An ultrasound is an essential part of prenatal care. At key points during your pregnancy, your local gynecologist will conduct one of these exams to give a clear picture of your baby’s growth and general health. At Thameside ObGyn Centre in Groton, Connecticut, ultrasounds are conveniently performed onsite. Here, the respected doctors at this practice explain everything you need to know for your first ultrasound.

What Is An Ultrasound?

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images of your growing baby inside your body. During this prenatal care exam, your local gynecologist will first rub a cool blue gel over your abdomen, then gently move a wand called a transducer over the area to produce an image of your baby on a monitor. 

When & Why Are They Given?

An ultrasound is given at two or three different points during your prenatal care. Early in pregnancy, ultrasounds are used to confirm the fetal heartbeat and ensure the embryo has implanted in the right place. Later in pregnancy, your local gynecologist will use an ultrasound to evaluate the growth of the fetus, the placenta location, the umbilical cord, and the baby’s anatomy.

What Can I Expect During An Ultrasound?

During the first trimester, your local gynecologist may perform an internal ultrasound to confirm the presence of the embryo as part of standard prenatal care. Instead of moving the transducer over the stomach, a smaller wand is gently inserted into the vagina to scan the uterus. Abdominal ultrasounds are similarly painless and comfortable. The only discomfort may be when the sonographer requests that you arrive with a full bladder for a more accurate reading.

Go online to find a local gynecologist and explore the many prenatal care services at Thameside ObGyn Centre. Call (860) 445-5107 to schedule an appointment and the experienced staff will be ready to serve you.