Pregnancy ultrasounds are an important part of prenatal care. Ultrasounds do not harm the mother or the baby. They help your care team chart the growth and development of your baby before it is born. A pregnancy ultrasound should only take about 20 minutes to complete.
What is a pregnancy ultrasound?
Pregnancy ultrasounds are a form of digital imaging that allow doctors and patients to view the inside of the uterus, where a baby develops. A pregnancy ultrasound is exciting for parents. It is a chance for parents to see images of their baby in the womb.
Who gets a pregnancy ultrasound?
People who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant will receive a pregnancy ultrasound. Often regular prenatal check-ups involve a pregnancy ultrasound. People often get ultrasounds during their first, second and third trimester. Some information about the baby is not determined by ultrasound until the mother is in her second or third trimester. Pregnancy ultrasound can help your doctor determine your baby’s:
- Age
- Heart rate
- Gender
- Development
