Ultrasounds during pregnancy are a common and routine procedure. Most pregnant women will have at least one ultrasound during their pregnancy.
However, there is some confusion about when to get your first ultrasound.
In this post, we will discuss the different reasons you may need an ultrasound and when is the best time to get your first one.
If you are pregnant and looking for information about ultrasounds, keep reading!
Your First Ultrasound During Pregnancy
The first ultrasound is called the “dating” or “viability” ultrasound and it is typically done between 7 and 8 weeks to verify your due date, look for a fetal heartbeat, and measure the length of the baby from “crown to rump”.
What to Expect at Your First Ultrasounds
At your first ultrasound, the sonographer will measure the baby to confirm your due date.
They will also check for a fetal heartbeat and assess the baby's development.
The sonographer will take measurements of the baby's head, abdomen, and femur (thigh bone).
These measurements will be used to calculate your due date and to check for any abnormalities.
Transvaginal ultrasound
In transvaginal ultrasound machine is put into the woman's vagina to get a better look at the baby.
This is called a transvaginal ultrasound.
Transabdominal ultrasound
In transabdominal ultrasound machine is put on the outside of your stomach to get a better look at the baby.
This is called transabdominal ultrasound.
What Your Doctor is Looking for at Your First Ultrasounds
First, they want to confirm your due date. They will also check for any abnormalities in the baby's development. This can include things like:
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anencephaly (a birth defect where the baby's brain doesn't develop properly)
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spina bifida (a birth defect where the spinal cord doesn't develop properly)
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twins or triplets (if you're expecting more than one baby)
Your doctor will also check to make sure that the baby's heart is beating. A healthy fetal heartbeat is typically between 110 and 160 beats per minute.
When Do You Get Your First Ultrasound?
Your first-trimester ultrasounds will usually be performed when you are between six and eight weeks pregnant.
You may also have an ultrasound earlier in the pregnancy if you are experiencing any problems, such as bleeding or pain.
In early pregnancy (6 to 8 weeks)
At this stage of the pregnancy, the ultrasound will be performed using a transvaginal (TV) scan.
This type of scan gives the clearest view of the baby and is considered to be the most accurate.
The dating ultrasound (10 to 13 weeks)
Those who don't get an early ultrasound between six and eight weeks are instead scheduled for a "dating ultrasound" between the tenth and thirteenth weeks of pregnancy.
This gives you and your doctor the same information, including an estimated due date, your baby's "crown-rump length" (measurement from head to bottom), the number of fetuses in utero, and fetal heart rate.
The anatomical survey (18 to 20 weeks)
During the anatomical survey, the doctor will look at the baby's head, spine, heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys, and other organs.
The doctor will also check to see if there are any birth defects present.
Genetic Screening Ultrasound
A genetic screening ultrasound is an ultrasound that is performed to check for any birth defects or chromosomal abnormalities.
This type of ultrasound is usually performed between the eleventh and thirteenth weeks of pregnancy.
The doctor will also check to see if there are any birth defects present.
What Your Doctor is Looking for at the Genetic Screening Ultrasound
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an abnormal shape of the baby's head
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an abnormal amount of fluid in the baby's neck (this is called nuchal translucency)
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an abnormal shape of the baby's stomach
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an abnormal shape of the baby's kidneys
If your doctor sees any of these signs, they may recommend further testing, such as amniocentesis.
Should you Get a Genetic Screening Ultrasound?
The decision to have a genetic screening ultrasound is a personal one.
If you choose to have this ultrasound, it is important to remember that it is only a screening test. It cannot tell for sure if your baby has any chromosomal abnormalities.
Basic Anatomy Scan Ultrasound
The third ultrasound during pregnancy is called the “anatomy” scan.
This ultrasound is done between 18 and 22 weeks to check for certain birth defects, including congenital heart defects.
What to Expect at a Full Anatomy Scan Ultrasound
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The baby's head, including the skull, face, and brain
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The baby's heartbeat and major blood vessels
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The baby's stomach and intestines
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The baby's kidneys and bladder
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The baby's limbs and joints
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The placenta and umbilical cord
Your doctor may also check for certain defects, including:
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spina bifida (a birth defect where the spinal cord doesn't develop properly)
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twins or triplets (if you're expecting more than one baby)
What Your OBGYN is Looking for at a Full Anatomy Scan
The doctor is looking for any defects or chromosomal abnormalities.
The doctor will also check to see if there are any problems with the baby's growth.
2D, 3D, and 4D Ultrasounds
2D Ultrasound - A 2D ultrasound is the most common type of ultrasound.
It uses sound waves to create a two-dimensional image of the baby.
This type of ultrasound can be done at any time during pregnancy.
3D Ultrasound - A 3D ultrasound uses sound waves to create a three-dimensional image of the baby.
This type of ultrasound can be done at any time during pregnancy.
4D Ultrasound - A 4D ultrasound uses sound waves to create a four-dimensional image of the baby.
This type of ultrasound can be done at any time during pregnancy.
4D ultrasounds are also called “live” ultrasounds because they show the baby moving in real-time.
