DarlingBudsOfMay, it's not uncommon for women to spot. I remember I spotted when I was about 8 weeks along. When I had an ultrasound, it showed that it was the bub's sac pressing on a small blood vessel thus caused the spotting. It isn't true that you have to wait until 20 weeks to have a scan. Depending on your Ob, when I spotted, my Ob wrote a requisition for me to have an ultrasound right away to make sure that I haven't lost my baby. I am 18 weeks tomorrow and already had 3 ultrasounds. Usually, many women get an ultrasound at week 12 (to see if they bub is close to the estimated gestational age), one around week 20 (to check for placenta and bub), and one in the last trimester. To me, it sounds like your Ob isn't too caring about his/her parents. Maybe you should consider finding yourself a new Ob or someone you could rely especially when you are experiencing some difficulties. Also, the bub's heartbeat could be heard by Doppler around week 10-12 at your doctor's office. Hope everything goes well for you & welcome to BB!

Carmen