Third Trimester ultrasounds at KEMH?

[mythreelittlemonkeys]

HI:D
Just wondered does anyone know whether KEMH do third trimester scans as routine? I nervous to ask midwife cos at all my appoints I made to feel silly when ask anything...someone told me that I would get one at 32-34 weeks but so far no mention...I am just about 30 weeks now (my next antenatal is 10th April)...
I really curious to see what bump looks like...as my 19 wk scan was awful done in a suburb UniRadiology place with really basic machine and couldn't really see anything! Hearing tales of 3D scans and people being told what sex baby is...make me feel I really bummed out - also my hubby home in 2 weeks and he missed all my scans so far so would really like one...can you just pay and go somewhere private if KEMH don't do? Or do you have to be referred? I so opting for an obstetrician next time even if go public just cos I kinda get really vague answers from midwives (although they jolly nice) and always leave wishing asked this that or actually got a authorative answer to something!

[jas]

hi georgiem,

I want to know this too, as at my 20 week scan they couldnt see alot as baby was down low and trying to hide, plus i would really like the added assurance that everything is going well, dd was born in hong kong and i got a scan almost every month and it was so good to know that she was healthy and doing well!

I have an appointment on thurs at the birth centre and was going to ask then, and if they say no i am thinking of going to a gp and see if i can get a referral.
Will let you know what they say,
jas

[mythreelittlemonkeys]

thanks Jas - you are a star!!!:smiliedance:
Do you still go to your GP? I have one in Belmont (but we just moved to Kwinana)- but he kinda insinuated that once he referred me to KEMH - that anything pregnancy wise should be done through them...plus he was the person who sent me to UNiRadiology and kinda if I have to be referred want to go to somewhere bit more on the ball... Yeh my bump was hiding too - sitting like a frog! :D
Can't wait to hear what they say to you :)

[Mummy-2-2]

Nope you dont.

12 weeks and 20 is it unless there are probs.

Both of mine had HEAPS of ultrasounds and believe me, you are lucky if you can manage to have just two!!

But like jas said, you can probably get a referral to a private place and pay for it:confused:

Goodluck!!

[Doula Jane]

Hi

I'm afraid I can't advise you on the scans because I don't live in Australia yet...and don't know how things work out there, but......I'm a Doula and feel very strongly about Mum's being in control of their pregnancy and birth. If you're made to feel silly if you ask anything then you need to either be more assertive and make sure you get comprehensive answers, or, change your midwife. She should be supporting you, and answering any questions you ask, in full, and with compassion. It might be an idea to list your questions before you go, and make sure that you ask them. If you're not happy with the answer, tell her and give her the opportunity to answer things more fully.

I'm surprised that you're having that problem with midvives - they tend to be much more respectful and empathetic towards Mums than OB's. What you really need to think about is how you're going to feel on the day you give birth, with someone in attendance that you really don't have confidence in. That can affect your whole labour, delivery and post partum period.......

Good luck with your precious newborn!

Doula Jane

[tink]

I was at the birth centre at King Edward and we really wanted a 3rd trimester scan. We asked and asked, but they just wouldn't do it. We went to our GP and asked there too, but she wouldn't refer us either :( I ended up 12 days overdue, so at 10 days over I got one! It was very quick though and the woman wasn't at all interested in looking at anything we wanted to see.

[JoshienEmmiesmummy]

as far as i know unless needed for whatever reason your 20 weeks scan is your last. :)

[Rhoxie]

My I had my first two at king eddie - If you go through the midwife clinic you only get 12 & 20 weeks. If you do shared care with your GP you get whatever your gp wants you to have. (I've done it both ways).

[Mum2Tyla]

Hi,
I was only given a third one because I was 10days overdue otherwise you don't get one unless they are worried about the baby I think. I am unsure as to whether you can just go to an ultrasonograhper and pay to have one.
Kelly

[Mamaduke]

I'm surprised that you're having that problem with midvives - they tend to be much more respectful and empathetic towards Mums than OB's.
That is a huge generalisation...spoken like a true doula though!
I've met some pathetic midwives...and yet, the ob's that I've come into contact with (be it either personally or through friends) have always been very respectful and empathetic towards the mums and have conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism and understanding.

[JnA]

I had a proper scan at 7,9,12 and 21 weeks. But my Obst also had a little ulatrasound machine in his consulting room, so every time I went to see him we would have a bit of a look, which was fabulous. I also went to a public hospital, but with an Obst and it was the best thing IMO.

I thought you could pay for a scan if you wanted one, without a referral... but I could be wrong. Best of luck with the rest of the pregnancy!

[Doula Jane]

That is a huge generalisation...spoken like a true doula though!
I've met some pathetic midwives...and yet, the ob's that I've come into contact with (be it either personally or through friends) have always been very respectful and empathetic towards the mums and have conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism and understanding.

My "generalisation" as you call it is based on my experiences in the maternity field. I will re-phrase and say that the midwives I have encountered have always been much more respectful and understanding of Mum's needs and wishes.

I'm not sure what the "spoken like a true doula" means? Perhaps you could elaborate? I also wonder if your experiences with midwives and OB's are as extensive as most doulas? My experiences here in the US are as I said - midwives are definitely more "in tune" with Mum's-to-be than the majority of OB's. Obviously there must be a difference between the US and Australia, in attitude and maternity care. I truly hope that this is the case.

