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Originally Posted by lisa1014 That is really interesting! I guess here they only do a scan at about 20 weeks unless there is something unusual going on. I could be wrong though. I guess I'll know more when I go for my 8 week check up. I hope to hear the heartbeat on the doppler!!! |
Most US insurance companies will only pay for one ultrasound so Docs in the states use that one around week 20 since all baby systems are in place, and most cardiac problems would be apparent by then. Obviously this is a good time to determine sex as well if the parents so choose.
The first US appointment at 8 weeks or so usually includes a urine test, a blood test, finding the hb with the doppler if possible and a pap.
Then appointments happen around every 4-5 weeks and include the measurement of the fundus height (at about 15 weeks), a palpation of the abdomen to determine uterine size, urine test, and doppler to find the heartbeat.
If I remember somewhere around the halfway mark (20 weeks or so) they check your cervix once more with an internal exam, and that's about when they schedule the ultrasound.
From there depending on any complications or whatever appointments are determined by the doc and do not include another ultrasound unless they are medically necessary.