‍How To Get The Most Out Of Your Prenatal Ultrasound

Your first prenatal ultrasound is especially important—dating back to the earliest days of our species, it’s been a common bond shared between mother and baby. But while those early ultrasounds might have stilled the suspense before your first scan, modern technology has made it even easier to hear your growing baby.

If you’re planning a prenatal appointment , make sure you have time to prepare for it. Bring snacks and drinks along for your date night in advance, or schedule time to meet with your OB beforehand so you can go over all the details about what to expect. A good ultrasound is much more than just feeling weightless and seeing moving images of your fetus—it can help you get a better sense of how your baby is developing from week to week and whether things are going well .

A prenatals appointment can give you an idea of what kind of accommodations your provider might offer during the exam itself (like whether they’ll be using handheld or ultrasound equipment). It can also give you some insight into their experience level and how much information they’ll want to share with you upfront (in case there are any concerns about how it will affect you or your pregnancy). Keep reading for everything you need to know about prenatal ultrasounds!

 

What is a prenatal ultrasound?

A prenatal or pregnancy ultrasound is a visual examination performed on pregnant women around 26 to 28 weeks of pregnancy to find out how your baby is growing. The test is usually performed during your first prenatal visit, which is typically around 26 to 27 weeks pregnant. During a prenatal ultrasound, a practitioner will use an ultrasound machine to create a high-quality image of your growing baby. This image will be similar to an X-ray, but much clearer and easier to see. A typical prenatal ultrasound lasts between 30 and 40 minutes, but can last as long as an hour depending on the specifics of your case.

 

What should you expect from your first prenatal ultrasound?

Your first prenatal ultrasound will mainly consist of the practitioner taking an examination of your fetus from the front, side, and back. The examination will consist of a number of different parts: Your practitioner will use a specialized transabdominal ultrasound to create an image of your fetus. This is the most accurate way to see your baby, and is often done before your first scan.

The image will be stored on a computer and can be viewed later on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Your practitioner will also take a look at your baby’s heart and lungs (called “ancers”) and will use a prenatal physical exam to check your baby’s movement and position.

Your practitioner will also check for any signs of delayed labor, like an odd shaped pelvis or a long labium. As your pregnancy progresses, you’ll notice that your baby’s external appearance changes, but your practitioner can still use the same basic techniques and tools to check his/her progress throughout your pregnancy. Your practitioner will likely also take a look at your baby’s brain and spine to check for signs of deformation or developmental problems.

 

How to prepare for your first prenatal ultrasound

If you’re having your first baby, you’re probably filled with anticipation, but also a little nervousness. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to make the experience a bit easier. First, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need for the appointment. Most practitioners will provide you with instructions on what to do next, but you should still make sure you have the following items prepared in advance: An ice pack (for your lower back and neck) – A heating pad (for your upper body and stomach) – A comfortable chair (for your whole body) – A blanket (for your bed) – A pregnancy journal (to record your thoughts and feelings) – A pregnancy chart (to track your pregnancy) – A heating pad (for your upper body and stomach) – A comfortable chair (for your whole body) – A pregnancy journal (to record your thoughts and feelings).

 

Things to know before your first prenatal ultrasound

Your first prenatal ultrasound will give you an idea of how your baby is developing. The image will reflect what you’ll see during your first visit, but the equipment used for the test will be more advanced. This first ultrasound will give you a general idea of how your baby is growing and developing, but it won’t tell you how your baby is positioned or how his/her limbs and organs are functioning. Your first ultrasound is also typically limited in terms of the amount of information provided. The technician will tell you how far along your pregnancy is determined by how far along you are in your menstrual cycle.

This is during your first prenatal visit. You should also expect to be given a pelvic-examination during your first prenatal visit, as well as a physical exam. Your practitioner will probably want to take a look at your baby’s heart, lungs, and aangers, as well as take a look at your boobs and belly.

 

Final words

The first prenatal ultrasound is a time to get to know your baby. You’ll get a good look at his/her development and should be able to get a sense of how your pregnancy is progressing. A prenatal ultrasound is one of the best ways to find out if your baby is healthy. The images are clear and detailed, and can help you determine if any issues exist. Plus, the equipment used for the exam is very accurate, so the results are very specific.