What is Pregnancy Ultrasound?

A pregnancy ultrasound is typically the process in which a pregnant person undergoes an ultrasound while they are pregnant. It is generally used to identify whether an individual is pregnant and to keep track of the baby’s development. An ultrasound during pregnancy can also be used to enhance the possibility of detecting any and all abnormalities in the baby’s development in the early stages. Pregnancy ultrasounds are also known as prenatal ultrasounds. Depending on one’s medical history, your gynaecologist might recommend that you undergo more ultrasounds during your pregnancy.

Why is an Ultrasound Important During Pregnancy?

Although pregnancy is a beautiful journey, one needs to make certain that their baby is developing at a safe and healthy rate. This is where a pregnancy ultrasound comes in. There are numerous reasons why one should undergo ultrasounds during their pregnancy; some of these reasons are mentioned below:

Identify Your Pregnancy 

One of the key reasons why one would undergo an ultrasound during pregnancy is to confirm whether they are pregnant in the first place or not. An ultrasound is touted to be one of the more reliable ways one can confirm one’s pregnancy.

Determine the Gestational Age 

An ultrasound will also help your gynaecologist or your care provider to make certain of how long you have been pregnant. It can be particularly difficult to identify the age of a developing baby without an ultrasound in the first trimester. Once you have this information, you will be able to estimate the due date easily.

Track the Development of the Baby 

Your gynaecologist will recommend that you undergo multiple ultrasounds during the pregnancy. This will help your doctors to keep track of the baby’s development easily. If there are any development troubles, your doctors can adjust your medication plan accordingly and make sure that your body has the nutrients it needs to enhance the pregnancy.  

Check for Multiples 

An ultrasound can also be helpful in identifying whether you are having a singleton, twins or triplets. Some people might also be pregnant with quadruplets. Your gynaecologist needs this information to ensure that you are receiving the required medical care and attention. 

Identify Abnormalities, If Any 

With a pregnancy ultrasound, you can also make certain that your doctors can identify whether there are abnormalities in the development of the baby. Certain abnormalities, if caught in time, can certainly be prevented with adequate medical attention.

Types of Pregnancy Ultrasound

There are multiple types of pregnancy ultrasounds available depending on the specific needs of the patient; some of these are:
Transvaginal Ultrasounds
3D Ultrasounds
4d Ultrasounds

Things to Keep in Mind Before You Undergo an Ultrasound

It can be an intimidating experience to go in for your first ultrasound. One might not know what the ideal way to prepare oneself and one’s body for this experience is. Following are some of the things you need to keep in mind in order to make certain that you are able to undergo a successful ultrasound experience:

• Keep Yourself Hydrated: One of the key things your gynaecologist will tell you is to make certain that you have enough water content in your body. Keeping your body at an optimum hydration level makes the ultrasound imaging process much clearer and easier to navigate. 

• Ignore the Urge to Urinate: If you are experiencing the urge to urinate, it is typically recommended that you hold it as long as you can. 
• Wear Loose Fitting Clothes: Another thing to keep in mind is the clothes you are wearing. An ultrasound is usually done on a person’s bare skin. Therefore, one should try to wear clothes that are loose fitting and can easily provide access to one’s abdomen for the sonographer.

At Ameritus Hospital, we offer highly effective and reliable pregnancy ultrasound services. Contact us to book an appointment today!