first sonogram question

I know that I already posted here recently but I have a question.

I called my OB about my first appointment today and asked about my first sonogram. She said that they will not give me one until Im PAST 20 weeks. Is this normal?

I know Im moody and hormonal but as soon as I got off the phone I broke down crying. I mean Im a nurse but all my OB is in theory, and I learned something COMPLETELY different from what she was telling me.

I just feel frustrated, and I asked if there was any way possible I could get one sooner, we would like to see the heartbeat, hear the heartbeat and know the sex. She LAUGHED at me and said why do you want sonogram?

I told her because I like to SEE whats going on. I just feel really frustrated right now, and being in Korea I have NO options. =( Is this normal, am I just over reacting?

I know here in Australia and especially where i live if the woman has no history of complications (so no miscarriages, still births or birth defects in the family) then they generally will have you booked in for the 20 week scan (which is the morph scan) but if a woman is to request a scan then they are given a referral i do not know of any woman who has been declined.

How old are you? I know here, unless you're over 35, normally you only have 1 scan at 20 weeks. If you're over 35 or have other risk factors, you may have a 12 week NT scan at your own cost. If you have other risk factors, then you may be eligible for other scans. Normally, only IVF patients get an earlier scan at about 6-7 weeks to confirm viability.

Are you paying privately or going through a public system?

You may want to research ultrasound. Dr Sarah Buckley has written some interesting things about it. I'm not a fan of using sonic technology on a developing fetus just to peek, and would prefer to avoid scans. Which is ironic, as due to our history, we'll be having more than normal in a future pregnancy.

Scans at 12 & 20 week is the norm, unless you have complications as L&B mentioned.