Should I be concerned?

[suprised!]

Hi,

I am 22 weeks now and have had only one ultrasound. It was at 17 wks and the babies were right on as far as size goesat that point. They were not able to tell us much about organ development. I had to switch Dr after that ultrasound, as I was not seeing an ob/gyn at the time. Since then I have only had one Dr appt (at 18wks) and my next one just got moved back to the 20th of this month.

Should I be concerned about not knowing much....or feeling like I don't know enough about how things are going? If TTTS problems occur do they usually happen at a certain time in the pregnancy? My Dr said we would do the next ultrasound at 28 weeks. I guess I am just wondering if this sounds normal or if I should request one sooner.

Thanks,
Darcy

[soontobemomof3]

My Dr. was seeing me every three weeks in the beginning and doing a quick ultrasound to check for heartbeats each time. At 20 weeks he refered me to a peri to do a long ultrasound to check measurements, etc.. Now I am alternanting every two weeks between my OB and the perinatologist. My 2nd peri ultrasound will be April 20th. Go with your gut, I'd ask your Dr. about it if you don't want to wait that long between ultrasounds.
Good Luck...

[Twins babies 2004]

It does all depend on your specific doctor. My doctor did things differently than other doctors did. My first ultrasound was at 18 weeks and that is when I found there were two babies. My doctor then told me he wanted me to quit working at 20 weeks. After that I had another appointment about 4 weeks later and then from there I went to every two weeks for an appointment. I only had about a total of 4 ultrasounds from my doctor throughout my entire pregnancy.
But I do agree, if you are worried or have questions I wouldn't hesitate to ask your doctor.

[mommy0f3]

My first question to you is: are your twins identical? I believe the only risk for TTTS is if they are identical. My girls are identical and I started having weekly US around 28weeks due to some problems. You will start having Non-stress test regularly in the third timester; but other than that really depends on how you and the little ones are doing. The biggest thing is trying not to worry too much. But definately if you feel uncomfortable with they the way they are doing things then talk to them and have them explain their reasoning. I had some of the same similiar problems and end up changing OB's in the middle of my second trimester (moved to a different state); but I was so glad I did. They started doing things very different and detected some problems I was having almost immediatly and I completely believe their quick attentiveness is the only reason my girls made it to 35 weeks and healthy.:D :D :D :D

[mika]

I had several u/s in the first 4 months, but only because I had some potential problems (intermittent bleeding, etc.). Once that cleared up, I had no problems so my OB didn't push extra tests on me until the last 6 weeks or so. I think it depends on the OB and on how your pregnancy is progressing. If there are no signs of problems, a lot of docs won't subject you to the extra stress of test after test after test just to be sure.

But I agree, if you are uncomfortable with the care you are receiving then speak up! Your doc may think he's doing you a favor for your peace of mind when actually he's not. Or he may just be a hands-off doc, in which case (since you just started with him) if you have the opportunity you may want to look for somebody who fits your ideal better.

It's all about what makes you comfortable. Good luck!

[surprisedmom]

Darcy, I agree...go with your gut feelings.
I found out at 8 weeks that I was having twins and I have had an u/s every visit. Of course I am also 39yrs. old. I began seeing a maternal-fetal specialist last week who did a level 2 u/s. Because I am having identical boys.....and am also monochorionic and diamnionic....I will have an u/s every visit. This is the highest risk category for TTTS. Diagnosis is usually made between 16 and 26 weeks, or possibly a little later for the s/s to appear. My regualr ob/gyn has been very cautious and insistent on doing an u/s every visit....to make sure everything is ok. This makes me feel better as well. These are your babies...do not be afraid to ask for another u/s if this would ease your concerns.

Good Luck!

mommyof3,
Were the problems found by looking at the u/s? Did you have any problems yourself that they picked up on related to the TTTS? I'm just wondering if I should be looking for any s/s myself that might suggest a problem.
By the way, I only live approx. 1.5 hours from you:)
Thanks!

[5roman]

I went to a high risk doctor who did only multiple births and was the mother of twins herself. She had required 3rd trimester bedrest (which she had wished she had done herself at the time of her twins), I feel the bedrest helped tremendously.

[mommy0f3]

suprisedmom--the only thing other than the U/S that may have been related was that my smaller twin wasn't moving as much. They were never diganosed with TTTS, we had blood flow problems to our smaller twin, but it never got to a point were they hospitalized me for monitoring; but I did go every week for NST and U/S (starting around 28 weeks). I was hospitalized for contractions though around the same time. They were great and we were able to keep our little ones inside the "incubator" till 35 weeks. :p
Where do you live in NC or VA? I'm from VA but move to NC due being military and being reassigned. Our girls were born in Greenville at Pitt--I can't speak enough great things about all the staff there--wonderful caring people. When are your boys due? My girls were the same as your boys mono/di--it's so cool; but definately worrisome while pg. Just to let you know of a little misconception--just because they are MZ doesn't necessarily mean they will look identical--I think my girls look completely different but most say they look the same.