What is a prenatal ultrasound?
A prenatal ultrasound is a procedure done during your pregnancy that shows images of your uterus, amniotic sac, placenta, fetus, and ovaries. Prenatal ultrasounds are typically done on top of your abdomen, using a transducer that emits and captures sound waves to produce images of your fetus for your doctor.
Early on in your pregnancy, your prenatal ultrasound may be performed transvaginally when an elongated transducer probe is inserted into your vaginal canal. It helps determine the gestational age of your pregnancy.
What can prenatal ultrasounds detect?
Prenatal ultrasounds detect abnormalities in your pregnancy and are used to evaluate development through your pregnancy. They’re also used to determine if you’re carrying more than one baby, your due date, the well-being of your baby during pregnancy, the sex of your baby, and your baby’s expected birth weight.
Ultrasounds are used to make sure your placenta is attached correctly, and your baby is growing normally in your uterus. Your prenatal ultrasound can monitor your baby’s movement and heartbeat and detect signs of birth defects or abnormalities in their anatomy.
What weeks do you get ultrasounds during pregnancy?
Ultrasounds can be performed at any point of your pregnancy but are usually done only when medically necessary. Your health insurance plan will cover medically necessary prenatal ultrasounds.
In the early stages of pregnancy (before 14 weeks), you’ll undergo a transvaginal ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy and determine your gestational age. This procedure is also used to detect ectopic and molar pregnancies.
Most patients undergo an abdominal prenatal ultrasound at 18-20 weeks gestation. An ultrasound at this point in your pregnancy checks your baby’s anatomy, development, and sex. It can detect problems with your placenta and potential birth defects.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe a more frequent ultrasound schedule to check the health of your uterus and fetus.
How do I prepare for a pregnancy ultrasound?
To prepare for your ultrasound, wear loose clothing. You’ll be lying on your back on an exam table for 30 to 45 minutes, and you’ll want to be comfortable. Drinking water before your procedure may help produce clearer images during your ultrasound. Your doctor may have you refrain from urinating until after your ultrasound.
You may be asked to change into a gown before your ultrasound, though many doctors let you stay clothed and move your shirt out of the way for the procedure. During the ultrasound, the gel used on your stomach allows the sound waves to flow more effectively through your skin for more accurate images.
Do you have to drink water before pregnancy ultrasound?
Your doctor may ask you to drink a glass or two of water before your ultrasound because it helps the images show up clearer. Before your fetal ultrasound, you do not have to fast or drink enough water to have a full bladder. You will be asked to wait to use the bathroom until after the ultrasound is finished.
Can babies feel ultrasound waves?
Yes, there’s evidence that babies can feel the ultrasound waves. Their heart rate may increase slightly, and you may see them moving around more in your womb during the ultrasound.
The waves don’t hurt your baby, and there are no indicators that they feel pain from an ultrasound. Its effects are similar to poking at your baby on your abdomen with your finger. They’ll detect the motion and may move around.
Can too many ultrasounds harm the baby?
No, having a lot of ultrasounds during your pregnancy won’t harm your baby. Ultrasounds do not contain harmful radiation like X-rays and other imaging procedures.
Sometimes regular ultrasounds are needed to monitor the health of your baby during your pregnancy. There is no long-term harm to the growth of your baby from getting ultrasounds.
