What to Expect During an Ultrasound
The ultrasound for pregnancy was designed for not only watching the fetus as it grows, but also to check for multiple births, for diagnosing complications, and to check for major birth defects.
But just how safe is it and what will be happening during the procedure?
First of all an ultrasound is a procedure where the nurse or other health care provider will rub a device, called a transducer, that has conduction gel on it, across the woman's abdomen. Sound waves from the transducer will produce an image on a monitor allowing the mother and the health care provider an opportunity to have the first look at the baby. A second type of ultrasound is sometimes used earlier in a pregnancy. Instead of rubbing a transducer over the abdomen, there may be a probe inserted into the vagina, producing the same results on the monitor. The consensus is that either way it is painless and very safe for both the mother and the baby when done by a properly trained individual. There are also no sensations from the sound waves. The only discomfort may come from the full bladder, as it is sometimes required by the doctor during the procedure. It is not recommended that a woman receive any ultrasounds from any other individuals than those medically trained to do so.
Ultrasounds can be performed at different times during a woman's pregnancy, but the first one is usually performed in the first trimester when the woman is anywhere from 8-10 weeks into her pregnancy; this will help estimate the number of weeks of pregnancy. Many women only have this one ultrasound and for most people, this is the only one that insurance will cover unless there is a strong medical reason for other ultrasounds.
In the second trimester another ultrasound may be done to check the baby's growth and size and also to check for any major developmental concerns at the same time.
In the third trimester an ultrasound may be done to determine if there is too little or too much amniotic fluid (the protective liquid surrounding the baby). And once again to check on the baby's growth.
The routine ultrasounds usually take about 20 minutes each and will provide your health care provider with information that will benefit the care of both mother and baby during the pregnancy. With the technology of the ultrasound, you don't have to wait nine months to show off pictures of your new baby.
(No medical advice should be construed from this article. Please make your own decisions.)
Related Tags: pregnancy, testing, ultrasound, sonogram
-----
Mrs. Kirk Thomas is a homeschool mom and advocate of homeschooling. She has additional resources available on her website http://www.everythinghomeschool.info She also maintains the following sites: http://www.diaper-coupon.com and http://www.breastfeedingsource.info
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Tips For Healthy Pregnancy
For a healthy new baby, healthy pregnancy is a must. Every woman has a desire for a healthy pregnanc - How To Make Your Pregnancy Healthy And Comfortable
Healthy pregnancy is the first and for most thing which the every mother desire for. This could only - Morning Sickness Symptoms - 3 Signs That Morning Sickness Has Begun
Morning sickness is a normal part of pregnancy for most women. 7 of every 10 women will go through m - End Morning Sickness - Get Rid Of Morning Sickness With 3 Easy Remedies
Morning sickness impacts four out of every five women. The symptoms and severity of morning sickness - Ginger For Morning Sickness - 3 Ways To Utilize Ginger For Fast Morning Sickness Relief
Ginger is a potent herb, native to Asia that has various healing powers, one of which is eliminating - Morning Sickness Cures - Survive Morning Sickness With 5 Proven Remedies
In the first phase of pregnancy, your body goes through rapid hormonal changes that will prepare you - Morning Sickness Remedy - 3 Methods That Will Have You Feeling Better Instantly
For most women, morning sickness will be the most unpleasant time during pregnancy. Over seventy per - The Best Vitamins And Minerals In Increasing Fertility
There are many natural treatments that can help improve the fertility of a couple. These natural tre - Safe Exercises During Pregnancy-how To Safely Exercise During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is such a wonderful time in a woman's life. Having a little life growing inside you is suc - Getting Tubes Untied: Pregnant After Tubal Ligation
Most people have heard to term getting your "tubed tied". This refers to the procedure called tubal
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Do You Have Any Doubts About Pregnancy Tests?
Read this and all doubts about pregnancy and pregnancy tests will be cleared.The fertilized egg plan - Pregnancy Advice
The 10 Things You Should Do when you are pregnant, these are not the hardcore scientific stuff, just - Choosing the Sex of your Baby - the Moral Question
Some people oppose gender selection calling it an attempt at playing God. They believe that nature m - Getting Rid Of Stretchmarks
Getting rid of stretchmarks can be a difficult thing to do. They're ugly and make days at the beach - Deciphering The Fertility Calendar
If you are one of the many couples around the world that are trying to conceive, I'm sure you've see - Fun and Unique Baby Shower Decorating Ideas
Baby showers are a great way of announcing to the world that you are going to be a new mother. Since - How To Plan a Baby Shower on a Budget
So you're throwing a baby shower, and have no idea what you need or where to go to plan your baby s - How To Start Labor: What Works?
Overdue pregnancy can be physically and mentally challenging. If you have difficulties in sleeping, - 37 Weeks Pregnant - It's Nearly Time To Give Birth
37 weeks pregnant and you're almost to your due date. In most cases you've reached the point that if - Holiday Season and Baby Showers - Should You Have Them?
People often wonder whether they should hold a baby shower during the hustle and bustle of the holid
