Posted by
Fluery
18 yrs ago
What's the average # of ultrasound for a normal pregnancy? I'm 8 weeks and have already had 2 transvaginal scan. The first one was because I bled a little. The second one was last week when we saw the heartbeat. But the doctor told me to go back today and I think he may give me another scan. I'm just a little worried that 3 ultrasound during the first 2 months is a bit excessive and may harm the baby. I also don't know if the doctor is being careless because I pay for each visit out of my pocket... Money is not a concern for me obviously when it comes to the wellbeing of my baby, but I don't want any potential harm to my baby because someone wants to make an extra buck or so. I would really appreciate any advice!
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well - the debate on this runs pretty hot and heavy. There have been continual research on ultrasounds and possible effects on babies - and the results are still that there are overall no major side effects.
My father is an OB however, and he says that UNLESS you have some major problem - frequent (monthly) ultrasounds are unnecessary. Most of the information to be had - can be had with a simple doppler (the handheld device which can pick up heartbeat) and the good health of the mother. I am going to private doc here in Seoul, and I've already had two ultrasounds (13 weeks along) and my father said that the second one was unnecessary. (he was bellowing into the phone about costs and whatnot - and each scan isn't cheap for sure.) In HK's public hospital system - I think I had 4 scans, and then I did an additional scan under my father's care in the US - a special level 4 scan (generally given for women of a certain age which I wasn't but got it anyways) which is a highly detailed scan, far more detailed than anything given in the public hospital system. My father thought that 4 or 5 scans was a reasonable amount for a pregnancy (and more in line with US standards.)
My second - I had WAY more - closer to 10 or 11, and my father was pretty adamant that they were just a way for hospitals and doctors to fleece me (but I had good insurance so it didn't much matter.) For the overall HEALTH of the baby - more is not necessarily going to produce a healthier baby. By the time the baby is big enough - most things progress at a standard rate - a lot of women do like the ultrasound for the reassurance of seeing the baby - and by all means do it for that reason. but as the baby gets bigger, it does get harder to see things - and it's less informative as well. (from a doc's standpoint.) It can be important in the final month to determine position, or amniotic fluid level measurements as well.
Good luck. IF you like seeing your baby - I'd say just do it - but if you're calm and dont' need monthly reassurance - then I wouldn't worry about it too much.
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in singapore, an ultrasound at every check-up is pretty routine. for my 1st baby, i never even had a vaginal exam at any point from my doctor, he saw whatever he needed to see via the ultrasound and the other usual pregnancy tests.
i am in the early stages of my 2nd pregnancy and because i had a spotting incident, i had one of those vaginal scans - not fun at all.
personally, i enjoy seeing the ultrasound everytime, it's very exciting. and it doesn't really add to the cost so i don't mind...i might have a different take on this if it did!
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Thanks a lot for the reply. I just want to make sure that ultrasound does not harm the baby. It's not that I don't trust the doctors in HK but they don't always explains things and tend to be rushed. Sounds like 4-5 is pretty necessary and if I get anxious about the baby, I'll just pay for more to sooth my nerves.
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I just got the details from Care For Women. Their pregnancy package includes around 20 ultrasound scans. I guess once you invest in an ultrasound scan machine, the more you use it, the higher return on your investment you get. 20!!!!!!! That's just too much.
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wow - 20 is a LOT. I mean - that means technically one every other week - which is medically highly unnecessary.
some women do like a peek at the baby - you may change your mind as you progress - but if you're sure you don't need the constant reassurance - probably you dont' need such a service.
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20 is definitely alot!
because (unless things are different in HK), a pregnant woman has a monthly check-up and unless you have severe complications and require frequent check-ups, 20 is really alot!
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They faxed me the package detail and it is around 20. It's such a pain in the butt to navigate through HK private medical service industry. I was considering going with Canossa's maternity package and went for my first visit. Then the doctor there appeared totally unaware of the package and suggested I see her outside of the hospital and pay for each visit separately. I was so confused. Then I asked her how much she charges for delivery and her delivery charges are actually different depending on which room I end up choosing. I mean why would she charge a higher price for her medical service just because i decided to go with a private room? Maybe her nurse was confused but this is just getting very annoying!
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ahh fluery -
in HK private hospital system - ALL docs, depending on which room you choose charge differently. Scandalous I know.
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I am actually seriously considering delivering at a public hospital. I like the conveniece and flexibility of private doctors for prenatal care but for develivery, publich hospital is probably more competent in dealing with any potential complications. I don't need to give birth at a resort and I certainly don't want the private doctors to reap me off just because I can afford. I imagine I would want to go home as soon as possible after delivery. No matter how nice the facility is, a hospital is a hospital and not nearly as comfortable as my own home.
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i was at a public hospital for my second delivery and they were extremely competent and i found, kind. they offered breast feeding support as well. the only issue i had was the limited visiting hours with my husband, but those are the rules.
you are definitely right, if there are any challenging complications, private hospitals send their patients to the public hospitals.
good luck with your choice.
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gum
18 yrs ago
I was considering about delivering at a public hospital too until I read this thread.
http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/forums/pregnancyfertility/threads/93678.asp
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I had a brilliant complication free deliver at QMH. I was so in love with the midwife that stayed with me for the first 8 hour shift (stayed in the room with me the whole entire time) and the second midwife who actually delivered my baby.
At one point, I was only dilated 2 cm, so I was separated from my husband if I wasn't walking around in the lobby. I was still in a lot of pain from the contractions but I had decided on a natural birth. They allowed me to go into the delivery room (not standard protocol) because I guess I just looked so pathetic and this allowed my husband to stay by my side during all the contractions and I could lie down. They were overworked, but they saw my need and they tried to help me.
I had a HORRIBLE experience at a private hospital in Seoul - constant botchups, serious issues with my c-section and epidural (mind you this pregnancy cost more than 200 times what I paid HK)and I was with a top notch doctor highly recommended by most. STILL horrific.
So you can never tell what sort of experience you'll get no matter WHERE you go.
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I was advised that if you do decide to deliver at a public hospital, make sure your husband is actively involved in asking questions and demanding services while you are busy with contractions. I tried to discuss my delivery options with my private doctor but he said it's too early (I am only 8 weeks). So we'll see what he has to say about public hospitals and how much he charges for delivery.
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Fluery - you're planning to use your private doc to deliver you in the public hospital? If you opt for semi private or private room - you will be paying prices similar to all the other private hosptals in HK. (similar tiered rip you off system.)
I still had strong contractions and a really long labor(36 hours) but I was clear headed enough to get what I wanted and ask for what I needed. It's your job and your husband's as well.
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hkchoichoi- no,if I deliver at a public hospital, I'll go public all the way and only use private doctor for prenatal care. I live in Discovery Bay so not sure which public hospital I am supposed to go to. We'll see.
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Cara, thanks. I'll visit QMH once I figure out the propoer procedure. I assume my private doctor will give me a run down once he deems the time is right to discuss delivery options. I imgaine I'll need to have check ups at QMH too otherwise they won't let me deliver there...
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