Congratulations, you’re 10 weeks pregnant! As exciting as this milestone is, it’s normal to feel a bit anxious and unsure about what’s happening inside your growing belly. That’s where ultrasound comes in – the first glimpse of your little one can be an overwhelming emotion for any expecting parent. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to know about your upcoming 10 weeks pregnant ultrasound appointment. From what to expect during the procedure to how your baby is developing, let’s dive into everything you need to know so that you can prepare for this unforgettable moment.
What is an Ultrasound scan?
An ultrasound scan is a common early pregnancy test that uses sound waves to create a picture of your baby. Ultrasounds are safe and can help you make decisions about your health during your pregnancy. They can also be used to determine the size, shape, and movements of your baby.
Ultrasound scans usually take less than 15 minutes and you can usually schedule them at any point during your pregnancy. There are several types of ultrasounds (ie, fetal heart rate, skeletal maturity) so be sure to ask about which one is best for you.
Some things to know before having an ultrasound:
-Be sure to drink plenty of fluids before the scan because you will likely feel quite thirsty afterward.
-If you have any concerns or questions before the scan, please don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider.
When is an Ultrasound scan best for pregnant women?
When pregnancy ultrasound is performed, a rapidly rotating sound beam created by an ultrasound machine slices through the pregnant woman’s uterus and echoes back to the technician who interprets the images. The use of ultrasound has revolutionized prenatal care and allows healthcare providers to view the baby in detail while avoiding potential harm to the mother. Ultrasound scans are often used in early pregnancy to determine if there is a problem with the baby’s development or if there are any problems with the mother’s health.
Ultrasound scans also provide healthcare providers with an image of how much pre-eclampsia (a high blood pressure condition) is present, how big the baby is and whether there are any other complications such as gestational diabetes or undiagnosed genital herpes. While it is generally recommended that pregnant women have weekly ultrasounds starting around 16 weeks gestation until 37 weeks gestation, there may be times when an ultrasonography should not be done due to maternal health concerns or when abnormalities cannot be seen on standard ultrasounds. In these cases, obstetricians may order an advanced diagnostic sonogram which uses a higher-frequency sound waves and a more powerful machine to produce images that are clearer than those produced by standard ultrasound machines.
What to expect during the ultrasound scan
During your ultrasound scan, the technician will use a sound and light machine to create an image of your baby. You may feel some mild pressure during the scan. There is no need to be concerned about any specific position you may choose for yourself during the ultrasound scan. The ultrasound machine can be positioned in a variety of ways, so please let your technician know what feels comfortable for you.
Ultrasound scans are usually very reassuring and provide a detailed image of your developing baby. Many women find that they are able to gain a better understanding of their developing baby by having an ultrasound scan at around 16 weeks gestation. Occasionally, an anomaly or problem with the pregnancy can be identified early by using ultrasounds; in these cases, further diagnostic tests (such as amniocentesis) may not be necessary.
Some things to expect during an ultrasound scan include:
-The technician will place a gel pad on your stomach and use a hand-held wand to generate images of your baby’s heart and other organs.
-You’ll see pictures of your baby’s head and body taken from different angles as well as closeups of various organs.
-Your practitioner may also ask questions about your current health and whether you’ve been pregnant before.
What to bring to the ultrasound scan
When you go for your ultrasound scan, make sure to bring the following:
-Your insurance card
-A copy of your medical history
-Your prenatal vitamins
-Any medications you are taking
-A list of any allergies you have
-A filled out health history questionnaire (found on www.healthyamericanpregnancy.org)
The technician will ask you to remove your clothes and lie on the table completely naked so that they can get a good view of your uterus and baby. They may also ask you to take a pregnancy test before the scan.
Preparation for the ultrasound scan
If you are pregnant, your doctor may recommend an ultrasound scan to confirm the pregnancy. Ultrasound scans use sound waves and images to create a three-dimensional image of the baby and the placenta. There are several types of ultrasounds:
- Inclined Plane Scan: This is the most common type of ultrasound scan and uses sound waves that move in an angled direction across the body.
- Axial Plane Scan: This type of scan uses sound waves that move along a vertical axis from top to bottom. It can be used to look at different parts of the baby’s head and body, such as the brain and spine.
- 3D Ultrasound: This type of scan uses multiple planes of sound waves to produce a three-dimensional image. It can be used to see details inside the baby’s head, heart, and other organs. Some doctors also use this type of scan during delivery to help guide delivery instruments into the baby’s stomach and uterus.
Post-scan care
Following the ultrasound scan, you may be wondering what to expect and what you need to know. Here is a brief guide to post-scan care:
Day One:
Remove any sanitary pads or tampons from your vagina. If these are left in, they can cause infection.
Apply an antibiotic ointment to the area around your vaginal opening (this will help prevent infection). You can also apply a vaginal cream or gel if you prefer.
Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the ointment or cream.
Day Two:
If you had an internal scan, now would be a good time to have the baby’s heart monitor inserted into your uterus (it should take around 20 minutes). This will allow doctors and team members to see the baby’s heart beating and receive real-time alerts if there is any change.
Drink plenty of fluids so that you do not feel dehydrated. Stay seated during this time for best results with the baby’s heart monitor!
Apply lube to your partner’s penis before intercourse; this will help avoid friction and possible pain during sex.
Avoid vigorous exercise or heavy lifting for 24 hours following the ultrasound scan; both could cause contractions and potentially harm the baby.
Conclusion
10 weeks pregnant ultrasound: What to Expect and What You Need to Know As you near the end of your pregnancy, it’s natural to start feeling a little more anxiously than usual. Your body is preparing for delivery, and any extra stretching or movement can cause some discomfort. But don’t worry — everything is going to be just fine! In this article, we’ll outline what you can expect during your tenth week fetal ultrasound scan, as well as provide tips on what you need to prepare for the appointment. Be reassured that your healthcare provider will take care of everything; all you need to do is show up ready to go!