I'm glad to hear that your experiences with OB's have been so positive - that's very reassuring. I wonder why you appear to feel negative about Doulas?

Doula Jane

[dace101]

In my experience, hospital midwives are vastly different to independent midwives. Any "vagueness" may be merely trying to protect themselves from legal action (just as doctors do). I haven't had this problem with independent midwives at all (although I too am making a generalisation - which is why it is so important to meet and be compatable with anyone working as part of your birth team). Hospital midwives work in shifts like the rest of the hospital staff, so you may never see the same midwife twice through your whole pregnancy, and you get whoever is there to help you give birth.

I also want to point out that it has also been my experience that OB's have been "respectful" and "empathetic" during prenatal visits, BUT once the birth day comes they want you flat on your back and don't like to be 'challenged' with any differences of opinion (thinking they know your body better than you do). Again, I am speaking in general terms, but with good reason, because in my experience these kinds of obstetricians far outweigh the ones who will truly follow the labouring womans lead, trusting her body and the birthing process, letting her manage her own labour and birth.

In response to the original poster, the closer you get to your due date the harder it can be to define any physical characteristics, as the baby is so 'squished' in there and becomming larger. Ultrasounds are extremely overused today. I know it can be hard to wait, but it won't be much longer until you are holding your precious bundle of joy in your arms! :hugs: Good luck with your birth, I wish you a wonderfully positive experience!

[Mamaduke]

My "generalisation" as you call it is based on my experiences in the maternity field. I will re-phrase and say that the midwives I have encountered have always been much more respectful and understanding of Mum's needs and wishes.

I'm not sure what the "spoken like a true doula" means? Perhaps you could elaborate? I also wonder if your experiences with midwives and OB's are as extensive as most doulas? My experiences here in the US are as I said - midwives are definitely more "in tune" with Mum's-to-be than the majority of OB's. Obviously there must be a difference between the US and Australia, in attitude and maternity care. I truly hope that this is the case.

I'm glad to hear that your experiences with OB's have been so positive - that's very reassuring. I wonder why you appear to feel negative about Doulas?

Doula Jane

There seems to be a definate 'us vs them' attitude when it comes to doulas and obstetricians.
I asked my obstetrician what he thought of doulas and he said that anything that makes mum more comfortable or reassured is a wonderful thing, yet from the comments I've heard from doulas, they seem to have a very negative attitude towards obstetricians and put them down at every given opportunity.
Sometimes things do go wrong in childbirth, and you cannot give a guarantee that every mum will be able to have a vaginal birth without complications.
The only negative feelings I have about doulas are from the things I've heard doulas say regarding obstetricians. Obstetricians make it their life's work to bring babies into this world safely. In my opinion, they are exceptionally gifted people with a very difficult job and are sometimes put into 'damned if you do, damned if you don't' situations...wanting to give mum the birth she wants but needing to deliver a baby in the safest way possible, and sometimes the two can't go together.
I think that if everyone (doulas, obstetricians, midwives) worked together instead of competing for the title of 'who knows better', and treat each other with the respect that each profession deserves, we'll have a better environment for the mums & therefore the babies coming into this world.

[Mummy-2-2]

I agree that hospital midwives are so TOTALLY different to independant ones.

The midwives at Kind Eddie didnt care that I couldnt walk, was in serious pain and therefore couldnt look after my one year old. They kept telling me to deal with it, women deal with pregnancy every day. (even the dr was more sympathetic)

However, I know a lot of women who have had homebirths and their midwives have been FANTASTIC, and they are still raving about them months and years later.

I think the ob/midwife/doula thing can be likened to the dr/nurse thing, they do different jobs, but think that the other is trying to one up them and each thinks they are "better".

imo

[Notchalk]

I think your experiences with these differnt professions depends mostly on the personality of the individual. I've met lovely and horrid midwives and obs. (I've never met a doula yet, though!). The bottom line is they both (generally) want what is best for mums and babies.

Obs are more about getting the baby out safely and their expertise is essential in high-risk cases. However, Midwives are especially trained in the normal (while recognising the abnormal and seeking appropriate assistance as needed), and are more about helping a woman through a normal phase of their lives.

Midwife means "With Woman", while Obstetrician is taken from the Latin obstare, "to stand by") and is the surgical specialty dealing with the care of a woman and her offspring during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium. Note the word surgical.

Anyway, there is no medical need for a 3rd trimester scan unless the 20 week scan showed an abnormality that needs re-checking, such as a low lying placenta. Too many things have been 'diagnosed' via ultrasound only to not exist at birth, and vice versa. A high rate of ultrasounds during pregnancy has been associated with more left handedness in male babies - what other brain damage is occuring?

Jo

[mythreelittlemonkeys]

okay...seems somehow my innocent little question and probably lack of confidence/experience when going to antenatal clinic sparked huuuuuge somewhat heated/but interesting discussion on doulas and obs and midwifes...
Think I just nervous and 1st time mummy and prob should be more assertive like would be about anything else and get answer to what i ask...:rolleyes: