What To Expect During Your First Pregnancy Ultrasound?
Pregnancy can be such an exciting period and one of the highlights is seeing your baby for the first time during an ultrasound. While the first pregnancy ultrasound can raise a lot of emotions, knowing what to expect and how to prepare can ensure you’re as relaxed and comfortable as possible before you see your baby on screen. If you’re wondering what an ultrasound involves and what to expect, keep reading for our helpful information.
Understanding Ultrasound in Pregnancy
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves, which bounce off body parts to create an image. Ultrasounds are used during pregnancy as they don’t use radiation, making them safe for both mother and baby. To help your sonographer get the best images, it’s recommended that you eat something beforehand and come to your ultrasound with a full bladder, as this will make your images appear sharper. You will be advised of your preparation and how much to drink when you make your booking.
What Your First Ultrasound Will Reveal
The first pregnancy ultrasound is performed to see if your baby is healthy and to help predict your due date more accurately. Your doctor will also be able to see if you are carrying twins or multiple babies, as these pregnancies need additional care. The first ultrasound can also indicate possible abnormalities, such as chromosomal issues, which can help you plan for the future. You might also be able to hear and see your child’s heartbeat, get the measurements of the placenta and the foetus and judge how protected your baby is by the amniotic fluid in your uterus.
The Ultrasound Experience: What to Expect
If you have an external ultrasound, the technician will apply a gel to your lower belly and gently run a transducer along your abdomen to generate an image. You won’t feel any pain but may feel some pressure from the transducer. If you have an internal or transvaginal ultrasound, the Sonographer will insert a probe into your vaginal canal. This might cause discomfort, but you should not feel pain. This form of ultrasound provides a more detailed view of your uterus and is ideal if your baby is hard to see or if your pregnancy is too early to be able to generate strong images through the abdomen.
Contact In Focus Radiology for Your Ultrasound Needs
Do you need to book a pregnancy ultrasound? Contact us at In Focus Radiology. We’re passionate about delivering high quality care to all our patients and help in creating a non-threatening, welcoming space in which all who visit us feel supported and valued. We strive to make our services affordable and accessible to all throughout Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and the Hunter, with pregnancy ultrasounds available at all our practices: Belmont, Cessnock and Warners Bay.
Visit our website to learn more about our services or make an appointment today.