HELP!! An Early Ultrasound?

Updated on January 08, 2009
J.R. asks from Delano, MN
11 answers

I had my first OB yesterday... and I feel like I'm on a rollercoaster! She said everything looked and felt fine, but then was really questioning my last period date, so she's got me coming in for an ultrasound tomorrow afternoon. I'm a little concerned....more so that there's more than one in there or something. :O But I guess there's not much else I can do until tomorrow!!
I just think it's weird...I'm 99% sure of the last period date and she said things were looking good, but then needs me to have an ultrasound. With my first I only ever had just the one ultrasound so I'm not sure what to think!!!
Can anyone offer reasons/suggestions or just some comfort?! I know you parents have been through a lot so I always look forward to reading your advice!!
THANKS!

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A.C.

answers from Lincoln on

J.,
I wouldnt worry about it. I had my first appt on the 28th of DEC. I was certain of my last period as well. Well guess what, when she did the ultrasound I wasnt as far along as I thought. I was right about my last period but I conceived two weeks later. So instead of being 8 weeks and 5 days I was just 7weeks along. So it changed my due date from Aug 4th to Aug 15th.
Plus, a lot of doctors now adays are nice and will do an ultrasound every visit. Which I think is awesome! Don't worry about it. And plus it is too early to hear a heartbeat w/o an ultrasound to see the heart bumping. Good luck anyways!

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L.M.

answers from St. Cloud on

From my experience for all four of my children we had an ultrasound in the begining to make sure that I was correct on my last period date which would then make an accurate due date. I also had the 20 week ultrasound as routine.
Congrats!

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G.

answers from Minneapolis on

It could be to more acturately determine the your due date by the size of the baby- I would not be worried.

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M.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

With my first child I had an early ultrasound b/c my dr. thought my uterus "felt big" for 10 weeks and wanted to get an accurate due date...she was measuring big so they adjusted my due date by one week. With my second baby (different dr. in a different state from the 1st) had me do an early ultrasound as part of their normal prenatal care. With my 1st I had the early one to check due date and then the usual one at 20 weeks. With the 2nd baby I had one early, one at 20 weeks and another at 30 weeks to check growth...all which were part of the routine/normal prenatal care. The girls are 2 years apart so maybe drs. are just doing more checks as part of their regular routine??

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C.O.

answers from Minneapolis on

I had early ultrasounds done (at a different doctor's office each time) with my first 3 pregnancies automatically. I thought it was standard practice until my 4th pregnancy when they refused in spite of the fact I was NOT sure of my dates.
I LOVE having them done, just to make sure everything is OK. With the 2nd pregnancy, it turned out I had a blighted ovum and required a D&C. With my 4th and current pregnancy, I ended up getting an ultrasound 4 weeks after my first appointment and discovered I had conceived later than we thought and the due date was 4 weeks off!
An early ultrasound is NOT a bad thing at all and is mostly used to confirm the due date. Be grateful for an extra peek at your new little one. Congratulations!

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C.A.

answers from Minneapolis on

I'm guessing your uterus feels bigger then the period date would suggest. That happens alot with 2nd and 3rd pregnancies. I wouldn't be worried unless you have twins in your family and you really don't want twins.

When I lived in Ireland they gave you a little "mini" ultrasound in the doctors office every time I went in. It was just to confirm that the heart was beating and that there was plenty of fluid around the baby. I loved having them because it gave you extra piece of mind. My oldest 2 turned out great. I've also had early ultrasounds for my 3rd for dating purposes and with this pregnancy to confirm viability (threatend miscarriage). I wouldn't worry about ultrasounds be happy that you get an early peek at your little bundle.

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J.R.

answers from Minneapolis on

With my first (he's now 5) I almost had to fight to get an early dating ultrasound, but with #2 (who is now 7 months) my OB had changed their practices & just do an early dating ultrasound routinely with all patients.

I don't think there's anything to be really worried about, except twins might be scary! :) I was 100% sure of the date of my last period with #2, and they still did the ultrasound just to make sure all was well & confirm the date.

Congratulations!

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A.M.

answers from Appleton on

My OB does an ultrasound at the first visit(8 to 10wks) and at the 20wk visit. The first visit she likes to look at the heartbeat because she can't hear it yet through the uterus. You may just be measuring bigger--but traditionally I believe that you grow faster after you have had a child/children. I am sure it is just a precaution. I would try not to worry about it. I had two ultra sounds...I have a friend that had one at every visit up until the third trimester. I am sure that every dr. is different but I am sure she is just checking things out further. I would be excited if I were you, you get to see your little one for the first time in pictures!!! :)

Good luck!

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C.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

I wouldn't worry at all. They are likely just trying to peg down your due date. My guess is you are either smaller or larger than what you "should" be, going off your cycle. No biggie.

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T.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

They did that with me also, partially because there wasn't a lot of time between my son being born and us conceiving again (only about 9 months). Also, in the event that they need or you want them to do a c-section they have to have a very close idea as to the term of the baby. I wouldn't worry about it, I think it is a good idea, and you will get extra pics then of the new bundle...congratulations!

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K.K.

answers from Des Moines on

Don't fret! I think it must be a newer thing they do. I had one my first visit this time around too...and I was only 8 weeks! I didn't even ask, they just said, "Do you want your first ultrasound today or tomorrow?". It was just to make sure things were "in place". Like the other poster said, it is nice to see and hear the heartbeat since you can't this early otherwise. Good luck and Congrats!

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