Congratulations, mama-to-be! You’re 12 weeks pregnant and gearing up for one of the most exciting moments of your pregnancy – the ultrasound. This is when you’ll get to see your little one growing and developing right before your eyes. But what can you expect during this important scan? From the technology used to the information that will be shared with you, we’ve got all the details on what to expect during your 12 weeks pregnant ultrasound. So grab a snack (or two), kick back, and let’s dive in!
What is an ultrasound?
It is an medical procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of inside of body. The images can be used to assess various conditions, such as tumors, cysts, and placenta position. Ultrasounds are also used during pregnancy to check on the health of the fetus and monitor the progress of the pregnancy.
How is the ultrasound performed?
An ultrasound is a painless test that uses sound waves to create pictures of inside of your body. It is also called a sonogram. The test is usually done in the office of a doctor, health care provider, or radiologist. You may be asked to drink water before test so that your bladder is full. This helps to create better pictures.
You will lie on your back on exam table. A gel will be placed on your abdomen. A device called transducer will be moved over the gel. The transducer sends out sound waves that bounce off organs and other structures in your body and are then converted into electrical signals. These signals are then turned into images on a computer screen. The test usually takes about 30 minutes.
What can you expect to see during your ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a painless test that uses sound waves to create an image of baby on a screen. During an ultrasound, you will be able to see your baby’s heart beating, as well as their movement and position in the womb. You may also be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat during the ultrasound.
What if something is wrong with the baby?
If something appears to be wrong with the baby, your doctor will likely order more tests. These could include a follow-up ultrasound, genetic testing, or amniocentesis.
A follow-up ultrasound is an ultrasound done at a later date to check on the baby’s development. This is often done when there are concerns about the baby’s growth or if something abnormal was seen on an earlier ultrasound.
Genetic testing is used to look for certain birth defects and genetic disorders. Your doctor may recommend this if you have a family history of certain conditions or if the baby appears to have a problem with their chromosomes.
Amniocentesis is a test that involves taking sample of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. This fluid contains the baby’s DNA. The test can be used to check for chromosomal abnormalities as well as certain genetic disorders. Amniocentesis is usually only done when there are concerns about the baby based on an earlier ultrasound or family history.
Conclusion
Your 12 weeks pregnant ultrasound is an incredibly exciting experience. With little bit of preparation, you can make sure that you’re ready for the big day and prepared to take in all the information your doctor will provide. From learning about your baby’s development and potential risks to being able to see its facial features, there are so many things that your ultrasound can offer. Make sure you stay informed during this time, checking with your doctor if any questions arise or if something doesn’t feel quite right. Enjoy this unique journey as you get one step closer to meeting your tiny bundle of joy!
