Your Guide to Pregnancy Ultrasound: What to Expect and Key Insights
Ultrasound scans are an essential part of prenatal care, confirming pregnancy as well as ruling out ectopic pregnancy. While a pregnancy test is an indication that you may be pregnant, an ultrasound confirms it. At Options, a credentialed nurse sonographer performs the scan and our Medical Director reads and signs off on the scan. This is what confirms pregnancy at our clinic. If you think you may be pregnant, and you're curious about what to expect during an ultrasound, you've come to the right place. In this blog, we'll walk you through the process and shed light on the incredible information ultrasound scans can provide.
What is an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. In prenatal care, ultrasound scans are commonly performed to assess the development of the baby, monitor the mother's health, and detect any potential issues.
What to Expect During the Ultrasound Scan:
During the ultrasound scan, you can anticipate the following:
Preparation: You may be asked to have a full bladder for a transabdominal ultrasound, as it helps create clearer images.
Setting: You'll be in a dimly lit room, and a technician or sonographer will perform the scan. There will be a chaperone in the room with you.
Gel Application: A water-based gel is applied to your abdomen or probe for better contact and image quality.
Transducer Movements: The technician will move the transducer over your abdomen or insert it gently into the vagina (with your permission), capturing images on a monitor.
Images and Measurements: The technician will take various measurements of the baby's size, check the heartbeat, and confirm that the pregnancy is in the uterus.
Explanation: The technician will explain what you're seeing on the screen.
Documentation: Still images or video clips may be taken for medical analysis and images may be shared with you as a keepsake.
Duration: The scan usually lasts around 20-30 minutes, but it can vary based on the purpose and complexity of the examination.
Safety and Benefits of Ultrasound
Ultrasound scans are considered safe and have no known harmful effects on the mother or the baby. At Options Mankato, our limited OB ultrasound scans offer several benefits, including:
Determining whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus.
Possibly detecting the presence of multiple pregnancies.
Determining whether the pregnancy is viable.
Measuring the baby's fetal heart rate.
Providing reassurance and bonding opportunities for parents.
At Options Mankato we offer limited OB ultrasounds to provide you with the information you need to make a well-informed decision. If you decide to carry your pregnancy to term, we recommend comprehensive prenatal care and receiving the full benefits of an ultrasound scan. These benefits include:
Visualizing the baby's growth and development
Assessing the placenta, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord
Detecting multiple pregnancies
Identifying potential abnormalities or birth defects
Monitoring the baby's position and well-being
Providing reassurance and bonding opportunities for parents
What should I do if I think I’m Pregnant?
We believe that knowledge is power, and being equipped with all the facts is crucial to improving medical care for women. At our clinic, we can confirm your pregnancy with confidential, free of charge pregnancy testing. If you receive a positive test result, our credentialed nurse sonographer can also perform a free of charge ultrasound to tell you how far along your pregnancy is.
Please note that we do not offer or refer for abortions. However, we are committed to providing evidence-based medical education about abortion procedures and risks. We truly care for you and your health. Contact us today to make your confidential appointment to discuss your options.
Cited Sources: Mayo Clinic