What You Should Expect During Your First Pregnancy Ultrasound

The first pregnancy ultrasound appointment is often a memorable experience for expectant parents, particularly for first-time moms. It marks the moment where you can see your baby for the very first time. The ultrasound process might also be unfamiliar, raising questions about what will happen during this first check-up. Here’s what to anticipate, from the changes in your first trimester to the ultrasound process itself:

What to Expect Once You’re Pregnant

The first trimester, a period of around 13 weeks, is a time of rapid changes as your body begins to support the new life developing inside you. You may find yourself experiencing some of the common early symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea, heightened sense of smell, fatigue, and mild cramping. While these symptoms are usually a normal part of pregnancy, it can still be reassuring to check in with a healthcare provider early on.

During the first trimester, many healthcare providers recommend scheduling your initial prenatal appointment several weeks into pregnancy. This timeframe often coincides with your first pregnancy ultrasound scan, but you can get scans earlier. First-trimester monitoring allows your medical team to establish a baseline for your care and address any concerns early in the pregnancy, offering comprehensive support regardless of whether you have a high-risk pregnancy or not.

The Process of Your First Ultrasound Appointment

Around halfway through the first trimester, the embryo has grown enough for a medical provider to check your baby’s development and detect their heartbeat. Some providers might recommend an earlier ultrasound if you are unsure about the date of your last period or if there are specific medical concerns, such as irregular cycles or a history of high-risk pregnancies. At your first appointment, your healthcare provider will use an ultrasound machine to get a closer look at your baby. The scan can be performed one of two ways:

• Transvaginal Ultrasound: If your pregnancy is still early, your provider may perform a transvaginal ultrasound, which involves a small device inserted into the vagina. This method offers a clearer view of your uterus and is particularly useful for detecting a heartbeat in early gestation.
• Abdominal Ultrasound: For appointments later in the first trimester, your provider may opt for a traditional abdominal ultrasound. A gel is applied to your belly, and a transducer is gently moved across your abdomen to capture images of your baby.

Both methods are safe and non-invasive. They allow your provider to gather information about your baby’s growth and your overall pregnancy health.

What Does the Healthcare Team Look For?

Here are some of the key observations your healthcare team typically makes during your first ultrasound:

• Confirming the Pregnancy: Your provider will first confirm the presence of a pregnancy and determine whether it is located in the uterus. This is valuable to rule out ectopic pregnancies, a condition where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.
• Monitoring Baby’s Heartbeat: One of the most exciting parts of the first ultrasound is often hearing or seeing your baby’s heartbeat for the very first time. This marks a significant milestone in early pregnancy development.
• Estimated Due Date: Your provider will measure the size of the embryo to estimate how far along you are and provide an expected due date.
• Checking for Multiple Pregnancies: The ultrasound will also confirm whether you are expecting a single baby, twins, or even more!
• Evaluating Overall Health: Your medical team will check for any irregularities or concerns, such as abnormal growths, fibroids, or other uterine conditions.

Get a Pregnancy Ultrasound

A first ultrasound is a special opportunity to see your baby’s development and establish a strong foundation of care for the months ahead. Whether it’s confirming your pregnancy, hearing your baby’s heartbeat, or measuring their growth, this appointment lays the groundwork for a healthy and supported pregnancy. If you’re ready to schedule your first ultrasound, reach out to your local provider today.