If there is a date eagerly awaited by couples after finding out they are expecting, it is the first ultrasound during pregnancy. The concern about knowing whether everything is going well with their little one, whether their tiny heart is beating as expected, and whether the pregnancy is progressing as it should are some of the anxieties of future parents, who are overwhelmed with emotion and often brought to tears when seeing the first image of their child and hearing their precious one’s heartbeat for the first time.
The pregnancy ultrasound, also known by specialists as sonography or ultrasonography, is an exam that, through sound waves, makes it possible to view the baby, placenta, uterus, and its entire structure1. Through this exam it is possible to monitor the progress of fetal development and the health of the pregnancy. It is important to remember that this is a completely safe and non-invasive exam, and partners can even be present to witness this special moment. Of course, for parents and family members, the ultrasound is mainly an opportunity to see the new family member and, with luck, leave with a photo to show friends; but in reality, its purpose is to check fetal development, week by week.
Since radiation from exams like X-rays and CT scans should be avoided to prevent any risks to the baby’s health, ultrasound is the most recommended exam for prenatal monitoring. Besides being affordable for the population, it poses no risks to the fetus. At the very first prenatal consultation, the obstetrician will request tests such as blood and urine tests along with anything else deemed important, and among them, the first pregnancy ultrasound will be ordered. However, this exam is not recommended to be done in the very first weeks of pregnancy, as fetal development and the heartbeat may not be well detected if done too early, causing unnecessary worry for the parents.
Obstetricians recommend that the pregnant woman wait until the 7th week to have the first ultrasound during pregnancy. From this gestational week, it is already possible to analyze the gestational sac, measure the embryo and yolk sac, and clearly hear its heartbeat. In this first ultrasound, by measuring the embryo, the gestational age and number of embryos can be determined, in case of twins or more.
How Is the First Ultrasound During Pregnancy Done?
As previously mentioned, the ultrasound is a completely painless and non-invasive exam. However, if performed in the first weeks of pregnancy up to the 11th week, it is done differently from the conventional abdominal method where gel is used to help the device glide over the abdomen during the procedure. Since the embryo is still very small, the correct way is through a transvaginal ultrasound.
The transvaginal ultrasound2 or endovaginal ultrasound is performed by inserting a special probe covered with a condom and lubricating gel. The procedure is completely painless, but may be a little uncomfortable for some women. To reduce discomfort during the first pregnancy ultrasound, it is recommended that the woman fully empty her bladder beforehand. The process is quick, safe, and very simple and can provide all the necessary information about fetal development to start the journey until the day of birth. Truly, the first pregnancy ultrasound is the starting point of a great journey, full of emotions and major transformations. It marks the beginning of a new story that is just getting started, so make the most of it!
See also: Ultrasound at 5 Weeks – Didn’t See the Baby, Now What?
