Between nausea, cravings, or the constant need to pee, you know something’s going on inside. But pregnancy sometimes doesn’t feel entirely real unless you have your first peek at your baby during your first prenatal ultrasound. Fortunately for the curious and anxious alike, an early pregnancy scan in London is very standard and also welcomes you to experience the first-ever feeling of the prenatal process.
What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a painless diagnostic test that most women will receive during pregnancy. High-frequency sound signals travel into your uterus, and they reflect back from the embryo in quivering moments. The echoes are translated into electrical signals that are projected as black-and-white pictures on a monitor. The images display your baby’s soft tissues and organs. If you’ve got signs from your to-be-baby, an early pregnancy scan Watford can double-check it for you.
How to prepare for a pregnancy ultrasound?
Wondering how to prepare for an early pregnancy scan in Watford?
- If you’re getting a transabdominal ultrasound, you should arrive at your appointment with a full bladder. This makes it easier for your doctor or sonographer to see around or through your bladder.
- Then drink an 8-ounce beverage of your choice: water, juice, and milk are all fine about an hour before your appointment.
- Eating about an hour before your appointment, especially something sugary, will also get your baby moving around. This can help the sonographer take better pictures.
How soon should an ultrasound be done?
Women should get at least one early pregnancy scan in London in the second trimester, between weeks 18 and 22 of pregnancy. You can also get an ultrasound in the first trimester, before your 14th week of pregnancy to be assured.
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First-trimester ultrasound
Most practitioners wait up to 6 weeks to perform the first pregnancy ultrasound. However, a development sac can be seen as early as 4 weeks after your last period. This sneak-peak is used to verify your approximate due date, check the heartbeat of the fetus, rule out an ectopic pregnancy, and determine if you’re carrying multiples.
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Second-trimester ultrasound
Midway through your pregnancy, between weeks 18 and 22, an early scan Watford will help and perform a detailed ultrasound called a level 2. The second-trimester ultrasound is done for reassuring the overall health of your baby and your pregnancy by measuring your baby’s size and checking all major organs, detecting amniotic fluid in your uterus, and verifying the position of the placenta.
Types of Ultrasound
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Transvaginal ultrasound
If you’re getting your first pregnancy ultrasound before week 6 or 7, your practitioner will likely perform a transvaginal ultrasound. A small, long transducer or wand is wrapped in a sterile condom-like cover and inserted into the vagina. The practitioner will then move the wand inside the vaginal cavity to scan your uterus.
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Transabdominal ultrasound
If your first ultrasound is after week 6 or 7, you’ll likely get a transabdominal ultrasound. A gel is rubbed onto your belly to help the sound waves move more easily to detect your baby.
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Arrange your baby’s first ultrasound now
Early pregnancy can feel unreal. How do you know the fetus is there when you can’t see it or feel it moving yet? Get your first ever early scan at Watford and cease the precious moment! Finally, your whirring brain can be placated with direct proof.
Book your appointment with the Well Women Clinic which has the best private gynaecologist in London. We are here to walk you through and join you in this joyous moment to make it a memorable one.
