An ultrasound (also known as a sonogram) is a prenatal test performed on pregnant women and their growing baby. Doylestown Women’s Health Center utilizes ultrasound to see the babies in the uterus and check on the baby’s health and development throughout pregnancy. Our gynecologists and healthcare providers know that ultrasounds are a special part of pregnancy it is often the first time you get to see your baby. Our women’s health center offers an ultrasound during the first trimester to confirm your pregnancy and one in the second trimester to confirm the baby’s sex.
Reasons for Getting an Ultrasound
Your gynecologist will use ultrasound for many different reasons, but the primary reasons include the following:
- To confirm you are pregnant during the first trimester, usually before 14 weeks of pregnancy.
- To check the baby’s age and growth. Your healthcare provider will use this information to figure out your due date.
- To check your baby’s heartbeat, movement, and overall development.
- To confirm how many babies you are pregnant with - you could be carrying twins or triplets!
- To check the position of your baby during the third trimester and before birth.
- To examine your uterus and ovaries and confirm all your reproductive organs are healthy.
Your healthcare provider will walk you through all of the details during each ultrasound and let you ask questions as needed.
Are There Any Risks with an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is safe for you and your baby. Each ultrasound will be conducted by a certified healthcare provider who is trained to perform the prenatal test. Gynecologists have used ultrasounds for over 30 years and have not found any dangerous risks to the mother or the baby.
For healthy pregnancies, ultrasounds are perfectly safe and good at ruling out problems. However, they are not perfect. An ultrasound may not be sensitive enough to diagnose pregnancy complications or fetal birth defects, this is when more testing is necessary.
Contact Doylestown Women’s Health Center for Your Next Appointment!
If you are expecting and looking for an OB/GYN throughout your pregnancy, contact Doylestown Women’s Health Center. Our gynecologists and healthcare providers would be happy to assist you throughout your pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period. Schedule your first visit and ultrasound today! We look forward to seeing you soon.