What Should I Expect During a Pregnancy Ultrasound?
Pregnancy ultrasounds are a routine part of prenatal care, providing valuable information about the health and development of your baby. Whether you're a first-time mom or an experienced parent, you might be wondering what to expect during a pregnancy ultrasound. This article will help you understand the process and feel prepared for your upcoming ultrasound during pregnancy.
We at Life Forward are here to help during your pregnancy so you are fully informed about your reproductive health and can get the care you need. We have experienced Client Educators who are trained, willing to listen, and provide a safe and neutral environment to help you with whatever you need.
We want you to feel heard and understood as you share intimate thoughts and feelings. We also have a team of medical professionals focusing on women’s health and well-being that you can talk to and ask questions regarding your body and your reproductive health. Please reach out to Life Forward to get started today! In order to help you stay informed and prepared during your pregnancy, we’ll share important information about what you can expect during a pregnancy ultrasound.
What Is an Ultrasound During Pregnancy?
An ultrasound during pregnancy is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your baby, placenta, uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. These images help healthcare providers monitor your baby's growth, check for any potential complications, and determine the baby's due date.
When Are Ultrasounds Performed During Pregnancy?
There are typically two main ultrasounds during pregnancy:
First-trimester ultrasound: Often referred to as the "dating ultrasound," this scan is performed between 6 and 10 weeks of pregnancy. It is used to help determine if you’re pregnant, establish the due date, and ensure the fetus is developing properly.
First-trimester ultrasounds are most often done transvaginally, with the transducer inserted into the vagina. This method provides a closer, more detailed view of the uterus and the developing fetus, allowing for a more thorough examination. During the first trimester, a transvaginal ultrasound can determine if you are pregnant, specify how far along your pregnancy is, monitor your baby’s heartbeat, identify warning signs of a miscarriage or early delivery, or identify conditions that will impact your pregnancy plan, like placenta previa.Second-trimester ultrasound: Also known as the "anatomy scan," this ultrasound takes place between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. It is used to examine the baby's anatomy, determine the baby's gender (if desired), and assess the placenta, amniotic fluid, and uterus.
Additional ultrasounds may be recommended based on your specific needs, medical history, or if there are concerns about the baby's growth and development.
Preparing for Your Pregnancy Ultrasound
To help you feel prepared for your pregnancy ultrasound, follow these steps:
Dress appropriately: Since this type of ultrasound involves the insertion of a probe into your vagina, you might find it more comfortable to wear two-piece clothing, such as a separate top and bottoms, which will allow for easy undressing from the waist down.
Ask questions: If you're uncertain about any aspect of the transvaginal ultrasound, don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider or the sonographer. They are there to assist and provide information to make you feel more at ease.
What To Expect During a Transvaginal Ultrasound
During the transvaginal ultrasound, you can expect the following:
Preparation: You'll be asked to undress from the waist down and lie down on an exam table, with your feet in stirrups similar to a gynecological exam.
Transducer insertion: An ultrasound probe, covered with a disposable protective sheath and a small amount of sterile lubricant, will be gently inserted into your vagina. The probe is typically smaller than the speculum used during a Pap smear.
Scanning: The sonographer will gently maneuver the transducer within your vagina to capture images of your baby, uterus, and placenta. You might feel some pressure, but it shouldn't be painful.
Baby measurements: The sonographer will measure your baby's size and growth, helping to determine the due date and monitor development.
Screening for complications: The sonographer will also check for potential issues, such as ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage signs, or conditions affecting the cervix. In later stages, conditions like placenta previa can be observed.
Explanation of findings: Throughout the exam, the sonographer will explain what they're seeing and point out various aspects of your baby's anatomy. Please note, as this is often done in the early stages of pregnancy, the baby's gender will likely not be discernible.
Transvaginal ultrasounds are a key part of early prenatal care, providing detailed information about the pregnancy and ensuring the health of both mother and baby.
After the Pregnancy Ultrasound
Once the ultrasound is complete, your healthcare provider will discuss the results with
you. They will review any findings and address any concerns that may have arisen during the ultrasound. The ultrasound images or a report will be added to your prenatal record.
Potential Limitations of Ultrasounds During Pregnancy
While ultrasounds during pregnancy are generally considered safe and are a routine part of prenatal care, they do have some limitations. The quality of the images can be affected by various factors, including the baby's position, the mother's body type and positioning, and the amount of amniotic fluid.
Also, it's important to remember that while ultrasounds are excellent at detecting many fetal abnormalities and conditions, they cannot detect all potential issues or complications. If your healthcare provider has any concerns, they might recommend further testing or refer you to a specialist.
Navigating Your Pregnancy Ultrasound
Understanding what to expect during an ultrasound can help alleviate any worries you may have about this part of your pregnancy journey. Pregnancy ultrasounds are a valuable tool for monitoring your baby's health and development, providing you with the reassurance and joy of seeing your baby grow. By following the steps mentioned in this guide, you can be prepared and informed when going in for your pregnancy ultrasound.
Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and your healthcare provider is the best source of information when it comes to any concerns or questions you may have about ultrasounds during pregnancy. Don't hesitate to reach out to them to ensure you have the most personalized and comprehensive prenatal care.
Life Forward has trained professionals who can provide support and help you navigate through your situation. The ultrasounds we perform at our clinics are limited and do not assess some of the factors listed above, but we can refer you to other community resources that can further help with your specific needs. Reach out to us today to learn more!
How Life Forward Can Help
At Life Forward, we are here to help women in the Cincinnati area who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant. In addition to consultations, pregnancy testing, and ultrasounds, we offer other educational and supportive services—as well as referrals to other community resources—at no cost to you.
Our staff of trained Client Educators and medical professionals will assist you and connect you to the resources and help you need. These resources can help you be more prepared during your pregnancy and make the best decision for yourself. Learn more about the services we offer or call or text us at 513.961.7777 to schedule an appointment today!