Ultrasound – What is it and when is it performed during pregnancy?
Ultrasound is a type of imaging. It uses sound waves to create pictures of your baby in your womb (uterus). An ultrasound can be done at any point during pregnancy. It is most commonly done at these times:
How ultrasound is performed
An ultrasound is usually performed by a sonographer. A sonographer is a trained professional who specializes in ultrasound. The sonographer will put gel on your abdomen and move a hand-held device called a transducer over your skin. The gel helps the transducer move smoothly.
The transducer sends out sound waves that bounce off your baby’s body. These sound waves create echoes. The echoes are then turned into electrical signals. The electrical signals are turned into images of your baby on a computer screen. The sonographer will take measurements and take pictures of your baby.
What to expect during an ultrasound
During an ultrasound, you will lie on your back on an exam table. The sonographer will put gel on your abdomen and move a hand-held device called a transducer over your skin. The gel helps the transducer move smoothly. You may feel some pressure, but the procedure is not painful.
The transducer sends out sound waves that bounce off your baby’s body. These sound waves create echoes. The echoes are then turned into electrical signals. The electrical signals are turned into images of your baby on a computer screen. The sonographer will take measurements and take pictures of your baby.
After the ultrasound
After the ultrasound, the sonographer will clean the gel off your abdomen. You can then get dressed and go about your day.
The sonographer will send the images of your baby to your doctor. Your doctor will then interpret the images and let you know what they mean.
What are the different types of ultrasound?
There are two types of ultrasound: diagnostic and screening.
Diagnostic ultrasound is used to look for a specific problem. Your doctor may recommend a diagnostic ultrasound if you have certain risk factors for problems during pregnancy. For example, you may have a diagnostic ultrasound if you are over 35 years old or if you have a history of miscarriage.
Screening ultrasound is used to look for general problems. Screening ultrasound is a routine part of prenatal care. Most women will have at least one screening ultrasound during pregnancy.
What are the risks of ultrasound?
Ultrasound is generally safe for both you and your baby. There are no known risks to you or your baby from ultrasound.
What are the benefits of ultrasound?
Ultrasound can be used to:
-look at the overall health of your baby
– check how your baby is developing
– find the baby’s heartbeat
– determine the due date
– check for multiple pregnancies
– check for problems with the placenta or umbilical cord
-check for birth defects.See page
What are the most common pregnancy symptoms during the first trimester?
Pregnancy is an amazing time in a woman’s life. Your body is going through so many changes and it is amazing to see how your baby grows each day. However, pregnancy can also be a time of many symptoms, especially during the first trimester. Here is a list of some of the most common pregnancy symptoms during the first trimester:
1. Nausea and vomiting: This is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Many women experience nausea and vomiting, also known as “morning sickness.” This can be caused by many things, including changes in hormones, an increase in the sense of smell, and an increase in stomach acids. Morning sickness usually goes away after the first trimester, but some women may experience it throughout their entire pregnancy.
2. Fatigue: Fatigue is very common in early pregnancy. This is caused by many things, including the body’s increased need for rest, changes in hormones, and an increase in blood volume. Fatigue usually goes away after the first trimester, but some women may experience it throughout their entire pregnancy.
3. Breast tenderness: Tender, swollen breasts are another common symptom of early pregnancy. This is caused by the body’s increased production of the hormone progesterone. Breast tenderness usually goes away after the first trimester, but some women may experience it throughout their entire pregnancy.
4. Frequent urination: Many women experience an increase in frequency of urination in early pregnancy. This is caused by the body’s increased production of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the muscles of the bladder. Frequent urination usually goes away after the first trimester, but some women may experience it throughout their entire pregnancy.
5. Heartburn: Heartburn, or indigestion, is another common pregnancy symptom, especially in the second and third trimesters. Heartburn is caused by the body’s increased production of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the muscles of the digestive system and causes stomach acids to rise up into the throat. Heartburn can be alleviated by eating small, frequent meals, avoiding spicy and fatty foods, and avoiding lying down after eating.
6. bloating: Bloating is another common pregnancy symptom. This is caused by the body’s increased production of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the muscles of the digestive system and allows gas to build up in the stomach. Bloating can be alleviated by eating small, frequent meals, avoiding constipating foods, and exercising.
7. constipation: Many women experience constipation in early pregnancy. This is caused by the body’s increased production of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the muscles of the digestive system and allows gas and stool to build up in the intestine. Constipation can be alleviated by eating high-fiber foods, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising.
8. mood swings: Mood swings are another common symptom of early pregnancy. This is caused by the body’s changes in hormone levels. Mood swings can be alleviated by getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting plenty of rest.
9. morning sickness: Morning sickness is one of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy. This is caused by the body’s increased production of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the muscles of the stomach and allows stomach acids to rise up into the throat. Morning sickness can be alleviated by eating small, frequent meals, avoiding spicy and fatty foods, and avoiding lying down after eating.
10. backaches: Many women experience backaches in early pregnancy. This is caused by the weight of the growing uterus putting pressure on the muscles and ligaments of the back. Backaches can be alleviated by wearing comfortable shoes, using a support belt, and getting regular exercise.
We used pregnancysicknesssuport.org.uk to write this article about pregnancy symptoms week 3. Site link.