A Pregnant Woman's Guide to What Happens in an Ultrasound Examination

Looking back at my two pregnancies, the most vivid memories I have are of my ultrasounds. These brief glimpses at the life inside me were scary and exciting moments not only because they confirmed that all was well with my pregnancies, but also because they were moments that I got to share with my husband. Knowing what to expect at an ultrasound appointment may ease your tension and allow you to have a positive experience with your partner.

Your first pregnancy ultrasound may be very early in your pregnancy. Some doctors, though not all, will perform an early ultrasound at around eight or nine weeks gestation to date the pregnancy, to confirm that the pregnancy is viable, and to determine whether it is a single or multiple pregnancy. These early ultrasounds are a little different than what you may expect if you have watched television shows or movies about pregnancy because they are transvaginal rather than abdominal ultrasounds. Rather than looking at your uterus through the abdominal wall, the ultrasound technician uses a probe that looks like a wand to view your uterus through your vagina. You will lie on your back with your feet in stirrups, and either you or the technician will insert the gel-covered probe into your vagina. The technician will then view pictures of your reproductive organs and your baby on a screen, which you and your spouse may also be able to see.

When your pregnancy has progressed beyond the first trimester, your ultrasound will likely be an abdominal ultrasound. However, a transvaginal ultrasound may also be necessary if the doctor has asked to see special views of your placenta (e.g. a low-lying placenta) or the baby. The ultrasound that is done between 18 and 22 weeks is often referred to by expecting parents as the "big ultrasound" because, assuming baby is cooperative and in the right position, the technician will be able to determine the baby's sex. Remember to tell the technician beforehand whether you want to know the baby's sex or whether you want it to remain a surprise.

An abdominal ultrasound is a bit more comfortable than a transvaginal ultrasound. You will be asked to lay on your back and to uncover your abdomen. The technician will tuck a towel under your waistband to protect your clothes and will then put gel on your abdomen. The ultrasound scan will be performed while you lay on the table, and usually your technician will even print a few pictures for you.

During the ultrasound, you may find that you have questions about how the baby is positioned, whether the baby is big or small for her age, or whether your placenta is positioned properly. While your technician may be able to answer some of these questions based on the results of the ultrasound, you will want to write your questions down to ask your doctor at your next appointment. Some doctors will even see you right after your ultrasound to go over the results with you.

In recent years, ultrasound facilities have begun to offer 3D or 4D ultrasounds and selling picture and video packages. These elective procedures are not a substitute for a doctor's care. If you have any concerns about the safety of these elective ultrasounds, talk to your physician.