Your first ultrasound appointment is a big milestone in your pregnancy. It’s the first glimpse you’ll get of your developing baby. It’s normal to feel excited, nervous, or a mix of both as the day approaches.
This appointment is often the first time you see your baby and learn important details about your pregnancy. To help you feel prepared and confident, here are four things to know before your first ultrasound appointment and that unforgettable first glimpse of your little miracle.
Four Things to Know Before Your First Ultrasound Appointment
1. It’s More Than Just a Sneak Peek at Your Baby
Seeing your baby on the screen at your first ultrasound is special. But this appointment offers more than just a photo for friends and family. The first ultrasound helps your doctor estimate your due date. It also checks that your ovaries and uterus are healthy. Plus, it ensures all parts of the baby are developing properly.
Your first ultrasound is also an opportunity for your doctor to confirm how many babies are actually in there. And you’ll be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat. It’s an important medical milestone. This initial ultrasound provides valuable information for your pregnancy journey.
2. The Timing Matters
The timing of your first ultrasound can depend on your:
- Age
- Medical history
- Pregnancy risk factors
- Last period’s starting date
- Doctor’s preference
Your doctor may recommend an early ultrasound around 6 to 8 weeks into pregnancy if you’re considered high risk. They may also want to confirm cardiac activity of the fetus, check for multiples, or confirm your due date. This is especially true if your menstrual cycle is irregular.
If an early ultrasound is not recommended, you may expect to have your first ultrasound performed around 10 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. During this ultrasound, a nuchal translucency test is often performed. This test checks the thickness of the baby’s neck. It helps find any genetic disorders that might affect the baby’s health. This way, you’ll have the information you need to make informed decisions about your baby’s well-being.
By the time you reach 20 weeks, most people will have already had an ultrasound or two. But in some cases, the 20-week scan (known as the anatomy scan) can be the first. It helps find any genetic or medical issues that might affect both your health and your baby’s health. This ultrasound is also an opportunity to determine the baby’s gender, which is always an exciting moment.
3. You May Need A Full Bladder
In early pregnancy, the uterus remains small and hidden behind your pubic bone. So, to get a good look at your baby, you may be instructed to drink water before your scan to help lift the uterus. This allows better access to the baby.
If your first ultrasound is before 8 weeks, you may require a transvaginal ultrasound, which does not require a full bladder. A transvaginal ultrasound uses a small wand that is inserted into the vagina to look directly into the uterus. Most women find it to be slightly uncomfortable but not painful. It’s usually finished very quickly.
4. Ultrasounds Are Perfectly Safe
One of the most common questions pregnant people have in pregnancy is whether an ultrasound is safe for the baby. The answer is absolutely! Ultrasounds create images of your organs, tissues, and, of course, your baby. They use high-frequency sound waves, which are perfectly safe for you and your baby.
Schedule Your Baby’s First Ultrasound Now
Your first ultrasound is a moment you’ll remember forever. There’s nothing more exciting than getting that first glimpse at the little miracle you’re growing. And we would love to be a part of it with you.
If you’re getting ready for your first ultrasound, it’s natural to have questions. We’re here to answer them in Amory and Starkville. Our caring team will support you through every step of your pregnancy. Schedule your ultrasound appointment and get trusted prenatal care close to home.