Ultrasounds
What Happens in an Ultrasound Exam?
Nervous about your first ultrasound? An ultrasound is a simple, gentle examination. This pain free examination will be performed by a specially trained medical professional after a positive pregnancy test. The purpose of the ultrasound is to confirm the viability of the pregnancy and determine the gestational age of your baby, i.e. How far along you are.
Why Would You Need an Ultrasound?
Ultrasounds can be used for many different things, all aimed at making sure you’re healthy and everything inside is working as it should.
Routine Check-Ups
Sometimes, doctors use ultrasounds to check out your organs. This can be your heart, liver, or even your kidneys. They’re just making sure everything’s in its right place and functioning well.
Monitoring Conditions
If you have a specific health condition, like cysts or fibroids, ultrasounds help doctors keep an eye on them.
Pregnancy Ultrasounds
Now, this is probably the most well-known use of ultrasounds. If you’re pregnant, ultrasound gives you a sneak peek at the fetus.
When you go in for an ultrasound, here’s what to expect in two steps:
STEP ONE
Your medical professional will gently locate the fetus in your uterus using a small hand-held device called a transducer, which you’ll be able to view on a monitor next to you.
STEP TWO
Once the baby is located, the medical professional can then approximate the gestational age of the baby through measurements. (You can ask for the sonogram photo afterwards!)
Your medical professional is your friend and is here for you.
Your medical professional is your friend and is here for you. Make sure to have any questions ready for your medical professional as they’ll be able to give you accurate information about your pregnancy.
And remember to relax!
