What to Expect at Your First Prenatal Ultrasound Examination

The first prenatal ultrasound examination is a significant milestone in any pregnancy. It not only provides the first glimpse of your developing baby but also offers crucial health insights. This experience can be filled with anticipation and, sometimes, anxiety. Understanding what to expect during this initial scan can help ease nerves and make the experience more enjoyable and informative for expectant parents. This blog delves into what you can expect during your first prenatal ultrasound, from preparation to the procedure itself, and what kind of information it can reveal.

The Purpose of the First Prenatal Ultrasound

Prenatal ultrasounds are diagnostic tools used to view the inside of the uterus and monitor the development of the fetus. The first ultrasound, often called the "dating" ultrasound, serves several important purposes:

• Confirming the Pregnancy: It verifies that the pregnancy is viable by confirming the heartbeat and that the pregnancy is properly located within the uterus rather than being an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when the fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus.
• Dating the Pregnancy: This scan provides a more accurate estimation of the due date by measuring the size of the fetus. Knowing the gestational age helps to monitor the baby’s growth and time important screenings later in the pregnancy.
• Detecting Multiples: The ultrasound can reveal if you are expecting more than one baby, allowing for necessary adjustments in prenatal care.
• Checking for Basic Anomalies: Although very early, this initial scan can sometimes identify obvious physical abnormalities in the fetus.

Preparing for the Ultrasound

Scheduling the Appointment

The first ultrasound is typically scheduled between 6 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. This timing ensures that the baby is developed enough to yield meaningful information.  It is best to schedule when you are likely to be comfortable and have time to discuss the results without feeling rushed.

Before the Appointment

• Hydration: Drinking water before the ultrasound can improve the quality of the images captured, as a full bladder can help lift the uterus, making it easier to view the fetus.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You will likely need to expose your abdomen, so outfits that can be easily adjusted or removed are preferable.
• Questions and Concerns: Write down any questions or concerns you might have to ensure you do not forget to ask them during your appointment.

During the Ultrasound

The Procedure

• Type of Ultrasound: In early pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound might be preferable for a clearer image. This involves a small ultrasound probe being inserted into the vagina. Later in pregnancy, a transabdominal ultrasound, where the probe is moved over the belly, is sufficient.
• Duration: Typically, the scan takes between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the clarity of the images and the specific measurements needed.
• What You Will See: Initially, you might only see a small gestational sac. By 6 weeks, a tiny embryo and possibly a heartbeat can be seen as a flickering pixel.

The Ultrasound Technician’s Role

The technician, also known as a sonographer, conducts the scan. They will apply a special gel to your abdomen or the transducer itself, which helps conduct sound waves to create clearer images. The sonographer will take various measurements of the fetus and capture specific images to be reviewed by a healthcare provider.

After the Ultrasound

Discussing the Results

After the scan, the sonographer might provide a brief overview of what they have seen, but in most cases, a doctor or a specialized practitioner will discuss the results with you either immediately after the scan or at a follow-up appointment. This is when you can ask questions and get clarifications on any findings.

Receiving Images

You will often receive a few images of the ultrasound as a keepsake. Some clinics offer digital images through secure online portals, while others may provide printouts.

Possible Follow-Up

• Routine Follow-Up: If everything appears normal, your next ultrasound will typically be scheduled around the mid-pregnancy mark, between 18 to 22 weeks. This anatomy scan is more detailed and assesses the development of fetal organs and structures.
• Additional Testing: If there are concerns or if the images are inconclusive, additional ultrasounds or other tests may be recommended.

The first prenatal ultrasound is an exciting event for expectant parents, offering the first visual connection to their unborn child. By providing crucial information about the pregnancy’s viability, the baby’s development, and the due date, this scan is an integral part of prenatal care. Being prepared and understanding what to expect can help you make the most of this experience, ensuring that it is not only informative but also a cherished memory in your pregnancy. Remember, this ultrasound is just the beginning of a series of checks and scans designed to support the best outcomes for both mother and child.

This information is presented as a general guide to what to expect at your first prenatal ultrasound examination.  It is for informational purposes only.  The information provided is not intended to be the only information available about what to expect at your first prenatal ultrasound examination. The material provided is not expected to be a substitute for advice or information from your physician or health care provider.

If you have any questions, concerns, fears, apprehensions, unease, or worry about what to expect at your first prenatal ultrasound examination contact your health care provider immediately.