Learn what you can expect from your first prenatal ultrasound and how to prepare for it
Your first prenatal ultrasound (sonogram) can be an exciting time. It allows you and your doctor to check on the health of your baby. Although this first scan is too soon to see the baby’s sex, it’s still your first look at your baby.
Heights Obstetrics & Gynecology may perform prenatal ultrasounds at different points during your pregnancy. Our San Antonio OBGYN practice understands that you probably have a lot of questions before your first scan. That’s why we’re here with some helpful information.
What happens at your first prenatal ultrasound?
Your first sonogram can occur as early as seven to eight weeks of pregnancy. However, sometimes it occurs closer to 12 weeks of gestation.
To perform this scan, your provider will use a technique called transvaginal ultrasound. This process involves a few simple steps.
- You will lie on an exam table and place your feet into stirrups, much like when you have a pelvic exam and Pap test.
- Your provider will place a wand-like instrument (transducer) into the vagina. This wand will release sound waves that bounce around your pelvis.
- The sound waves return to the transducer, where they convert into signals.
- These signals appear on a screen that you and your provider can view.
Your first prenatal scan can confirm the pregnancy, measure the baby’s size and confirm your due date.
How do you prepare for your first sonogram?
If you are having your first prenatal ultrasound at our San Antonio OBGYN practice, our team will let you know exactly what to do. However, often the only thing you need to do is arrive with a full bladder. This helps us see the baby better on the ultrasound.
You can also bring a support person, such as your partner or a friend. Our team wants you to feel as comfortable as possible during every stage of your pregnancy, including during your scans. If you have more questions about prenatal ultrasounds, we are happy to help you. Please contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more.
This varies depending on the pregnancy. However, most expectant mothers typically have a first-trimester scan to confirm the pregnancy and due date. They also often have an anatomy scan around 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy to better view the baby and determine the sex.
If you are having a transvaginal ultrasound, you typically only need to arrive with a full bladder. Otherwise, no special preparation is required.
No, the ultrasound that occurs during the first trimester is too early to determine the baby’s sex. You typically learn this during the anatomy scan that occurs at 18 to 20 weeks of gestation.