These Are the Things to Know Before Getting an Ultrasound

Ultrasounds are an amazing part of science that allow doctors to detect issues and abnormalities through a procedure that is hardly invasive. A pregnancy ultrasound might be a bit scary if you’ve never experienced one before, but you don’t have to worry. Your doctor knows what they’re doing, but you should know all you can about ultrasounds, too. Here are a few things you should know about ultrasounds before you go in for your first appointment.  

1. Ultrasounds Aren’t Just for Pregnancy

While you might be getting an ultrasound for your first pregnancy, you should know that ultrasounds aren’t just for pregnancy. Ultrasounds are useful for several issues that a patient might have, as they allow a doctor to see everything going on inside a person’s body at any given time as it’s happening. You can have an ultrasound for just about anything, and your doctor will recommend you get one if they want to get a better look at any issues.  

2. Preparation Depends on the Type

Some types of ultrasounds dictate what you should eat and when before your appointment. The preparation isn’t the same for all ultrasounds. For example, you may need to eat a low-fat dinner and avoid drinking for 12 hours before an abdominal ultrasound.  

However, with a pregnancy ultrasound, you can eat as usual and must drink 32 ounces of fluid around an hour before your appointment. If you’re unsure of what you should do, talk to your doctor. They should be able to tell you exactly what you neded to do to prepare.  

3. The Frequency of Ultrasounds

Going into your first ultrasound, you may feel curious about how often you should expect these appointments. On average, you may have about three ultrasounds if you choose to get extra testing to learn more about your baby’s health. If not, you might just have an ultrasound in the first trimester to see how far along you are and another one halfway through your pregnancy to see more of your baby’s anatomy. 

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your OBGYN may want to see you more often. You’re considered high-risk if you have hypertension, diabetes or other conditions that could affect your body. Your doctor will let you know whether they’d like to see you more often for ultrasounds to ensure your baby is growing normally. 

4. You Might See Your Baby in 3D

Most people are familiar with the 2D standard of imaging when going to an ultrasound. You typically end up with a black and white picture of your growing baby that you can show off to people and keep close to your heart. Even though this is the most common type of imaging for ultrasounds, the pictures they result in can be kind of fuzzy or hard to make out. However, you can see your baby in 3D and even 4D, too.  

3D imaging takes this picture a step further. These images can show you just how cute your baby will be, with more defined features than the black and white traditional photo. Your doctor can also use 3D imaging to check on any abnormalities that your baby may have, and they’ll have a better understanding of issues by looking at a more defined image. 4D imaging can help you see your baby in motion, but they’re less common. Just be careful, as 3D and 4D imaging might not be covered by your insurance, meaning you’d have to pay out of pocket for them. 

5. You Can Screen for Genetics

A genetic screening ultrasound is your choice, but it can help you learn more about your baby before birth. Some people think that screening for a genetic defect can help them prepare, whether physically or emotionally, for the baby before they come. Your OBGYN can help guide you through the process of deciding whether to get a genetic screening.  

If you’re worried about genetic issues, whether they run in your family or not, you can make a few changes to ensure that your baby has the best health possible. Exercising regularly and being up-to-date on your vaccinations can help your baby be that much healthier. While you can’t influence every aspect of your baby’s health, you may have a hand in lessening their risk of having a genetic defect. 

6. Rely on Your Doctor

Your OBGYN is the best resource you have. If you have any questions about your ultrasound before or during the process, you can go to them to ease your fears. You shouldn’t have to feel afraid of anything when you have them in your corner. 

For example, you can ask your doctor about the equipment used during your ultrasound. A bladder scanner might be used in gynecology, but you might not need it in your pregnancy ultrasound appointment. Your doctor is in the business because they want to help pregnant people like you, so they should have all the answers you seek. 

7. What It Means

Ultrasounds can be exciting, but you must remember what they’re for. If you’ve never had a pregnancy ultrasound before, you should know what it’s for. Ultrasounds are the best way for your doctor to determine the viability of your pregnancy, as well as how many babies you’re carrying. While having twins might be rare at only around 31 per 1,000 births, you always want to make sure instead of assuming that you’ll only have one baby. It helps to be prepared, and when determined early in the pregnancy, you have more time to prepare.  

Don’t Be Afraid of Your Ultrasound 

Above all, your ultrasound will give you answers and tell your doctor more about your baby’s health. Your OBGYN is here to help you and will guide you through what may be an unknown process. You may face ultrasounds in the future that aren’t quite the same as the ones you experienced during pregnancy, but as long as you know what to look forward to, you won’t be caught off-guard. These ultrasounds will help both you and your baby, so while you might be uncomfortable for a short time, you can rest assured, knowing that it’s all for the best.