This is the pregnancy ultrasound procedure that pregnant women need to understand

Ultrasound during pregnancy is one of the routine checks to see the condition of your baby. The ultrasound will be performed in the first or second trimester, or as directed by your doctor. So, what about the pregnancy ultrasound procedure?

What to do before pregnancy ultrasound?

In early pregnancy, if you are going to have an ultrasound, you will need to fill your bladder completely by drinking 2-3 glasses of water 1-2 hours before the test.

This is necessary in order to get a clear picture of your fetus and your reproductive organs. You should not pass your urine until an ultrasound is done.

In addition, before starting an ultrasound, you should also tell all the drugs you are currently taking, whether medical or herbal medicines. Follow any other specific instructions from your doctor.

What is done during a pregnancy ultrasound?

During the ultrasound, you are asked to lie down on a bed. Then you will apply a special lubricating gel on the skin. This is used to prevent friction that can break the skin when the ultrasound transducer part is moved over the skin.

The transducer is a part of an ultrasound device that is shaped like a microphone, which emits sound waves. This gel also helps to transmit waves from the ultrasound device more effectively.

The transducer is then attached to the part of the skin that has been smeared with gel while moving it. The ultrasound transducer works by spreading sound waves with high frequencies.

Then, when there is an object in the body, for example, an organ or bone, this tool will provide a reflected signal to the computer. This reflected signal will form a picture that the doctor will explain the results.

In some cases, the ultrasound cannot produce a clear enough image, possibly due to too much air in the intestines and other conditions. Therefore, this ultrasound is inserted into the vagina which is known as a transvaginal ultrasound. Usually this type of ultrasound is done at the beginning of pregnancy to determine whether your pregnancy is developing in the uterus or not.

When finished using the ultrasound instrument, the doctor will examine the results and then explain the results to you.

Ultrasound in pregnancy is needed to determine fetal development, the possibility of multiple pregnancy to fetal abnormalities. This procedure is most often performed during pregnancy because it is non-invasive, painless and safe for the fetus.