When do you take your first ultrasound?

You’re pregnant, congrats! Now it’s time to start thinking about prenatal care. One of the first things you’ll need to schedule is a prenatal ultrasound. But when do you take your first one?

What Is an Ultrasound?

Firstly, let’s clarify what an ultrasound actually is. It’s not just that lovely image of baby in the womb that everyone adores. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your baby while inside your uterus which help healthcare providers assess the health and growth rate of the fetus.

The Wait for Your Very Own Peep Show

Sorry, no sneak peak at this point – early on in pregnancy it might be difficult to see anything worthwhile so you will have to wait till around week 18-20 until they can scan something other than a fuzzy spot; something worth showing off!

So…When Exactly Can I Get My First Ultrasound?

Six Weeks Pregnant

If there is any concern there may be an ectopic pregnancy then doctors would recommend doing an early pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound.

Eight Weeks Pregnant

Most typically if high risk or if medically indicated then usually expectant mothers get their first doctor offered ultrasounds as part of routine antenatal appointments at eight weeks from gestation age onwards.

By eight weeks the fetal heartbeat should be visible via ultrasound by viewing through a doppler exam called Transvaginal Scan (TVS) where they insert a camera through your vagina much like how gynaecological exams are conducted.

Fun Fact Alert! Did You Know…

…that TVS was created in order address safety concerns using abdominal probes as tests had associated risks with miscarriage but also provided better accuracy and clarity during imaging too.”

The most accurate date used throughout pregnancy comes from measuring crown-rump length of the fetus so those early detailed scans are important to help pinpoint exact gestation age.

Twelve Weeks Pregnant

Some expectant mothers may opt for an ultrasound at 12 weeks as it’s typically offered as part of the first-trimester screening. Down syndrome and some other chromosomal abnormalities can usually be detected from this point onwards whether it’s via blood tests or further ultrasounds or even in biopsies.

Tips Before Your First Ultrasound

Preparing yourself before going for a scan is highly recommended:

  1. Drink enough water – ensure you have had plenty of fluids beforehand, don’t need any unnecessary pressure on your already full bladder.
  2. Wear comfy cloths(biggy-sized available)– ultrasound exam rooms may be chilly.
  3. Empty Bladder when Prompted – Remember why that overflowing sensation is not such a great idea?
  4. Ask questions/Clarifications- Regarding unfamiliar medical terms ask any questions! If they use wierd terminology, no worries just ask them exactly what they mean.

Fun Fact Alert! Did You Know…

…that multiple fetuses hiding behind one another during a scan is often referred to as “an overcrowded subway?”

If you find out earlier on within pregnancy that there’s chance baby tandem hang-gliding then sometimes measuring their heights won’t sit still because all infants will play do seed lmao but while the healthcare provider chases them around with their little wand and measurements.

Conclusion

Start thinking about scheduling your prenatal care – including ultrasounds – pretty much straight away once you realize you’re pregnant <insert swollen belly emoji here> ;). The majority normally get scheduled eight weeks after missed menstrual period though others conducted occasionally earlier than six weeks should anything seem amiss (ectopic pregnancies). Typically done later pre-birth screenings occur around week 12 so it’s best to do your research and talk with your healthcare provider for optimal full monitoring of not only baby but mother also!

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