A pregnancy ultrasound is an important part of prenatal care. It uses sound waves to create images of your developing baby in your uterus. Ultrasound scans can help health professionals to estimate how far along your pregnancy is, check your baby’s growth and assess some aspects of your baby’s development.
If you have had previous pregnancies or this is your first, knowing what to expect can help you to feel more prepared for your scan.
What Is An Ultrasound During Pregnancy
Pregnancy Ultrasound A pregnancy ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the baby, placenta and uterus. It does not use ionising radiation such as X-rays.
Ultrasound scans are generally very safe when performed by trained professionals and for appropriate medical reasons.
Depending on your stage of pregnancy and clinical needs, your healthcare professional may recommend an abdominal scan or a transvaginal ultrasound, which involves a small probe inserted into the vagina.
When Are Ultrasounds Performed in Pregnancy?
When you have your scan will depend on your medical needs and local guidelines for prenatal care.
Ultrasound in First Trimester
If there is any doubt about the dates of the pregnancy, pain or bleeding or any concerns about the pregnancy an early scan may be offered.
It can be used to determine whether the pregnancy is in the uterus, to estimate gestational age and to assess early development. If the scan is done very early, it may be too early to see all the structures that are expected and a repeat scan might be needed.
First-Trimester Screening
Healthcare providers may offer a screening assessment and ultrasound between weeks 11 and 14 of pregnancy to help date the pregnancy.
Anatomy Scan at Mid-Pregnancy
Usually, a detailed scan is offered between 18 and 22 weeks. It looks at the baby’s anatomy including the brain, spine, heart, kidneys, limbs and other structures that can be seen at this stage.
It also checks the placenta. It might look at how much amniotic fluid is there.
Additional scans may be recommended if your healthcare professional needs to monitor growth, placental position or another concern.
What Happens during a Pregnancy Sonogram?
For an abdominal scan you will usually be asked to lie on an examination table. The sonographer will apply a water-based gel to your abdomen and move a handheld device, called a transducer, over your skin.
The machine shoots sound waves into your body and listens to the echoes to make pictures on a screen.
You may be asked to empty your bladder before a transvaginal scan. To get clearer images, especially during early pregnancy, the covered probe is gently inserted into the vagina.
Most scans don’t hurt at all but you might feel a little pressure. It usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the type of scan and how clearly the baby can be seen.
What Should You Prepare?
How you prepare will depend on the scan and what your clinic advises.
- Ask if you have a full or empty bladder.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to your abdomen.
- Bring your appointment information and any pertinent medical records.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re nervous or unsure.
Some ultrasounds take longer or need to be rescheduled if the baby is positioned in a way that makes it challenging to get certain views.
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Can an Ultrasound Tell You Your Baby’s Sex?
Sometimes. The sex of the baby may be visible during a mid-pregnancy scan, depending on the baby’s position, the quality of the image and local policies. But the anatomy scan is not performed to determine the sex and sometimes it cannot be confirmed.
Ultrasound findings cannot guarantee that a baby does not have any health conditions.
Conclusion
A pregnancy ultrasound helps your health care providers track key aspects of your pregnancy and your baby’s development. Knowing when scans are available, how they are performed, and how to prepare for them can help to lessen the stress. Go to your recommended antenatal appointments and mention any problems to your healthcare professional. Ask them to explain your scan results in a way you can understand.