The main reason you should get an ultrasound is simply to see how far along you are in your pregnancy. With this safe and accurate procedure you will also be able to detect the fetal heartbeat, determine the baby’s age and approximate due date. One of the most exciting services we offer at Catherine Foundation is a FREE ultrasound.
WHY SHOULD I GET AN ULTRASOUND?
- Confirm pregnancy
- Detect the fetal heartbeat
- Determine the age of the baby and due date
- Pinpoint the location of the pregnancy (normal or ectopic pregnancy)
WHAT IS AN ULTRASOUND?
An ultrasound is simply a method of creating an image with the use of high frequency sound waves, so high they cannot be heard by human ears. The sound waves bounce back to the ultrasound equipment to form the image on a monitor. The procedure is totally safe and painless for both you and your baby.
ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND
At Catherine Foundation you will receive a FREE abdominal ultrasound in which our medical professional will pass the wand over your belly to transmit the image to the ultrasound monitor.
TRANSVAGINAL ULTRASOUND
There is another ultrasound procedure, in most cases performed by a gynecologist, called a transvaginal ultrasound. According to Healthline.com, “A transvaginal ultrasound, also called an endovaginal ultrasound, is a type of pelvic ultrasound used by doctors to examine female reproductive organs…This is an internal examination. Unlike a regular abdominal or pelvic ultrasound, where the ultrasound wand (transducer) rests on the outside of the pelvis, this procedure involves your doctor or a technician inserting an ultrasound probe about 2 or 3 inches into your vaginal canal.”1B
One very important reason you should get an ultrasound is to determine the location of the pregnancy. If the pregnancy is not in the right place there could be a problem. According to Mayo Clinic, “An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus. Pregnancy begins with a fertilized egg. Normally, the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy most often occurs in a fallopian tube, which carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This type of ectopic pregnancy is called a tubal pregnancy.”2A
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR AN ULTRASOUND?
It is a good idea to wear loose fitting clothes for easy access to your abdomen when you come to Catherine Foundation to have your FREE ultrasound. It is recommended that you drink plenty of liquids (water) and try to not empty your bladder before the procedure. A full bladder makes it easier for the baby to be seen.
The ultrasound is given after the pregnancy is confirmed and your pregnancy has advanced. If the ultrasound is given too early in the pregnancy the image of the baby will not be defined.
FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL
A great starting point may be for you to make an appointment for your ultrasound—it’s FREE and confidential and our caring staff can answer any question you may have. Before your ultrasound you will meet with one of our advocates to go over your medical history and discuss all of your concerns. At Catherine Foundation we are here to help you with your pregnancy.
