When is first sonogram during pregnancy

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Jang T. Ultrasonographic imaging in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. March of Dimes.

Ultrasound during pregnancy. Fetal ultrasound. Ultrasound pregnancy. Join now to personalize. A pregnancy ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your baby. You may have your first ultrasound early in pregnancy a first-trimester ultrasound or you may have a standard ultrasound at 18 to 22 weeks. Pregnancy ultrasound allows your provider to check on your baby's health and development, monitor your pregnancy, and look for any physical abnormalities.

It's also used for some genetic tests, and to make sure your baby is doing well in late pregnancy. What is ultrasound? When do you get your first ultrasound? What happens during a pregnancy ultrasound? Why do I need a pregnancy ultrasound? How long does an ultrasound take? How many ultrasounds will I have during pregnancy? Are ultrasounds safe? What if a pregnancy ultrasound shows a problem?

Sources BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Featured video. Quad screen second-trimester prenatal screening.

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An ultrasound is a painless diagnostic test that most women will receive during pregnancy. High-frequency sound waves travel into your uterus, and they bounce back from the fetus as vibrations. The echoes are translated into electrical signals that are projected as black-and-white pictures on a monitor.

The images display your baby's soft tissues and organs. An ultrasound usually can be done in your practitioner's office or your local hospital. There are two types: transvaginal probe and transabdominal ultrasound. Transvaginal Probe: If you need an ultrasound early in pregnancy , it may be necessary to use a transvaginal probe a transducer placed in the vagina.

The fetus is deep in the mother's pelvis in early pregnancy—and since sound waves don't pass through bone, a transvaginal ultrasound lets your technologist to view your uterus through the cervix. This method may also be used later in pregnancy to locate your placenta if it's over the cervix or to measure the length of the cervix. A transvaginal ultrasound is done with a wand-shaped probe covered with a latex sheath like a condom.

The doctor will apply some lubricant and gently insert the ultrasound into your vagina. She will move the device to form the picture she needs on the ultrasound screen. The procedure doesn't hurt, but you might find it uncomfortable in the same way you might find a pelvic exam uncomfortable.

Transabdominal Ultrasound: After the first few weeks, most doctors will do an ultrasound on the abdomen. After arriving at your appointment , the doctor will smear a clear gel on the skin.

The gel allows the transducer a handheld device that looks like a microphone to slide more easily over your belly, and it improves the transmission of sound waves into your body. Some doctors warm the gel, but if not, you might get a chilly sensation from the cold gel on your skin.

Next the doctor moves the transducer along your abdomen, applying some gentle pressure. The transducer transmits sound waves that create a picture of the baby inside. If you're ticklish, you might find yourself challenged during this procedure. Take a deep breath and try to relax! Some doctors perform the first ultrasound exam around 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy , often during the first prenatal visit. These sound waves are not harmful to you or your baby.

Ultrasounds during pregnancy help doctors diagnose many diseases and conditions, even those not related to pregnancy. Most pregnant women typically only get two ultrasounds, one at the beginning of pregnancy and one about halfway through.

Other women may have three or more ultrasounds done depending on a number of factors. In order to get a close enough view of your uterus and fetus, the dating ultrasound is done transvaginally. Most would say it feels less invasive than a gynecological exam that uses a speculum. To perform this ultrasound, your OBGYN or ultrasound tech will gently insert a narrow ultrasound wand just inside your vagina.

The transvaginal ultrasound wand is also called a transducer. It will be covered by a condom and lubricant. The wand will not reach your cervix and is safe for your baby.

You may be asked to arrive at your first ultrasound with a full bladder. Having a fuller bladder helps to put your uterus in a better position for the ultrasound. This ultrasound is also called nuchal translucency screening. This genetic screening ultrasound is optional. During this ultrasound, your doctor will look for indicators of chromosomal disorders. Chromosomal disorders mean that the baby received an extra chromosome at conception and could have moderate to extreme physical or mental challenges.

These disorders include:. Read more about carrier screening and prenatal genetic testing. This ultrasound will be an anatomical scan. Your doctor will look to see if all four limbs are present.