Why should I take the test?💡

An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your baby inside your tummy. All pregnant moms should receive at least one ultrasound to confirm your health and the health of the baby.

If you have any spotting during pregnancy or carry multiples, ultrasounds during pregnancy are highly recommended to monitor the baby's growth. If you are at risk of preterm labor, the doctor will need to check for changes in the cervix, the position of the baby, and the necessity of cesarean surgery by ultrasound test.  

How is the test done?💉

Different kinds of ultrasound are available in each trimester of pregnancy. There are two main types of ultrasound which are transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasounds. Both types are painless and quickly done. 

Transvaginal ultrasound: A small, long transducer is wrapped in a sterile condom-like cover and inserted into the vagina. Then, your healthcare practitioner will move the transducer around your vaginal cavity and scan your uterus. The sound waves produced by the transducer bounce off of the baby's structures to create an image on a computer screen.

Transabdominal ultrasound: After lying down, your practitioner applies gel on your tummy to help the sound waves move more easily. Then, the transducer is rubbed over your stomach to produce images of your baby on the computer screen. 

TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️:

How to prepare for your first ultrasound

If you are getting transabdominal ultrasound, you should arrive at your appointment with a full bladder because it will give you much better image quality. To time it right, some practitioners suggest emptying your bladder about 90 minutes before your exam, then drinking an 8 ounce beverage that you like.

Eating something sweet before your exam is also considered a stimulus for your baby to actively move around. The sonographer can take better pictures and you might see some actual movements of your baby inside your tummy.  

Risks of the procedure

Ultrasounds are noninvasive and very low-risk when performed by professional healthcare providers. Although they are relatively accurate at estimating the baby's size, they might exaggerate numbers if they are overused. Miscalculation of baby's weight occasionally leads to unnecessary C-sections or premature labor.