Ultrasound is a medical procedure used during pregnancy to monitor the growth of the fetus. The process assists in confirming the pregnancy, estimating the due date, and identifying any potential issues that may necessitate additional testing or monitoring. Many expectant parents look forward to their first ultrasound and may have concerns about what to expect during the procedure. This blog post will provide an overview of what a 12-week ultrasound entails, additional information, and what expectant parents can do to prepare for the scan.
What is the importance of the 12-week pregnancy scan?
Getting the 12 weeks ultrasound done will help the doctor to track the development of the fetus. They will also get to know if you are getting the appropriate care for the rest of your pregnancy. Through the 3D ultrasound at 12 weeks, the doctors can provide you with the following information:
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– An expected due date
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– How many babies can you expect
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– Information about any genetic disorders
Unless you are at high risk of complications during pregnancy, your doctor might not ask for an ultrasound before 12 weeks. However, they may recommend an ultrasound at 6 to 7 weeks in the earliest case. By the 12th week, your baby will be big enough. Thus, through the information displayed through the ultrasound, your doctor can provide you with detailed information about your baby.
How should you prepare for a 12-week ultrasound?
Make sure you keep your bladder full during the ultrasound. A full bladder will help the sound waves to move better, and you can get clear images. To do this, drink 2 or 3 glasses of water an hour before your ultrasound. Your doctor might also request you to carry out blood work. Thus, make sure you perform it when needed.
What to expect from a 12-week ultrasound?
The 12-week ultrasound usually takes place on an external basis. There are times when it can take place on an internal basis, also known as trans vaginal. However, this is only done if the images produced through external scans are not clear enough. For the process, you will have to lie down, and the technician will apply a clear gel on your lower belly. A wand will be used to display an image of your organs on a screen. They will also record the heartbeat of your baby.
The duration of the 3D ultrasound scan may range from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the exact timing depends on the position of your baby. The process usually doesn’t hurt. You might be required to be in a certain position to get a clearer image of the baby. However, you can request the examiner if you could shift and be comfortable.
Watching your baby for the first time is one of the most incredible experiences, even through a screen. Your first ultrasound may take place around 12 weeks. Through the ultrasound process, you will get to know when you can expect your baby, how many babies you are expecting, and if there are any genetic disorders. With this information, your healthcare provider will provide you with certain precautions you must take during your pregnancy.
Going about the ultrasound process and the ultrasound cost in Melbourne can be too overwhelming for an expectant mother. However, with Precious Glimpse, you can leave your worries behind. The professionals at Precious Glimpse will provide you with great care and attention through which you can bond with your baby.
