Finding out that you are pregnant is one of the most exciting moments of motherhood. Getting a sneak-peak of your unborn baby is another awe moment for the mother. Dr. Leela Patel in South Charleston may request an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy and monitor your baby’s growth and development.

What are the common uses of an ultrasound procedure?

Ultrasounds are not necessarily for medical purposes. Sometimes your gynecologist may request the test if you want images as a parent or need to know your baby’s sex. However, though the test is safe for both the baby and you, the healthcare professional may not recommend an ultrasound when you have no medical reason or benefit.

During your first trimester, your gynecologist may request an ultrasound between 10-14 weeks of pregnancy to:

•         Check for the fetal heartbeat
•         Confirm pregnancy
•         Check for multiple pregnancies
•         Examine the condition of your ovaries, placenta, uterus, and cervix
•         Look out for ectopic pregnancy and other abnormalities
•         Check out for deformities or abnormal growth of your unborn baby
•         Determine your unborn child’s gestational age and estimate your possible due date

Besides pregnancy, why would your doctor request an ultrasound?

You will most likely associate ultrasound with pregnancy. This is because an ultrasound gives you a sneak-peak of your unborn child during the developmental stages.  However, your doctor might request the imaging test for a different thing. For instance, the healthcare provider may request the test when you are experiencing pain, have painful symptoms, or any other sign that might require an evaluation of your organs. Besides pregnancy, your doctor may request an ultrasound to check out the condition of your following organs:

•         Thyroid
•         Kidneys
•         Liver
•         Ovaries
•         Pancreas
•         Uterus
•         Bladder
•         Spleen

How should you prepare for an ultrasound?

Earlier in your pregnancy, your gynecologist will request you to have a full bladder for the sonographer to capture clear images of your unborn child and your various reproductive organs, including your uterus. The healthcare expert may suggest you drink approximately 1.5 liters of water before you go in for the imaging test to ensure your bladder is full at the time of the ultrasound.     

How does an ultrasound work?

During your examination, your gynecologist will use a transducer to send sound waves and record echoing waves. As the medical expert presses the transducer against your skin, the device sends tiny pulses of high-frequency sound waves into your body. As the waves bounce off your tissues, fluids, and internal organs, the highly sensitive receiver in the device record the minute changes in direction and pitch of the directional sounds. The captured waves record on the computer, which develops the real-time images on the screen. The machine may also capture a couple of the moving images as still photos and record the rest as video loops. The short moving videos will show your baby’s movements and heartbeat.

An ultrasound test is safe, fast, and painless. The test also gives you the first glimpse of your child while still inside your womb. Contact your doctor to learn how an ultrasound test can ensure you have a smooth journey to becoming a mother.