Being pregnant for the first time means there are a lot of important things to start thinking about. Do I start saving up for college? How many newborn diapers am I really going to need? What soap is actually safe to use on my child?
So many things are going through your head that when you start going to doctors appointments and they talk to you about all the various appointments you can get overwhelmed very quickly! We have partnered with Monarch Healthcare to bring you this guide to ultrasounds during (and after) pregnancy. Brooke Smith has worked as an ultrasonographer for 9 years. We discussed some of the most important and beautiful appointments you will have your entire pregnancy – your ultrasounds!
During an ultrasound, sound waves are used to create an image of your precious new bundle of joy. Through these images, you are going to get your first glimpse of your child which, for me, no matter what number child I was having was one of the most beautiful experiences I could ever imagine. But through these images, the doctor is also able to get a general idea of key health markers for your child.
A Guide to Ultrasounds During Pregnancy
First Trimester
Generally speaking, your first ultrasound is going to be at 8 weeks, unless it is a high-risk pregnancy and then you might have it as early as 6 weeks. During this appointment, the doctor is going to want to (1) confirm and monitor baby’s heartbeat and (2) obtain measurements of your child which will then help them in determining a due date. For many, this appointment is a beautiful moment because it truly begins to sink in that you are having a baby. That little blob on the screen is about to turn your life around!
Ultrasounds are completed once during the first trimester and again around 20 weeks. However, every pregnancy is different and depending on factors such as previous pre-term labor, a history of miscarriage or pregnancy loss, gestational diabetes, or advanced maternal age (over 35) more ultrasounds may be scheduled as needed.
Second Trimester
At 20 weeks it’s time to experience the big ultrasound! Now, moms can opt for an earlier ultrasound at 16 weeks to determine gender. Boy or girl or keeping that a surprise?! In this appointment you want to make sure you have a full bladder and that the baby is wide awake, so drink cold water or juice to get them moving! They are going to spend a lot of time measuring and looking at the brain and heart structure and determining possible birth defects or health conditions. There is always the possibility that the baby doesn’t cooperate and isn’t in the right position to get proper measurements or to determine the gender. In rare cases, you may have to come back for a follow-up.
Third Trimester – Bonus 3D Optional
If you are super excited to meet your baby, and let’s face it who isn’t, technology has advanced so much that you can take AMAZING 3D ultrasounds at 30 weeks. This one is for fun! This ultrasound allows you to really see your child’s facial features and shape. Again, this amazing chance to see whose nose the baby has is all generated by sound waves! I personally loved looking at those pictures, to me it felt like I had an early chance to bond with my child before they were even born!
Pregnancy is a beautiful and also life-changing experience. With so much going on it’s nice to know that the ultrasound process causes no risk to you or your child, and it does allow you to get little glimpses of the person who is about to turn your life upside down. We are grateful for our partnership with Monarch to get answers to your questions and to put your mind at ease at such a beautiful time!
Ultrasounds Beyond Pregnancy
While pregnancy ultrasounds may get all the glory, ultrasounds are incredibly important and helpful for women’s health in general. Your gynecologist may order an ultrasound for symptoms like pelvic pain and irregular or heavy periods. This vaginal ultrasound helps determine the size of the uterus and endometrium (lining of the uterus), identify fibroids, ovarian cysts or tumors, and more. So while ultrasounds during pregnancy may give us the photos we want to share with the world, they are incredibly valuable at any time.
“I always feel welcome when I walk in and leave feeling confident all my questions have been answered. Everyone at Monarch takes the time to make me feel comfortable.” – IFMB Team Member
Monarch Healthcare
