As soon as those two pink lines appear on your home pregnancy test, a flurry of questions goes through your mind. Among them might be: How often do I need to have an ultrasound during my pregnancy?
At Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology in Rochester Hills, Lenox, and Troy, Michigan, we understand that a well-informed parent-to-be is a confident one. Our team is committed to providing you with the necessary knowledge and care to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy.
In this article, we explain when and why ultrasounds are performed.
An ultrasound, or sonogram, is a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your baby inside the womb.
These images help us track your baby's growth and development, identify potential complications, and even determine the gender of your baby.
While each pregnancy is unique and the number of ultrasounds needed varies based on individual health factors, most healthy pregnancies involve approximately 2-3 ultrasound scans.
The first ultrasound typically occurs around 6-9 weeks into the pregnancy. This early ultrasound checks for your baby's heartbeat, assesses your estimated due date, and ensures your baby is located correctly in the uterus.
Also known as the anatomy scan or the level 2 ultrasound, this comprehensive exam checks the baby's anatomy for any abnormalities. It's also when you can find out the sex of your baby if you choose to know.
In some cases, we might perform an ultrasound in the third trimester to check your baby's position, the location of the placenta, and the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby. This ultrasound is more common in pregnancies considered high-risk.
Sometimes, more frequent ultrasounds may be necessary based on your health and the baby's development. These situations might include multiple pregnancies, high-risk pregnancies, complications in previous pregnancies, or if you have certain medical conditions.
After a consultation and review of previous testing, we recommend the best ultrasound schedule for you.
After an ultrasound, we review the images and discuss the results with you. This discussion provides an opportunity for you to ask any questions and better understand your baby's development and health.
While ultrasounds are a crucial aspect of prenatal care, they are just one part of your health care journey during your pregnancy. Regular prenatal visits, a healthy diet, proper exercise, and prenatal vitamins all contribute to a healthy pregnancy and baby.
At Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, we offer comprehensive, patient-focused health care for women. With our expert team, we guide expecting mothers through every stage of pregnancy, ensuring that you feel comfortable, informed, and prepared for your baby's arrival.
Each visit with us is a step closer to meeting your little one. Book an appointment with us online, or call us to get started.