What To Expect From An Early Ultrasound Scan
Many pregnant women thinking about getting an early ultrasound have questions. We want to answer your questions so you know what to expect. A few things to know about early ultrasound scans are that ultrasounds are safe and we can help you prepare. Early ultrasounds are medical diagnostic procedures. When done by a certified health care provider, ultrasounds are safe for you and your baby. An ultrasound machine is safe when used by a certified health care provider. If you schedule a prenatal ultrasound with us, you and your baby will be free of any dangerous risks.
How Early Ultrasounds Work and What They Look Like
A fetal ultrasound, also called a sonogram, produces images of your baby in the womb by using high-frequency sound waves. Early ultrasounds are done in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy and show images of the baby’s early development stages. Routine ultrasound images are typically black and white. They are usually somewhat fuzzy but are detailed enough to show us what we need to know about fetal growth. You will see a white image of your baby and umbilical cord, against a dark background. Your doctor will learn a lot of important information about your developing baby by observing these images.
Fetal Development Milestones
During the early stages, the development is rapid. For example, a 7-week old baby has the following characteristics:
| Feature | Developmental Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | Just the size of a blueberry |
| Physical Features | Developed limb buds, outer ears, and nearly complete eyelids |
| Vital Systems | Increased heart rate and cells that are developing muscles and a spinal column |
Types of Early Ultrasounds and Preparation
There are two types of early ultrasounds: abdominal and vaginal. The transabdominal or standard ultrasound is what you’re probably picturing. This is a painless procedure and it usually takes about 20 minutes. To begin, we will ask you to lay on your back on an examining table. Next, we will apply a gel to your abdomen and move a scanner over it. The scanner is a small, hand-held device that is connected to a screen which instantly shows images.
Regarding preparation, there are a few things you might find helpful to know. We may ask you to drink fluids and avoid urinating for a specific amount of time before the procedure. To prepare for transabdominal ultrasounds, we ask you to drink a few glasses of water a couple of hours before the procedure. This is because a full bladder helps the high frequency sound waves move more easily, to help provide a clear picture.
Taking Care Of Yourself In The First Trimester
Every pregnancy is different, and that’s okay! Taking care of yourself in the first trimester involves making sure your activities are pregnancy-safe and following steps to start your pregnancy off on the right foot. You can use this checklist to navigate the first few weeks:
- Consult your doctor about medications you’re taking and make a prenatal appointment.
- Take your prenatal vitamin and stock up on healthy foods to eat a balanced diet.
- Hydrate and reduce caffeine intake.
- Quit smoking and drinking to protect your health and your baby's health.
- Try to exercise for 30 minutes daily and get plenty of sleep.
- Decrease your stress and take pregnancy power naps while you still can!
We also want you to know that you do not have to come to your appointment alone. If you would like, you may bring your husband or boyfriend, a parent, or another supporter. It may be helpful for them to be aware of how things are developing with your pregnancy as well.