As an expecting mother, the first ultrasound is one of the most exciting moments of your pregnancy journey. An ultrasound helps expectant mothers see their baby for the first time and gather all the essential information about the baby. If you live in Melbourne, you may wonder what to expect during your first ultrasound at the Melbourne Ultrasound for Women clinic. The pregnancy ultrasound in Melbourne may seem a little overwhelming at first.

However, you need not worry, as we have covered all the facts about ultrasound in this article. Thus, to know how an ultrasound takes place and what you should expect, keep reading.

What is an Ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a medical imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the internal organs and structures of the body. Therefore, an ultrasound is used in pregnancy to capture images of the developing foetus inside the uterus. You shouldn’t be worried as it’s a non-invasive procedure typically performed in the first trimester of pregnancy, between weeks 6 and 12. However, you should also know that ultrasounds can be performed in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy as well.

What Happens During an Ultrasound?

When you arrive at the Melbourne Ultrasound for Women clinic, you will be asked to complete a medical history form. This form will ask you about your previous pregnancies, medical conditions, and any medications you are taking. It’s essential to be honest and thorough when filling out this form, as it will help the sonographer understand your medical history and ensure the ultrasound is safe for you and your baby.

You will be asked to lie on your back on an examination table during an ultrasound. A trained sonographer in Melbourne will apply a gel to your abdomen to help the sound waves travel through your skin better. After this, they will use a small handheld device called a transducer to send and receive sound waves, as these sound waves will bounce off the baby and create images of the baby on a computer screen. You may feel some pressure or discomfort during the examination, however, it should not be painful. The sonographer will move the transducer over your abdomen at different angles to get better images. They may ask you to hold your breath or change positions during the examination to get better pictures.

Sonographer images

Through the images displayed on the screen, the sonographer will provide you with the following information:

1. Foetal heartbeat: The sonographer will check for a foetal heartbeat, usually visible around six weeks of pregnancy.
2. The number of foetuses: The sonographer will check for multiple foetuses, such as twins or triplets.
3. Gestational age: The sonographer will measure the size of your baby to determine your due date.
4. Foetal development: The sonographer will check for abnormalities in your baby’s development, such as anencephaly, spina bifida, or Down syndrome.
5. Placenta: The sonographer will check the location of your placenta to ensure it’s not covering your cervix, which can lead to complications during delivery.

The entire ultrasound procedure typically takes between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of the examination. Once the ultrasound is complete, the sonographer will wipe off the gel from your abdomen, and you can return to normal activities.

Why should you consider an ultrasound?

Ultrasounds are essential to prenatal care and provide valuable information about your baby’s development. It’s a safe and non-invasive way to monitor your pregnancy, detect potential complications early on, and ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby. Thus, scheduling an ultrasound during pregnancy is crucial in ensuring a healthy and happy pregnancy journey.

When Should You Schedule Your First Ultrasound?

Knowing your due date and other important information about your baby is crucial to pregnancy. Thus, you should opt for an ultrasound as early as possible. If you live in Melbourne, you should search for a reputable and experienced Melbourne Ultrasound for Women clinic that will provide reliable results. You should choose a sonographer that offers state-of-the-art ultrasound technology and who will guide you through the entire process effectively.

To search for a reliable and experienced pregnancy ultrasound in Melbourne, thoroughly research several clinics before selecting one. Check the reviews and testimonials to shorten the number of options and make the search easier. Only a reputable sonographer can provide valuable information about your baby’s development, including the foetal heartbeat, gestational age, and abnormalities. Thus, it’s important to schedule your first ultrasound as soon as possible and follow the guidelines to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.