Early Pregnancy Ultrasound: What to Expect?
At Beautiful Beginnings Ultrasound Clinic, expect a thorough and reassuring early pregnancy ultrasound experience. Our skilled technicians provide detailed images to confirm your pregnancy and estimate the due date. With a focus on your comfort and care, we ensure you leave with peace of mind and a glimpse of your growing baby. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 180 Ave at the Cmns Suite 9, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702.
Table of Contents:
What is an early pregnancy ultrasound?
What can I expect during an early pregnancy ultrasound?
What should I do to prepare for an early ultrasound?
How long does an early pregnancy ultrasound take?
What is detected during an early pregnancy ultrasound?
A first-trimester ultrasound, also known as an early pregnancy ultrasound, can be performed as early as seven or eight weeks into your pregnancy. Most commonly, early pregnancy ultrasounds are performed transvaginally. Some of the key reasons why first-trimester ultrasounds are done include:
• Confirm the pregnancy.
• Detect the heartbeat.
• Measure the size of the fetus.
• Check whether there are multiple fetuses.
• Estimate the gestational age and due date of the fetus.
• Identify any early warning signs of miscarriage.
While this ultrasound can be done earlier, many providers recommend this scan at about 12 weeks of pregnancy.
If your first-trimester ultrasound is coming up, you are likely wondering what you can expect at this exciting appointment. When you arrive for your appointment, the first step is to check in and wait for the ultrasound room to be prepared. Once you are shown to the room, the technician will leave, so you have privacy to undress from the waist down. Next, you will lie on an examination table with your knees bent and a sheet covering your lower half.
The technician will use a plastic cover and warm lubricating gel on the transducer before inserting it carefully inside your vagina. The transducer will release sound waves and create images of the pelvic organs on the screen. Once all the needed images are captured, the transducer will be removed, and the technician will exit the room so you can get dressed.
There is minimal preparation needed before your first trimester ultrasound. For instance, there is no fasting needed, so you should eat and drink as usual on the day of your appointment. You should wear a two-piece outfit (a top and bottoms rather than a dress or pantsuit) to make it easy to access your stomach and remove your bottoms. If you have any questions regarding preparation or the process itself, the friendly team at Beautiful Beginnings Ultrasound is here to offer guidance and clarity.
An early pregnancy scan doesn’t take long; the entire process will last approximately 20 and 30 minutes. In addition, the procedure is completely painless, safe, and offers important insights into your baby’s gestational age and size. Following your scan, your doctor will review the images and discuss the findings with you, addressing any questions or concerns you may have. This appointment is not only a critical step in monitoring your pregnancy but also a wonderful opportunity to see your baby for the first time.
Some of the early pregnancy signs that healthcare providers look for on an ultrasound include:
• Early heart development: After about six weeks of pregnancy, it’s possible to detect a cardiac pulse through an ultrasound scan. As you may experience hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time at this appointment, it’s common to get emotional. Be aware that, in some cases, it’s difficult to detect the heartbeat on an early scan, especially before your seventh week of pregnancy.
• Location and size of the embryo: During your early pregnancy scan, the healthcare provider will locate where the embryo has implanted. This is important for detecting ectopic pregnancies, which pose a medical emergency. In addition, the doctor will assess the size of the embryo to estimate the due date.
• Yolk sac: To confirm a healthy pregnancy, the doctor will look for a tiny balloon-like structure known as the yolk sac.
In addition to these early pregnancy indicators, the healthcare provider will look for signs that you are experiencing a multiple pregnancy. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that 6 weeks may be too early to tell if you’re having twins or higher-order multiples. To book your first trimester scan in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, get in touch with the dedicated team at Beautiful Beginnings Ultrasound. We serve patients from Shrewsbury NJ, Red Bank NJ, Little Silver NJ, Eatontown NJ, Middletown NJ, Colts Neck NJ, Rumson NJ, Holmdel NJ, Long Branch NJ, West Long Branch NJ, Ocean City NJ, Oceanport NJ, and surrounding areas!
Additional Services You May Need
▸ 3D Ultrasound Imaging
▸ 4D Ultrasound Imaging
▸ 5D Ultrasound Imaging
▸ 3D and 4D Ultrasound
▸ Elective Ultrasound
▸ Early Gender Determination
▸ Prenatal Ultrasound
▸ Ultrasound Imaging
▸ Ultrasound Scans
Additional Services You May Need
▸ 3D Ultrasound Imaging
▸ 4D Ultrasound Imaging
▸ 5D Ultrasound Imaging
▸ 3D and 4D Ultrasound
▸ Elective Ultrasound
▸ Early Gender Determination
▸ Prenatal Ultrasound
▸ Ultrasound Imaging
▸ Ultrasound Scans