[Bubba_Mumma]

Hi All,


I am a newbie here. Just had a question for those who have been there and done this before...is it ok to take my 16 month old to hospital appointments and ultrasounds?

DS is very energetic to say the least and would prefer to leave him at home but being a SAHM my babysitting options are pretty limited to a MIL who is unreliable or occasional care which I have never used before.

Also, any else find the whole change in antenatal schedule a bit strange? When I had DS my first appointment at hospital was at 10-12 weeks, this time around is not until 17 weeks...guess thats public hospitals though.

Thanks in advance for any advice

xx



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Me 25

DP 26

DS 16months

D? Due 27/07/13


This post has been edited by Bubba_Mumma: 12/12/2012, 12:43 PM

[lozoodle]

I don't belong in this group but I take my girls with me to all my antenatal check ups at the hospital, its not a problem.

I did organise babysitting for ultrasounds and my booking in appointment, simply because they are such long appointments. But for general antenatal checks I just took them with me.

I think it might depend where you go re first appointment. I am going public and first appt was 14 weeks, but each hospital may be different. Its not really a big deal though so don't worry

I don't belong in this group but I take my girls with me to all my antenatal check ups at the hospital, its not a problem.

I did organise babysitting for ultrasounds and my booking in appointment, simply because they are such long appointments. But for general antenatal checks I just took them with me.

I think it might depend where you go re first appointment. I am going public and first appt was 14 weeks, but each hospital may be different. Its not really a big deal though so don't worry

[Beancat]

Wow first appointment seems so late, which state are you in?

I dont belong in this group either, but can answer your question. yes take your toddler, maybe take an activity or toy that can amuse them during the scan, but it is totally fine for them to be there. I have been having scans since 6 weeks (have had about 6 now) and take both of my kids to all of them

[HeartMyBoys]

I'll have my 3 year old with me for my ultrasound tomorrow, and most likely all my hospital appointments. Luckily my eldest will be starting school next year, otherwise i'd have both with me. All my relatives live in another state.
My trick is lollipops! I have several in my bag and when i need the kids to be quite or still.........a lollipop works every time lol

[Bubba_Mumma]

Good idea HeartMyBoys bribery always works with toddlers lol

BeanCat I thought it was quite late too..but apparently that is the norm nowadays?? Im in NSW and going to Nepean Public, which can get really busy so shouldnt really be suprised thats the first appointment they had.

Dr warned me that I would b lucky to get in for a Nuchal Scan in the correct timeframe and said some Mums have had to go private and pay $200 for ultrasound elsewhere cos hospital had no appointments when they were between 11 and 13+6.... I guess lots of ladies must be due in June/July 2013 in my area?

[riverkirst]

I take both my 18month old and my 4 year old to antenatal and scans the drs don't seem to mind and mine have a toy box /play area for the kids. If your not sure ask

[libbylu]

My first public hospital appointment wasn't until 17 weeks, despite my GP sending off the referral and forms at 5 weeks.....they are just so busy.
You only have one or two ultrasounds through the pregnancy and they are very long - particularly the 19 week one....I wouldn't do it with a toddler unless your DH is there too - which he probably should be if at all possible, as that's where there is the potential for bad news....
Despite being public our hospital doesn't do any scans (unless you are high risk perhaps) and both the 12 and 19 week scans have to be done privately The place I went had no toys and the rooms were really small. Having a toddler there would have been a nightmare....if your DH can't come then I would ask a girlfriend to come along.
Regular appointments it would be fine to have a toddler.

[duck-o-lah]

I took DS (3.5) to my 20w US so he could see the baby. It was really nice, but I had to keep one eye on him and one eye on the US. It would have been nice to be able to focus my attention more on the US.

I think the only potential issue could be if you were trying to have a serious discussion about any aspect of your pregnancy/birth and you couldn't concentrate 100% so make sure you take something along that will keep your little guy entertained

[No girls here]

Where I got my ultrasound done they specifically asked not to bring kids. I took them to all other appointments though.

[wallofdodo]

I think the only potential issue could be if you were trying to have a serious discussion about any aspect of your pregnancy/birth and you couldn't concentrate 100% so make sure you take something along that will keep your little guy entertained

This happened to me. It is difficult to concentrate, when you need to. So we managed to get care for subsequent scans. He did come to a few other appointments though, just not any scans.

Try him with the occasional care.