Who an ultrasound during pregnancy is for
Ultrasounds are for anyone who wants to have one.
They are a great way to see your baby and bond with them before they are born.
When an ultrasound during pregnancy is done
The first-trimester ultrasound exam during pregnancy is typically done between 7 and 8 weeks.
The second ultrasound is generally done between 18 and 22 weeks.
The third pregnancy ultrasound is generally done between 32 and 36 weeks.
First-trimester ultrasound
The first pregnancy ultrasound is usually done after 6 weeks. However, a gestational sac may be detected as early as 4 1/2 weeks following your last period, and a baby's heartbeat can be heard as early as 5 to 6 weeks (though this isn't always the case).
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Measure the fetus to confirm your estimated due date more accurately.
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Check the baby's heartbeat.
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Make sure you're carrying multiples (to rule out an ectopic pregnancy) Verify whether you're having a single baby or many.
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Determine whether you're carrying multiples (to rule out an ectopic pregnancy)
Second-trimester ultrasound
A level 2 ultrasound is an in-depth anatomy scan conducted by a sonographer between the 18th and 22nd weeks of your pregnancy.
It also displays your baby's health as well as your pregnancy status by:
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You should measure your baby's dimensions and check all key organs.
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Amniotic fluid - Estimating the amount of amniotic fluid in your uterus to ensure that it is correct.
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Checking on the placenta's position
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You don't have to live with the secret about your baby's sex type. -> Telling you the baby's sex (if you want to know) is not necessary.
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Give you a sneak peek at your infant's room.
Second-trimester ultrasound exams are generally conducted in two dimensions.
Ultrasound imaging is considered quite safe, but clinicians want to take every precaution and avoid any intrusions into your uterus.
Additional ultrasounds during pregnancy
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To verify that everything is OK, check your urine for any posts you have while pregnant.
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To track the progress of each plant, you're carrying numerous ones.
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To check for changes in the cervix, you're in the atinanger of preterm labor.
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Your practitioner wants to see whether your baby may be too big to give vaginally.
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Before your baby is born, your practitioner wants to make sure that he or she is in a head-down position.
Ultrasound exams are used in a variety of other pregnancy tests, including:
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Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
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Amniocentesis
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Nuchal translucency screening
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Biophysical profiles
A fetal echocardiogram, also known as a comprehensive ultrasound of a baby's heart done by an expert technician and reviewed by a pediatric cardiologist, is sometimes required by doctors.
If you have any of the following hazards, your doctor may recommend an echocardiogram:
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You or a member of your immediate family has a history of congenital heart anomalies.
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Your infant has been diagnosed with a hereditary disease (like Down syndrome).
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During another pregnancy test, you had worrisome findings.
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You have certain medical issues (such as diabetes or an autoimmune disease)
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Your baby's heart rhythm is abnormal or fast
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You had certain infections during pregnancy, such as rubella or CMV
How Do You Prepare for an Ultrasound?
Arrive on time: You'll want to arrive at your appointment on time so that the sonographer can get started right away.
Drink lots of fluids: You'll be asked to drink lots of fluids before your ultrasound so that your bladder is full.
This is because a full bladder helps push the uterus up, making it easier to see.
Empty your bladder: Once you're done drinking, make sure to empty your bladder can.
Wear comfortable clothes: You'll want to wear comfortable clothes that you can easily pull up or down.
This is because you'll likely be asked to remove your clothing from the waist down.
The difference between sonogram and ultrasound
A sonogram and ultrasound are the same things.
They are both tests that use sound waves to create an image of your baby in utero.
Risks of ultrasound scans during pregnancy
Ultrasounds are considered to be very safe. However, there are a few risks to keep in mind:
Incorrect results: While ultrasounds are usually accurate, there is a small chance that they can give you incorrect results.
This is why it's important to get confirmation from your doctor before making any decisions based on the results of an ultrasound.
What happens during a pregnancy ultrasound?
The sonographer will apply gel to your abdomen and then move a transducer over your skin.
The transducer emits sound waves that bounce off of your baby and are then converted into images on a screen.
You may be asked to move around during the ultrasound so that the sonographer can get a good view of your baby.
After the ultrasound is complete, the gel will be wiped off of your abdomen and you'll be able to get dressed.
The sonographer will then print out the images for you to take home.
How long does an ultrasound take?
An ultrasound usually takes 30-60 minutes.
How Many Ultrasounds During Pregnancy Are Safe?
pregnant women get one ultrasound exam during pregnancy.
However, there is no evidence that more than one ultrasound is harmful.
If you have any concerns about the safety of ultrasounds, talk to your doctor.
How Much Does an Ultrasound Cost?
The cost of an ultrasound can vary depending on your insurance coverage. However, the average cost of an ultrasound is between $200 and $300.
Conclusion:
Ultrasounds are an important part of prenatal care.
Most pregnant women will have at least one ultrasound during their pregnancy.
The first fetal ultrasound scan is typically done between 18 and 20 weeks of gestation.
This ultrasound can provide a lot of information about the baby’s development.
It is important to be aware of what to expect from your first-trimester ultrasound.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or midwife.