When Should Pregnant Women Get First Ultrasound

When Should Pregnant Women Get First Ultrasound

A baby’s first ultrasound should normally occur between 12 and 14 weeks. In some cases, a baby’s first ultrasound may occur at 6-10 weeks. Early ultrasound scans are offered when the mother has a history of miscarriages or if bleeding has been detected in the first few weeks of pregnancy. These first ultrasound scans are performed using a probe placed inside the vagina and the process is called a transvaginal ultrasonography. Vaginal scans are preferred to traditional abdominal scans at this stage of pregnancy, because they provide a clearer image of the baby than traditional ultrasound scans.

Baby’s First Ultrasound

A baby’s first ultrasound can occur as early as 10 weeks or as late as 14 weeks. A scan may be done earlier only in the case of problems diagnosed in either mother or fetus. The purpose of this first trimester ultrasound is to be able to date conception. An ultrasound can help pinpoint the exact number of weeks and days of pregnancy at the time of the scan for the purpose of blood screening tests. These blood tests are then used to diagnose Down’s syndrome and/or spina bifida. With an ultrasound scan, you and your doctor can also more accurately pinpoint your due date and can determine whether or not you are having multiple babies. Some larger hospitals offer nuchal translucency (marker) scans as an alternative to blood screening tests. These scans are more effective at diagnosing Down’s syndrome than simple blood screening tests.

6/4/2007 4:09:32 PM