Plus Size and Pregnant

Frequent ultrasounds due to BMI?

Hello mommas. I am 23 weeks 5 days with me third boy. I am concerned because this ultrasound place wants to do frequent ultrasounds (every four weeks) just because of my BMI. I am 5'2" and 233. I have only gained 4 lbs.

Baby looked absolutely fine when Iwent in and I've never been suggested this with any of my kids. I don't want frequent ultrasounds so I think I'm going to tell them no.
However, how many of you guys have been told this? I'm pretty upset about it and feel like it's unnecessary unsafe and will just bring them in more money. Thoughts? Thanks

comments (16)

  • I'm 22 wks. Starting at my 24 wk appt my Dr is going to do scans every 4 wks to keep track of baby growth. Since I have a lot of abdominal fat it's difficult to get an accurate fundal height measurement. I'm fine with it, but it's my Dr doing it and I totally trust her.
  • My first doctor i had with my son was paranoid that i waas going to have something wrong with me. She labeled me with GD, and high blood pressure, and heart problems on my very first doctor visit..with out doing any testing. So she started me out going every 2 weeks and had an ultrasound every month. Then i switched doctors and he treated me like a normal human. I was 328lb and 5'7 I had no GD, High blood pressure or heart problems at all.

  • It's the birth center with a midwife. I had a midwife at the hospital at the same weight and never had any issues. She is new too so I'm trying not to be too frustrated. Everything I've read is that frequent scans are often unnecessary. I know they can get an accurate fundal height, I can feel it.
    Plus scans are often wrong about weight and I will not let them induce me for "big baby" it's crap. I think that's why I'm so frustrated. Everything is fine so why are we ordering more tests?
  • I have one every 2weeks because of my cervix they wouldn't do it if it wasn't safe it'll be fine. Gives me a peace of mind seeing my baby.
  • Nope, my doctor not midwife has requested more scans.
    They had no issues getting the measurements and pictures they needed of baby. I'm over 250 and 5'7.
    Also going to a birth center.
  • I wouldn't do it if there's no solid medical reason for monitoring you so closely. There's no reason they should assume there's something wrong with you or the baby simply because of your weight and without testing you first.

    I'm almost 31 weeks and have only had two ultrasounds. I was 260 when I got pregnant and 5'8". I can only see myself having one more, if the doctor calls for it. Anything else would be overkill and just a reason for them to squeeze me for money. Not having that.

  • My doctor hasn't worried in the slightest throughout my pregnancy about the baby in regards to my weight. I was about 252lbs starting and I'm 5'4, at 36 weeks I'm now about 262lbs. As long as all your blood tests have been normal and your blood pressure is good at each check I don't see why extra ultrasounds would be necessary.
  • ShaylaT said:
    I have one every 2weeks because of my cervix they wouldn't do it if it…
    Same here, I have an ultrasound every 2 weeks due to my cervix as well. I have issues yet just a precautionary measure.
  • Hey, I am a FTM. I had some minor cramping and bleeding in the early stages so I'm not sure if that's the reason why I go for scans every 4 weeks. Also, when I went for my anatomy scan my baby was not cooperating at all and they were unable to get the pictures and measurements that they need, so I had to go back two more times following the anatomy scan.
  • I'm 24 wk prego with my second. My starting weight was 267 with this one. 235 with first one. I'm 5'4". I did not have extra scans for either of mine. Different doctors, different states. All of my tests were normal, so no reason for additional scans.