Pregnancy Ultrasound - Reality in Image Format!

Pregnancy Ultrasound After the initial excitement subsides, there are few tests that expectant women endure that give as much joy as the ultrasound. This is usually carried out for the first time around 18 weeks into the term and is used to more accurately pinpoint the expected arrival date of the baby, as well as see how the baby is developing.

Although babies develop at slightly different rates to one another, an Ob/Gyn will be able to identify if the baby is developing along a normal path, or whether there is any cause for concern. If there is something showing on the ultrasound, then further tests will be carried out to ascertain the baby's condition. Quite often this is alarming for the parents, but doesn't always mean that there is something wrong with the baby.

The ultrasound introduces the parents to their baby for the first time. In some instances, for the partner especially, this is the first time they are faced with the reality that a baby is on the way! Although tiny and not fully developed, the baby will be moving and some of its shape will be recognizable. The person carrying out the ultrasound will be able to point out how the baby is lying and answer any questions.

At 18 weeks an ultrasound often reveals the main question asked once expectancy is announced. Namely is it a boy or a girl? Depending on the procedures employed by the place giving the ultrasound, this information will be given to the parents upon request. This information is given on the understanding that it is as it appears, and may not be correct. Not many cases are wrong however.

If there is a discrepancy in the dates shown on the ultrasound, and the dates in the woman's pregnancy schedule, then both dates need to be prepared for. Sometimes the ultrasound date may be wrong because the baby is larger or smaller than it should be for the actual week of the expectancy. A later ultrasound may reveal a different date. If this happens, prepare for the earliest date, just in case.

Although there are times when an ultrasound can bring heartache and choices, for the most part they bring tears of joy as the baby is seen for the first time, and what had until that point been a surreal experience - preparing for a baby they couldn't see - becomes a reality.

Also read our article about Pregnancy and Folic Acid Requirement