

It’s about three centimeters around, a little larger than a tampon. The transvaginal ultrasound wand is also called a transducer. To perform this ultrasound, your OBGYN or ultrasound tech will gently insert a narrow ultrasound wand just inside your vagina. Most would say it feels less invasive than a gynecological exam that uses a speculum.

This means the ultrasound is done internally, literally “through the vagina.” A transvaginal ultrasound can be a little uncomfortable, but it is not painful. In order to get a close enough view of your uterus and fetus, the dating ultrasound is done transvaginally. When you’re just 7 or 8 weeks pregnant, your fetus is only about two centimeters long. We’ll perform this ultrasound at our Madison Women’s Health clinic. Your due date is important because it helps your doctor know whether your baby’s development is on track each month. If you have irregular periods, or didn’t have a period after coming off birth control, this ultrasound will be especially helpful in determining a more accurate due date. It’s typically done between 7 and 8 weeks to verify your due date, to look for a fetal heartbeat, and to measure the length of the baby from “crown to rump.” At this ultrasound, you’ll also learn whether you’re having one baby, pregnant with twins, or more! You may even get to see or hear your baby’s heartbeat during this appointment. Your first ultrasound is called the “dating” or “viability” ultrasound. Other women may have three or more ultrasounds done depending on a number of factors.

Most pregnant women typically only get two ultrasounds, one at the beginning of pregnancy and one about halfway through. This article will cover why and how ultrasounds are used during your pregnancy, how many ultrasounds to expect while you’re pregnant, and what your OBGYN may be looking for at each ultrasound. (These sound waves are not harmful to you or your baby.) Ultrasounds during pregnancy help doctors diagnose many diseases and conditions, even those not related to pregnancy. It uses sound waves to create an image of the organs inside your body. Whether or not you intend to learn about your baby’s sex ASAP, it’s important to keep all your ultrasound appointments.Īn ultrasound, also known as a sonogram, is typically performed by an ultrasound technician or sometimes by an OBGYN. Many women look forward to learning their baby’s sex as soon as possible and wait impatiently for their 20-week ultrasound. It’s easy to see why! It’s fun to get a sneak peek of your bundle of joy while your OBGYN looks for specific growth and development markers. Moms-to-be typically look forward to ultrasounds during pregnancy more than any other prenatal appointment.
