Pregnancy is an important time for women as it prepares them for motherhood; carrying the baby for nine months helps them bond with the young ones. Therefore, maintaining a pregnancy to term is a blessing that you should not undermine. You might need gynecology care during this critical time of your life; an ultrasound is a part of the care, ensuring the pregnancy is healthy. Although you may opt for an in-office ultrasound, you should look for Las Vegas ultrasounds experts who offer at-home tests. Here is why you may need an ultrasound exam during pregnancy.
Importance of the Ultrasound Exam
Your gynecologist will recommend getting an ultrasound exam as it acts as a diagnostic tool that helps you know if your baby is developing well. The exam will show if the fetus meets the expected developmental millage and may show any complications the child develops while still in the womb.
The diagnostic exam uses ultrasound waves which create the image of the fetus’ soft tissues and other surrounding organs such as the uterus, ovaries, and bladder. The first exam will check the baby’s heart rate, determine their age and identify multiple births by counting the number of fetuses. Sometimes women may wish to use the ultrasound exam to check the fetus’ gender; this is possible at 18 to 20 weeks when the fetus has developed the reproductive organs.
Although most women undergo ultrasound exams during pregnancy, they are useful for checking the presence of ovarian cysts and diagnosing abnormal uterine bleeding during menstruation. It may detect early signs of ovarian cancer and helps treat infertility issues; you may use the transvaginal ultrasound to check almost all the reproductive health issues.
Ultrasound Is Safe For the Unborn Baby and the Mom
An ultrasound exam is non-invasive and is safe for the mother and the unborn baby. The waves use sonar technology instead of radiation, which has no side effects. Thus ultrasound is the most effective diagnostic tool which helps you carry out a healthy pregnancy.
You Can Opt For In-House Testing
Sometimes you may not go to the hospital due to mobility issues or if you live in a remote location. Therefore home testing might be the best option for you as it is easy and convenient. You should ensure the doctor you choose offers same-day tests and results for easy diagnosis.
How to Prepare For the Ultrasound Exam
You may wear comfortable and well-fitting clothes as you would remove them at the doctor’s office. Some hospitals might require patients to change into gowns for ease of testing. Furthermore, you may avoid eating and drinking hours before the check-up, but you would need to stay hydrated; it is easier to diagnose bladder issues when it is full than empty.
Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, and you should ensure the unborn child is developing as expected using ultrasound exams. The ultrasound exams act as a diagnostic tool that helps one know if the fetus meets the developmental mileage and ensures it does not have any complications. Good luck finding a doctor who can administer the ultrasound exams.