WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

First ultrasound

Pregnancy
Pregnancy follow-up
First ultrasound: what to expect
The first ultrasound scan in pregnancy, typically around the 10-week mark, is a crucial diagnostic tool for assessing the early development of the fetus.
Optimal Timing at 8 to 12 Weeks:
  • Visibility and Accuracy: Around 8 to 12 weeks is an optimal time because the embryo is developed enough to be measured accurately, which helps in estimating the due date with more precision.
  • Confirmation of Viability: This period allows for a clear confirmation of the pregnancy's viability, including a detectable heartbeat and the correct positioning within the uterus.
  • Detection of Multiples: It's an ideal time to identify multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets, as the embryos are visible and distinguishable.
Implications of Timing:
  • Too Early (< 8 Weeks):
  • Too Late (> 12 Weeks):
What's That?
  • The first trimester ultrasound, often called a dating scan, involves using ultrasound waves to create a picture of the developing embryo in the uterus.
  • During the procedure, a small, hand-held device called a transducer is moved over the mother's abdomen, emitting high-frequency sound waves that create echoes when they bounce off the embryo, producing an image on a screen.
  • Sometimes, particularly when the scan is done before 10 weeks, a transvaginal ultrasound may be necessary for a clearer image.
Diagnosis
  • Determining Gestational Age: The main purpose at this stage is to establish an accurate due date by measuring the size of the embryo.
  • Viability of Pregnancy: The ultrasound confirms a heartbeat and checks whether the pregnancy is developing normally within the uterus.
  • Number of Embryos: It identifies if there are multiple pregnancies (e.g., twins or triplets).
  • Preparation: Typically, patients are advised to have a full bladder, which pushes the uterus up and helps in getting clearer images.
Management and Treatment
  • Follow-up Scans: Depending on the findings, additional scans may be scheduled.
  • Health Advice: Based on the scan results, healthcare providers might give specific health advice, such as dietary recommendations or activity modifications.
  • Emotional Support: This scan can bring various emotions; support from healthcare providers, family, and friends can be beneficial.
Q&As
  • Do I need to drink water before my first ultrasound?
Yes, a full bladder improves visibility in an abdominal ultrasound.
  • Is it possible to hear the baby’s heartbeat during the first ultrasound?
Yes, at 10 weeks, the baby's heartbeat can usually be detected.
  • Can the first ultrasound determine the baby’s gender?
No, it’s too early; gender is typically identified in the second trimester.
  • Are there any risks associated with the first ultrasound?
No, ultrasounds are safe and non-invasive for both mother and baby.
C
Cierra
22 Jan 2024

First appointment went good got doctor confirmed that I’m pregnant first ultrasound February 5th 1:30pm

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
2 comments
D
Danaysia
congratulations!!
27 Mar 2024

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I
India
17 Dec 2023

Just scheduled my first ultrasound appointment 🤞🏾 nervous and excited 😮‍💨

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1 comments
I
India
Not an ob appointment yet but I wanted to make sure at least everything was ok and I couldn’t wait till January 😭 that’s just way too long to me
27 Mar 2024

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M
Meka
8 Jun 2023

6 weeks! First time being a mommy! So excited sooooo ready for My first ultrasound ❤️

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9 comments
L
Lauren
It’s one of the most surreal feeling ever ❤️ first time mom also
27 Mar 2024

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M
Meka
❤️❤️❤️❤️thanks shugg and congratulations
27 Mar 2024

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L
Lexi
7 Jun 2023

First ultrasound is June 8 I’m so excited I pray everything go well it’s my first pregnancy 🤰

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4 comments
A
Alejandra💜
Think positive n never compare your pregnancy with others🙂💕
27 Mar 2024

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A
Alejandra💜
Congratulations tho!! Same here first time!!!
27 Mar 2024

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C
Charlene
4 Jan 2023

Hey mommies, I’m 8 weeks pregnant today and my first ultrasound is scheduled this afternoon. This is my first baby. I am high risk and scared about the first ultrasound. Anyone else was scared about their first ultrasound? I just want everything to be okay with baby🥹. Thanks for the support!❤️

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4 comments
K
Kelly
I was really nervous.. I have a Subchronic Hematoma so I was seen earlier (7weeks) due to bleeding heavy and baby was fine 🙌🏾 went yesterday 8wks 1d for something completely different and they checked baby.. again perfectly fine with a strong heart beat. Saying all of this to say try to stay calm.. it’s easier said than done but baby will appreciate it.
27 Mar 2024

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C
Charlene
Thank you so much for the advice and for sharing your experience!♥️ So happy your baby is doing well. I will be praying for you and your baby♥️
27 Mar 2024

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Nikki
20 Dec 2022

First ultrasound today, I’m super excited! 11 weeks today #firstpregnancy #ultrasound

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3 comments
L
Lin
You’ll fall in love
27 Mar 2024

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N
Nikki
It’s been forever since I found out, I just wanna see the baby and know that everything’s going good! And that he or she is growing and is healthy.
27 Mar 2024

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Megan
17 Aug 2022

First ultrasound/ heart rate Hi ladies so I just had our first ultrasound, sure is a magical feeling. Heart rate at 7 week is 157 ?!? Any thoughts because now I’ll be fixated on this.

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10 comments
E
Elena
Sounds like a boy.
27 Mar 2024

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S
Samara
Mine was 156 at 7 weeks! I think boy but only God knows
27 Mar 2024

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K
Ki 💝
18 Jul 2022

I have my first ultrasound on the 25th and my first appointment is the 1st. I am super anxious. Can I see the 7 week ultrasounds? I’ll be 7w 4d at the time of ultrasound 😍

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2 comments
D
Desi 🦂♏️
This my first one , I was 8 weeks 4 days 🥰 congratulation 🤰🏽🫶🏽
27 Mar 2024

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K
Ki 💝
I can’t wait 😭 thank you ! Congratulations to you also
27 Mar 2024

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C
Clestine
30 Mar 2022

10weeks today first ultrasound 3/31 I'm so excited first time I made it this far :)

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1 comments
E
Erin
6wks 3days here and same
27 Mar 2024

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k
keia
29 Nov 2021

When do I receive the first ultrasound? I’m so excited my first appointment is December 17

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M
Madison
I got mine at 10 weeks pregnant
27 Mar 2024

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