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The health of you and your baby is the most important concern during this time period. If you’re expecting a little bundle of joy, schedule at least two ultrasounds with your doctor—first, around 10-12 weeks for an initial checkup, and then around 18 weeks for a more thorough look at the baby’s anatomy. Here’s a closer look at why this procedure is so important during your pregnancy. 

What Is an Ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a prenatal test given to women during their pregnancy. It’s a non-invasive procedure used to examine the health of you and your baby during the first and second trimesters. An ultrasound will confirm that you are pregnant and their potential due date. By tracking heartbeats, practitioners can also determine if you are expecting more than one child. Most importantly, ultrasounds provide the first picture you’ll have of your baby.  

Why Should Pregnant Women Get Ultrasounds?

UltrasoundYou probably have many questions about your baby’s health, and ultrasounds provide answers. By getting a look inside your body, medical professionals can assess information that would be otherwise unavailable. Ultrasounds are used to determine if there are any risks to your pregnancy. If detected, doctors can move quickly with preventative options.  

In the first trimester (six to nine weeks), your practitioner can screen for potential complications such as tubular or ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.

At 18 to 22 weeks, schedule your second-trimester ultrasound. It’s a more detailed scan, focused on measuring your baby’s size and development of their bones and organs. The screenings can detect if your baby may have any potential birth defects, including spina bifida or growth and heart abnormalities. Further diagnostic testing would be needed afterward.    

How Do They Work?

Your practitioner will rub a cold gel on your stomach and roll a wand-like transducer over it. The wand emits high-frequency sound waves through the gel to map the inside of your womb and provide a picture of it on a monitor. The sound waves will not harm you or your baby. Ultrasounds use sound waves instead of radiation, making them safer than X-rays.

While most ultrasounds are non-invasive, a doctor may suggest a transvaginal ultrasound if they suspect issues with your cervix or the baby’s placenta or abnormal bleeding. The doctor will insert the wand into your vagina, and you will feel some pressure similar to that of a Pap smear. 

 

If you need to schedule an ultrasound during your pregnancy, choose Hudson Valley Imaging in New Windsor, NY. Their staff understands how exciting and stressful your pregnancy is and will help you monitor your baby’s health. For over 15 years, their experienced professionals have seen to their patients’ needs with compassion and understanding. For more information on ultrasounds, or to learn more about their services, visit their website or call (845) 220-2222.

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