test. When she was born we learned she had Charge Syndrome, a serious genetic disorder that causes heart defects, vision and hearing loss and kidney problems. Our little daughter died 5 months after being born. If we had known about her disorder before she was born it wouldn't have changed anything. There's nothing we could have done. Why add stress and worry to a pregnancy?
As it is, I now have precious memories of a happy pregnancy and a happy labor and delivery. I would NEVER think of blaming my midwife because she didn't suggest an ultrasound or amnio during the pregnancy. That would be vindictive and cruel.
2007-09-05 04:32:28 · answer #1 · answered by Veritas 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Firstly according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ultrasounds are NOT part of routine prenatal care. A few years ago they did a very large study and found that routine ultrasounds do NOT improve any measurable outcome (infant mortality, etc). However of course they do recommend one if there is a legitimate medical need.
Amnio has NEVER been considered part of routine care, it has serious risks and the only thing it screens for is genetic disablities such as Down's and spina bifida. With the exclusion of spina bifida none of the syndromes it tests for are treatable during pregnancy nor effect delivery, the only "treatment" is abortion which is why they are commonly preformed before 20 weeks. In very extreme cases sometimes they attempt surgery for spina bifida in utero and occaisionally they recommend a c-section.
They check that the baby is developing the way they have for hundreds of years. They measure the fundal height, later they can palpate the baby and judge its size (this is actually more accurate in late pregnancy than ultrasound). They monitor the baby's heart rate as well.
2007-09-05 04:46:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They don't know really. They just listen for a heartbeat with the doplar and may measure the height of your uterus or not if they are in a hurry and assume the world is great. If our OBGYN had offered more than 1 ultrasound at 18wks, we would have known that my son had a brain tumor before he was born. If they had offered an amnio we would have known that the tumor is part of a genetic disorder and he will spend the rest of his life having to be watchful of tumors both in his brain and major organs. But they do it the way they do because it's cheaper for them and less time consuming. Too bad if you fall in the 10% of people who have a child with a "abnormality". I don't think HMO's especially give a damn about what their "whatever happens" policy means to the families of the children born with these disorders or how long these disorders go undiagnosed after they are born before they are suddenly in a life and death situtation such as we were. If you are afraid, go with that instict. You can't make them do more diagnostic testing, but be vigilant after the baby gets there and if you see ANYTHING abnormal stay on top of the doctors until they find out what it is. Don't let them pat you on the back and send you home.
2007-09-05 05:53:07 · answer #3 · answered by Heavenly Advocate 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's not an issue. They monitor baby's growth by measuring fundal height. It's not an exact science, but it can detect if baby is not growing fast enough (or growing too large). They listen to the baby's heart rate at every visit.
Contrary to popular belief, not all issues can be detected by ultrasounds, or by amniocentesis. Ultrasounds measure growth, but cannot detect genetic conditions. Amnios can detect genetic issues and lung maturity, but not growth. There are many conditions that are undiagnosed until birth because amnios are not done routinely - nor should they be because of the risks.
If you're uneasy, talk to your doctor, and they will explain the necessity and or risks of not having more ultrasounds or an amnio.
2007-09-05 04:36:15 · answer #4 · answered by Take A Test! 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
He will measure the size of the uterus with the measuring tape, listen to the heartbeats, see how much weight you are gaining...and you need to keep track of the fetal movements and relax. I am sure that if he suspects a problem then he would do more ultrasounds....and the amnio's are dangerous and not necessary.
2007-09-05 04:33:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
An amnio is never required, for an otherwise normal pregnancy. If you aren't considered high risk.
If you feel you need another ultrasound, or would like to have an amnio, discuss it with your doctor.
2007-09-05 04:33:59 · answer #6 · answered by Kaci 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately its usually the insurance companies that won't pay for more than one ultrasound.
2007-09-05 04:34:39 · answer #7 · answered by kathsps 3 · 1⤊ 4⤋