Cravings, nausea, and the constant need to pee are just some of the symptoms that tell you something is going on in your body when you are pregnant. However, the pregnancy may still not feel entirely real until you get the first peek of your baby. The providers at Capital Women’s Care can help you achieve this through a prenatal ultrasound. Your curiosity and anxiety will be satisfied after the ultrasound. However, it is also necessary to go for a prenatal ultrasound for various reasons, such as checking your baby’s health. There is more about this practice you need to learn, and here is the information.
First of All, what is it?
Today, technological advancements have made almost everything simple. You can now observe fetal development in your womb through an ultrasound. This is a soundwave technology that creates images to show you what is going on inside. When you go for the exercise, your provider may place a transducer in your vagina or on top of your belly. The device emits a sound wave that bounces off your baby’s bones, fluids, and tissues. It picks the echoes, translating them into images, and displays them on a screen.
Who should go for an Ultrasound?
Generally, all women should go for an ultrasound at some point during the pregnancy. Experts recommend that every woman get at least one ultrasound between their 18th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy. However, the exact time to get your first ultrasound may vary depending on several factors. Besides, you might have additional ultrasounds depending on your provider’s recommendations.
Possible Ultrasound Periods
You might have different ultrasounds depending on several factors such as chronic complications and your baby’s health. These include:
First-trimester Ultrasound
This is the earliest ultrasound you can get, mainly between the 6th and the 9th week of your pregnancy. However, it can be scheduled any time before the 14th week. Although this ultrasound is standard, your provider can detect the fetal heartbeat and observe the gestation sac. It is mainly done to:
· Confirm your estimated due date
· Confirm that the pregnancy is in the uterus, thereby ruling out ectopic pregnancy
· Determine if you are carrying multiples
Second-trimester Ultrasound
This is when you get a detailed anatomy scan of your pregnancy, particularly between the 18th and 22nd week of your pregnancy. This may be called level two ultrasound. This ultrasound is usually reassuring and fun to watch. It helps your provider to assess the overall health of your baby by enabling:
· Measurement of the baby’s size and showing all significant organs
· Evaluation of the amount of the amniotic fluid to ensure the level is normal
· Verification of the placenta’s position
· Identifying the sex of the baby
Additional Ultrasound
Your provider may also recommend an additional ultrasound during your pregnancy for various reasons, including:
· You experience spotting during your pregnancy
· To observe the development of multiples
· To assess your risks for preterm labor
· To examine the size of your baby to determine the best delivery method
· To determine the position of your baby before birth
What to Expect for Your First Ultrasound
When going for your first ultrasound, it would be good to understand that two types of ultrasounds can be used. Your provider may recommend a transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound. However, both scans take about 20 minutes and are safe without pain. The type you get depends on how far you are with your pregnancy.
If you are pregnant, do not wait any longer to know what is happening within you. Reach out to your provider today and learn more about ultrasound.