Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist? update with a follow up ?

I asked my Dr (who has experience with high risk and twin deliveries)if I need to see a MFM or pn and he said no not unless there are complications.
Everything has been perfect so far but he honestly just takes a quick look at the sonos and says everything looks good. When I asked if I need specific measurements to make sure they're growing at the right pace he said he knows by looking and can see they are both the same size... then he said not to worry because as time goes on he will be measuring more than I can stand but for now to relax.
Also, he doesnt check cervix until 20w... unless Im concerned... but I have no idea when to be concerned.. is it something I can feel?
I've been going to this Dr for years and always feel sooo comfortable with him. Am I just being overly cautious? Do you think its necessary to see a MFM? DH thinks i should listen to the dr.. but I have to ask the experts..
thoughts?
TIA!!

Message edited 4/25/2012 9:14:33 PM.

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist?

I did see an mfm. before 20 weeks they only did growth sonos. and they did say that there is really nothing that could be done at that point anyway. After 20 or 22 weeks (i dont remember) I was seen every 2 weeks for an ffn test, cervix check, fetal monitor and contraction monitor(its not called that, but I forgot what it is called. forgive me, I dont sleep much these days!)

Everything was going great!! Thank goodness I was monitored so closely though. They had a baseline established already when things were just ok, and then not good. because they monitored me so closely I was able to get the steroid shots in time and my babies did not need breathing assistance being born at 30 weeks.

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist?

I did not technically se a perinatologist

My doctor always did a sono when i had a check up and did measurements.

But at 12 (ultrascreen), 16, 20 (level 2), 24, 28, 32 weeks i had sonograms at the hospital and they have better equipment and perinatologists that review it -

but my ob was the one in charge

but if your doctor has a good enough ultra sound for a level 2 then you should be fine unless something comes up

oh i had my twins at exactly 36 weeks so i did not make it to that growth sonongram

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist?

I wasnt supposed to ever see one except I started having issues at 24 weeks with a shortened cervix so I did see one a couple of times.

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist?

I'm not seeing one, BUT I do go to madonna perinatlogist for growth sono since there's office location and hours are more convenient for me. But I just have a sono there, I don't meet with a MFM.

I trust my OB when he tells me they have the experience to handle a twin pregnancy, unless something develops. There's so many appointments, so I feel comfortable.

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist?-follow up ?

thanks girls!!!

For those with cervix issues, did you feel anything.. or did you not know until you were checked?

Thanks again!!

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist? update with a follow up ?

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist? update with a follow up ?

See someone who will check your cervix.

I had a short cervix at 10 weeks. I didn't feel anything.

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist? update with a follow up ?

I didnt know till I was checked. In factI was so sure that the first week of bed rest was such a success, I thought it would have lengthened. It didnt it shortened more and the bed rest became more severe!!!

Message edited 4/25/2012 10:38:10 PM.

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist? update with a follow up ?

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist? update with a follow up ?

Posted by Journey33

Posted by Champ

I didnt know till I was checked. In factI was so sure that the first week of bed rest was such a success, I thought it would have lengthened. It didnt it shortened more and the bed rest became more severe!!!

Thanks!! I guess Ill ask to be checked at my next sono which is in 2 weeks.

Message edited 4/26/2012 6:50:38 AM.

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist? update with a follow up ?

Posted by Champ

Posted by Journey33

Posted by Champ

I didnt know till I was checked. In factI was so sure that the first week of bed rest was such a success, I thought it would have lengthened. It didnt it shortened more and the bed rest became more severe!!!

Thanks!! I guess Ill ask to be checked at my next sono which is in 2 weeks.

how many weeks are you? if you are not over 20, I would not worry about having your cervix checked. unless your dr is concerned.

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist? update with a follow up ?

They weren't planning to send me to one until I had issues. Turns out I also have some clotting issues that can affect the placentas so I needed to be followed. I did read though that twin pregnancies get seen once a month whereas singles don't go as often.

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist? update with a follow up ?

They will do a quick check of the cervix during your sonos- your next one will probably be 20 weeks. And then you will have growth sonos/cervix checks every 4 weeks.

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist? update with a follow up ?

I had a perinatologist along with my regular OB througout my pregnancy. However I had babies that shared the same placenta. I got a ton of growth sonograms, stress tests, doppler and others I don't recall. I started having issues around 32 week or so and they took the babies at 36 weeks.

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist? update with a follow up ?

I went to a peri as well as my OB. My peri did all the sonos and cervix checks. My cervix was checked monthly in the beginning. Until 32 weeks then they stopped checking. They said even if it did shorten at that time there was nothing they could really do.

But anyway, I did see both and was happy I did.

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist? update with a follow up ?

I know all Drs are different, but thats odd that they don't check your cervix. At my last appointment, they made me get undressed because they do an internal to check the cervix until 26 weeks (I think) then do the external to see the babies.

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist? update with a follow up ?

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist? update with a follow up ?

I saw a perinatologist throughout my pregnancy. My OB said they would be able to take/keep more accurate measurements and comparison data. They found that my DD wasn't adequately growing, during the last month. So, I went once/week for them to check , up until I delivered.

I don't think all OBs recommend it, but I think it was very helpful.

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist? update with a follow up ?

Message edited 5/5/2012 10:22:12 PM.

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist? update with a follow up ?

Thanks everyone! I just wanted to update everyone and tell you that I did go back to my dr and I asked about a MFM/pn and he said they do all the adequate testing in their office (bc they're experienced with twin pregnancies and high risk) he said he would onlysend me to a MFM/pn if there were complications. I go in on thursday again so they will check my cervix as well. Ill keep everyone posted

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist? update with a follow up ?

Posted by Journey33

Thanks everyone! I just wanted to update everyone and tell you that I did go back to my dr and I asked about a MFM/pn and he said they do all the adequate testing in their office (bc they're experienced with twin pregnancies and high risk) he said he would onlysend me to a MFM/pn if there were complications. I go in on thursday again so they will check my cervix as well. Ill keep everyone posted

Re: Do I have to see a MFM/perinatologist? update with a follow up ?