Performing an ultrasound or sonogram of the fetus has become a part of the prenatal routine of most pregnant women. High frequency sound waves are used to scan the abdomen and pelvic cavity of pregnant women, to image the shape of the fetus and placenta. These routine checkups are considered safe for both mother and child and in fact the process is very easy.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Before Doing Ultrasound
Step 1. Understand the need for ultrasound examination
Ultrasound examination is done to see the growth and development of the fetus, as well as to monitor the period of pregnancy. Ultrasound examinations were performed twice during pregnancy – once during the first three months (quarters) of pregnancy and again in the second trimester).
- An ultrasound in the first trimester is performed by doctors to confirm and establish gestational age, so you will get a fairly accurate estimate of the day of delivery. Ultrasound can also be done to check the presence of more than one fetus.
- In the second trimester, ultrasound scans are done to see if there are any problems with the development of the fetus and, in some cases, also done to determine the sex of the baby. Checking the position of the baby and placenta, predicting the baby's weight, and the amount of amniotic fluid at the time of the examination can also be done with ultrasound.
Step 2. Make a check-up appointment as recommended by your doctor
Your first ultrasound is usually scheduled for 20 weeks into your pregnancy. Speak to your doctor to confirm that any existing procedures will be performed, as well as to set a date for the examination. Some insurances will require you to do the test first in a medical laboratory, but some others agree to have an ultrasound done right away.
Step 3. Drink 4 to 6 glasses of water before the test
A full bladder can change the position of the uterus by preventing the formation of a curvature and pushing it up so that the uterus is easier to scan. In addition, the fluid in the bladder will be a good medium for sound conduction. You will be asked not to urinate until the examination is complete.
Step 4. Wear loose clothing
Usually, you don't need to be undressed for an ultrasound, but you may need to lift it up to reveal your belly and lower abdomen.
Part 2 of 2: Ultrasound Process and After
Step 1. Relax yourself and lie quietly during the examination
The medical staff will apply a special gel to your abdomen and use a device called a transducer. This device will be moved over the gel around your stomach.
- The transducer will convert the sound waves emitted by bone and other tissues into a black and white or gray image, which will be displayed on a monitor for analysis by medical staff.
- You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds and asked to do so several times during the examination, which will take approximately 30 minutes in total.
- Once done, the staff will help you to clean the conduction gel.
Step 2. Adjust your clothes when the inspection is over
You can now urinate if necessary and wait for the ultrasound results. Most medical staff will give you a photo of some of the images that can be clearly seen, and which you can keep as a memento of your pregnancy.
Step 3. Discuss the results of the ultrasound with your doctor
Do not attempt to interpret the ultrasound images yourself, as they are usually unreadable to the unskilled eye.
According to references from the National Library of Medicine, normal examination results will show that the developing fetus, placenta, amniotic fluid, and surrounding structures look normal and in accordance with the gestational age itself. You will see the explanation given with the ultrasound image written on a separate paper
Tips
- During the prenatal period, there is no stipulation in the number of ultrasound examinations that must be carried out by pregnant women. Additional ultrasound examinations may be needed if your doctor suspects complications.
- Although fetal anatomy can be seen at 20 weeks of gestation, do not worry if ultrasounds performed in the second and third trimesters still cannot confirm the sex of the baby in the womb. Some babies are not in the right position so an accurate determination cannot be made.
- Ask the rules of the visit at the prenatal care you want to visit, before the date of the visit. Fathers, grandparents and other friends or family members may be interested in seeing the ultrasound process, if permitted.
