Halifax Mother Calls for Improved Ultrasound Access After Private Clinic Reveals Twin Pregnancy

Introduction

A Halifax mother-to-be, Taija Howard, has raised concerns about the delays in scheduling pregnancy ultrasounds in Nova Scotia, prompting her to seek private care. Her experience highlights the challenges many expectant parents face, including long wait times for essential medical services. As Megan King reports, these delays can lead to increased anxiety during a critical period when parents need reassurance.

The Discovery

Taija Howard would have remained unaware of her twin pregnancy if she hadn’t opted for a private ultrasound. At around seven or eight weeks pregnant, her family doctor referred her for an ultrasound at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax. However, she never received a call to schedule the appointment.

Concerned about the lack of information and seeking peace of mind before a trip, Howard decided to visit a private clinic towards the end of her first trimester. There, she discovered she was expecting twins. “Craziest 10 minutes of my life,” she recalled.

Without the private ultrasound, Howard wouldn’t have known about her twin pregnancy until her next OBGYN appointment at 20 weeks, over four months into her pregnancy. “So now we get to celebrate and be happy about it, rather than scared or worried about the unknowns,” she said.

The Current Situation

Howard, already a mother to an 18-month-old, had no issues getting hospital ultrasounds during her previous pregnancy. However, the current delays have left her and many other expectant parents in a difficult situation. Preparing for the arrival of twins, Howard is now looking for a larger home.

Recommended Ultrasound Timing

Dr. Heather Scott, head of the IWK Health Centre’s obstetrics division, recommends an ultrasound in the first trimester, around eight weeks, for the most accurate dating. This “dating” ultrasound provides an early assessment of the pregnancy, which is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

However, the IWK Health Centre is currently struggling to keep up with these recommended timelines due to a shortage of ultrasound sonographers. “There are some resource issues,” Dr. Scott explained. A sudden loss of five sonographers has led to a “critical” shortage, causing significant delays in scheduling timely dating ultrasounds.

Source: https://globalnews.ca/news/10452882/ns-mom-ultrasound-access-private-provider/

Impact on Expectant Parents

Dr. Scott acknowledges that these delays are likely causing anxiety among pregnant individuals. “Depending on when the request has gone in for the ultrasound, they may actually not be reaching the target of having it done in the appropriate time frame,” she said.

Janae Brothers from Mommy & Me Ultrasounds, a private clinic in Bedford, noted an increase in first-time moms and those in their first trimester seeking their services due to delays in the public healthcare system. “Stress is really not great for pregnancies, so we really do feel grateful that we’re able to let moms hear the heartbeat, see that baby is moving, looking OK,” she said.

Concerns About Private Ultrasounds

While private clinics offer a solution for some, Dr. Scott expressed concerns about the quality of care and accuracy of information provided by these facilities. “It’s also not keeping with our universal health care. This should be a service that is provided and is covered by our health-care system,” she said. She emphasized that expectant parents should not feel compelled to seek private care for essential medical services.

Addressing the Shortage

The IWK Health Centre is actively working to increase the number of ultrasound sonographers, but shortages persist across the province. In the meantime, Howard’s doctor has submitted another referral to the IWK for further testing now that her twin pregnancy has been confirmed.

Conclusion

Howard feels fortunate to have a supportive family, a flexible job, and a family doctor, which have helped her navigate the challenges of her pregnancy. However, she is deeply concerned about the impact of ultrasound delays on other expectant parents, particularly those without a family doctor or the financial means to access private care. “To go halfway through a pregnancy with no reassurance is very, very frightening,” she said.

This situation underscores the urgent need for improved access to timely ultrasounds and better support for expectant parents in Nova Scotia.