During your pregnancy, your obstetrician will have several ultrasounds performed to check on your baby. If you’ve never had this type of imaging before, you may be curious about what to expect. Here’s a brief rundown of what your appointment will entail and how you can prepare.

A Guide to Your First Ultrasound During Pregnancy 

What Is a Prenatal Ultrasound Used For?

Ultrasounds are done during pregnancy to check on a baby’s growth and development. This type of imaging uses sound waves to produce images of the fetus and surrounding structures, such as the amniotic fluid and placenta. The initial ultrasound is typically performed during the first trimester (the first 13 weeks of your pregnancy) to confirm pregnancy and to estimate how many weeks along you are. This helps your obstetrician determine a due date and allows them to determine how your baby should be measuring. 

What Happens During the Appointment?

Typically, prenatal ultrasounds are transabdominal. This means your obstetrician or sonogram technician will perform the imaging by running a special device called a transducer over your abdominal region. They’ll apply a special gel, which acts as an insulator for the transducer to help sound waves move through your body, and allows the wand to move smoothly over your skin. The sound waves will be captured and then converted into images on the screen. In many cases, you’ll also receive a printout of some images to keep for yourself.

Sometimes, the doctor or technician may need to get better views of the fetus by performing a transvaginal ultrasound. In this procedure, a transducer is covered in a plastic sheath, lubricated with gel, and inserted vaginally. This allows imaging to be captured from a closer angle, which may be necessary if you’re very early in your pregnancy.  

To allow for unobstructed views of the uterus, your obstetrician’s office may ask you to drink a certain amount of fluid before your appointment. Be sure to ask the office about any special instructions when booking your first appointment. 

If you’re pregnant or planning to be and searching for an obstetrician to provide top-notch care, turn to Genesee Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology. This Rochester, NY women’s health office provides a welcoming environment where you can receive comprehensive prenatal care, as well as routine gynecological services. See their full range of services online or call (585) 232-3210 to schedule an appointment.