If you’re pregnant, regular ultrasounds are an essential part of your care. This safe and painless test allows your OBGYN to check the health of your pregnancy and ensure the fetus is meeting important developmental milestones. It also gives you exciting information about your baby-to-be, like the sex, and provides you with an actual first look at your little one. Read on to learn about some ultrasound milestones to expect.

3 Exciting Ultrasound Milestones

1. Confirming A Heartbeat: 6 to 8 Weeks

Around six to eight weeks into pregnancy, an initial ultrasound can confirm your pregnancy. This is usually the point where your OBGYN will be able to detect the baby’s heartbeat. You won’t be able to see much at this point, however. Note that a clearer ultrasound is often possible if your bladder is at least partially full; ask your doctor if you should fill up on fluids in advance.

2. The First Clear Look: Around 13 Weeks

The first clear look of your little one will come around 13 weeks. This should give you a clear image of your baby. It also perfectly coincides with the “safe point,” at which most couples feel comfortable sharing their exciting news. Around 11 to 13 weeks, your OBGYN can also perform valuable prenatal tests to check for certain chromosomal abnormalities, heart defects, and other health issues.

3. Determining the Sex: 18 to 20 Weeks

Once you hit your second trimester, you can get a more detailed ultrasound. This so-called “anatomy scan” lets your OBGYN assess the baby’s growth and ensure all organs are developing properly. The doctor will check everything from normal brain and heart development, to counting fingers and toes. This is also the point at which the doctor can make a reasonable assessment of the baby’s sex.

If you’re in need of an ultrasound in Honolulu, HI, put your trust in TTNYD & D OBGYN. Conveniently located in the Queens Medical Center, these professionals provide the full range of women’s health services, including pregnancy and delivery care. For an appointment with these experienced, compassionate professionals, call (808) 599-4200.