#Early sonogram picture how to

This can help the sonographer take better pictures. Then drink an 8-ounce beverage of your choice (water, juice and milk are all fine) about an hour before your appointment.Įating about an hour before your appoinment - especially something sugary - will also get your baby moving around. To time it right, some practitioners suggest emptying your bladder about 90 minutes before your exam. This makes it easier for your doctor or sonographer to see around or through your bladder.

#Early sonogram picture how to

Wondering how to prepare for a pregnancy ultrasound? If you’re getting a transabdominal ultrasound, you should arrive at your appointment with a full bladder. You had certain infections during pregnancy, including rubella or CMV.Your baby has an abnormal heart rhythm or rate.You have certain health conditions (like diabetes or an autoimmune disease).You had abnormal results during another pregnancy test.Your baby’s been diagnosed with a genetic condition (like Down syndrome).You have a family history of congenital heart defects.Your practitioner may suggest an echocardiogram if you have certain risk factors, including: Your practitioner wants to verify if your baby is in a heads-down position before birthĪdditionally, ultrasounds are a part of several other pregnancy tests, including:ĭoctors sometimes recommend a fetal echocardiogram, or a detailed ultrasound of a baby’s heart that’s performed by a trained technician and analyzed by a pediatric cardiologist.Your practitioner wants to check whether your baby may be too large to deliver vaginally (for example, you have a very small pelvis or your practitioner suspects your baby is very large due to gestational diabetes).You’re at risk of preterm labor, to check for changes in the cervix.You’re carrying multiples, to monitor their growth.You have any spotting during pregnancy, to confirm that all is well.There are several reasons you may have additional ultrasounds during your pregnancy, including if: While ultrasound technology is considered very safe, practitioners prefer to be extra cautious and minimize intrusions into your womb. Most practitioners reserve the more detailed 3D and 4D ultrasounds for when they’re medically necessary to more closely examine a fetus for a suspected anomaly. Routine second trimester ultrasounds are usually done in 2D. Giving you a sneak peek at your baby (Ask the sonographer to point out your baby's hands, feet and face!).Telling you your baby's sex (if you want to know).Estimating the amount of amniotic fluid in your uterus to make sure the level is normal.Measuring your baby’s size and checking all major organs.It also offers you and your practitioner a picture of the overall health of your baby and your pregnancy by: The second-trimester ultrasound is reassuring and fun to watch. Midway through your pregnancy, between week 18 and week 22, a trained sonographer will perform a detailed anatomy scan called a level 2 ultrasound. You may also receive an additional ultrasound in the first trimester, before your 14th week of pregnancy.Įxactly when you get your first ultrasound exam may vary, however, if you have certain chronic conditions including asthma or obesity. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says that women should get at least one sonogram in the second trimester, between weeks 18 and 22 of pregnancy. When an ultrasound during pregnancy is done Who an ultrasound during pregnancy is forĪll pregnant women should receive at least one ultrasound during pregnancy. Toward the end of pregnancy, ultrasounds can be useful for checking the length of your cervix (if there is any suspicion that you may be in preterm labor) as well as verifying that your baby is in a heads-down position before labor. Later, ultrasounds screen for fetal growth and placenta location, as well as a baby's general health and anatomy.

The transducer then picks up these echos and translates them into the image of your baby that you see on the screen.Įarly in pregnancy, ultrasounds are used to confirm the fetal heartbeat and the baby’s position in your uterus.