Ob visits-the norm, what I do, and how it is all different with #2

Typically when one becomes pregnant, they call and make a new ob appt.  The receptionist has some guidelines to follow and you get in according to the doctor's preferences and their schedule.  There is some typical bloodwork to be completed.  There is an ultrasound if you are far enough along (which usually they are because they don't see patients early typically).  Then you start seeing the doctor monthly.  Each time you give a urine sample (UTIs aren't good to have when pregnant, so they test frequently) and mostly spend the time getting your questions answered.  It is normal to have a ton.  A good doc patiently listens.  If you are fortunate, they track progesterone.  Sometimes three ultrasounds per pregnancy is on the typical end.  More if you are high risk or had a history of miscarriage.  None of these frequent visits are subject to copay, thankfully.

My experience, admittedly, is a little different than this.  And better in my opinion.  Some due the miscarriages.  Some due to a fabulous doctor.  First of all, when I mention history, I can get in asap upon positive pregnancy test.  I have just learned to ask.  I could easily have just accepted the appt at 9 weeks given to me by my first ob upon pos test.  But no thank you.  lol.  Secondly, I get scanned quite frequently.  Those that are more of a natural nature might not like this idea, but it doesn't concern me (the quick exposure of the baby).  After the dx "habitual aborter" which I hate of course, ultrasounds are covered at the doctor's disgression.  My first ob, though lacking in a lot of ways, branded me with this after one miscarriage which was helpful in insurance coverage.  Dr. Hilgers always covers my progestone support, and I have had to find ob/gyn that support this and don't feel their ego is being stepped on (one reason I left the initial ob).

Initially my ob (new as of this pregnancy) had decided to see me every two weeks.  He also gave me that open req for hcg draws every 48-72 hrs (which was a mixed blessing if you recall...).  Two appts ago, when he was seeing me for the 2nd time (I had also had an appt with his nurse when he was out of town), he said "let's go to monthly visits after next time."  However, after the next visit, he said "come back...whenever you want."  I smiled.  He doesn't want me to worry.  And I haven't been.  Really.  I haven't asked him a million questions.  I really have none.  I just want to come in, see the baby is okay, and leave.  Very different than with charlie.  Maybe having an 18 month old pushing the "call" button every 5 seconds and sticking his hand in the trash can adds to this?!  lol 

Yesterday I had another appt.  I came after 3 weeks, trying not to take advantage.  First the nurse gives me the forms for testing you can do for abnormalities.  Let me clarify for anyone who doesn't know-a) these tests carry risk-from slight to more b) these tests are not near 100% accurate and can tell you more often than not your baby has down's syndrome and are wrong-no lie and c) if they do find any of the things wrong they test for, there is not one thing they can do about any of them.  No surgeries in utero, nothing.  So, these tests are mainly if you a) want to be prepared for a problem (though you may prep for a problem you don't have or not prep for a problem you do have if the tests are wrong) or b) if you want to terminate.  I have confirmed this with my not even pro life and def doesn't believe in God brother in law anesthesiologist.  So, as you can probably tell, I immediately deny all of them. 

Second, I got in there and they tried to the use the doppler just to hear a heartbeat.  Don't ever let this scare you?!  I don't know why they do this, but for some women I imagine it is torture (maybe for me the first time it was, but I don't remember).  It is hard to hear a heartbeat on top.  The baby has to be older.  And the position of your cervix matters (mine is tipped back).  So they don't ever hear anything this way until I am very far along!  Then they moved to a top of belly scan (if they make you wait to pee, this really can be torture!).  Again, they never see anything until very far along. So there is that time of silence while they look and look and then give up.  Eventually they go to the transvag ultrasound where they have no trouble seeing the baby.  Since my doc is the one doing the ultrasound and not a tech, it is fast.  He sees a heartbeat and prints a few pics.  I prefer to have the baby measured (crown rump length gives you a measurement and then also corresponds that to the age of the baby so you can see if the baby is growing appropriately.  A few days ahead or behind is no big deal, but some docs change your due date from this growth).  I would love to hear the baby's heartbeat audibly and have it measured, but I am not complaining.  I got to see the baby.  I got to see the heartbeat flicker.  It is a wonderful thing.  I get dressed and he says, "I'll see you back here...whenever."  He said he would keep operating this way, and scanning me at every visit, until I could feel the baby move for reassurance.  I smile.  I am attaching the baby pictures since it is one that is exceptionally clear. The head is to the left.  I am 11 weeks 2 days here.  Amazing, huh?  One more piece of great news. This ob/gyn is getting trained in Omaha in September.  Praise God!  I hope he learns the surgery stuff too; I hear he is an amazing surgeon already!