When you’re pregnant, ultrasounds allow you to view and monitor the development of your baby while they grow in the womb. As with mammograms and MRIs, the process of getting one is painless. Plus, it’s an exciting appointment you can look forward to. Here’s a guide to what to expect during each trimester.

Understanding Ultrasounds by Trimester

First Trimester

Your first ultrasound, known as a sonogram, generally takes place when you’re between six and eight weeks pregnant. Leading up to your appointment, your technician may recommend coming to your appointment with a full bladder, as sound waves travel more effectively through liquid and can provide a better image of the growing fetus. This initial imaging test will check the fetal heartbeat, help provide an accurate due date, and rule out issues, such as tubal pregnancies. 

Second Trimester

When you’re between 18 and 22 weeks pregnant, a second ultrasound will provide a closer look at your growing baby. During this appointment, your medical team will check the baby’s heartbeat and look for any abnormalities in the liver, heart, brain, and kidneys. Fingers and toes can be counted, and the sex of your baby can be determined. As with your initial ultrasound, your technician may recommend coming with a full bladder to ensure a clear image. 

Third Trimester

An ultrasound in the third and final pregnancy trimester isn’t always part of the planning process, but it may be ordered under certain circumstances. For example, you would need one if you’re a mother over the age of 35, there are concerns regarding the placenta covering the cervix, your baby’s growth and development are delayed, or you’ve experienced pre-term contractions or vaginal bleeding.

Since the uterus and fetus are larger at this point, you may not need to arrive for your appointment with a full bladder. This imaging test can provide valuable information in determining whether a C-section is the right birth plan for the health and safety of the mother and baby. 

If you’re looking for an accredited radiology center to get pregnancy ultrasounds, contact Main Street Radiology. With four convenient locations, residents throughout Queens, NY, have relied on this center for over 50 years. To schedule an appointment at this world-class diagnostic center, call (718) 428-1500. For more information on the wide range of imaging tests they offer, visit their website.