Ultrasound
A prenatal ultrasound is a routine procedure that is performed at least once and sometimes more than once during each woman’s pregnancy. Many women in the High Desert region look forward to their prenatal ultrasound appointments, because it gives them a chance to catch a glimpse of the growing baby inside their body.
At Reza Ahmadinia OBGYN, we recommend that women research prenatal ultrasounds in order to understand what will take place during these appointments and how these procedures are performed. Victorville patients who have any questions about ultrasound appointments are welcome to address those questions and concerns with Dr. Ahmadinia at their regular prenatal care appointments.
What Do I Need to Know About Prenatal Ultrasounds?
The ultrasound is performed using sound waves that are so high in frequency, they cannot be heard by the human ear. These sound waves are transmitted through the abdomen, allowing the ultrasound technician to look at the fetus, the uterus, the ovaries and the placenta. The sound waves, during transmission, can be utilized in order to produce an image or a video for the expectant mom and any visitors she chooses to bring with her.
Plenty of research has been performed in order to determine that ultrasounds are, in fact, safe for the baby. There is no harm done to the fetus during this test, and radiation is not used during the ultrasound test.
In most cases, women will have an ultrasound performed about halfway through their pregnancy. This ultrasound is performed between 18 and 22 weeks, and allows the ultrasound technician as well as the doctor to evaluate the growth and development of the baby’s bone structure and internal organs.
In many cases, women who choose to are able to find out if they are having a boy or a girl at this appointment. Women should understand that there is no guarantee of an accurate gender reading at this appointment. An ultrasound technician may interpret the images and determine that the baby is one sex, when in reality it is the opposite sex.
Ultrasounds also may performed periodically at different points in the pregnancy for a variety of reasons. Some practices require patients to have ultrasounds performed between 8 and 10 weeks for dating purposes. Other women may have an ultrasound near the end of their pregnancy in order to check on the fluid levels in the uterus and the size of the baby.
The prenatal ultrasound is a pivotal test because it allows the doctor to get an idea about the health and development of the baby. In some cases, health conditions may be discovered and the doctor can be prepared for this when the baby is born.
In general, parents-to-be love this appointment because they get that wonderful first look at their new baby and can start making more plans for its arrival after the fact. To find out more information about when you will require prenatal ultrasound appointments during your own pregnancy, talk with Dr. Ahmadinia at your next prenatal appointment.
