When to Get Your Baby’s First Ultrasound (2020 Edition)

You’ve taken a home pregnancy test and it came back positive. Now, what are your next steps to get the best care for your baby? 

Call your local Glendale OBGYN to inform them of the home pregnancy test results and to schedule an appointment to confirm the pregnancy at the office. 

The next step from there, scheduling your baby’s first ultrasound.

When should you get your first ultrasound?

Although ultrasounds can be performed as early as 5 weeks of pregnancy, doctors typically recommend that you schedule your first ultrasound when you are between 6-8 weeks pregnant.

Types of Ultrasound Exams

At this early stage of the pregnancy, the transvaginal ultrasound and the transabdominal ultrasound are most commonly used.

The Transvaginal Ultrasound is more accurate for getting measurements and a heartbeat this early in the 1st trimester. 

This exam uses a probe transducer that is inserted into the vagina to get a look at the uterus from a closer angle.

It will show the growth of the gestational sac as early as a week before it is detectable on a regular transabdominal sonogram.

The Transabdominal Ultrasound uses the traditional transducer wand across the abdomen to send sound waves to the pelvis, which returns an image to the screen where you see your new child. 

This exam can also be used to view and monitor the cervix, ovaries and the bladder while you are pregnant.

What will the first ultrasound tell you?

This is quite an experience for the mother. This is when you hear your little one’s heartbeat for the first time.

While you are in awe of what is going on inside of your body, the doctor is taking necessary measurements to learn more about the growth and approximate age. 

The measurements taken include the size of:

• The gestational sac
• The yolk sac
• The fetal pole

At about 6 weeks the Crown Rump Length (CRL) can also be used in the 1st-trimester measurements to assist with growth and age.

The CRL is one of the best estimations of gestational age in early pregnancy.

The ultrasound will pick up the heartbeat to measure the heart rate to make sure it is within a normal, healthy range. 

When all measurements are gathered, the doctor has a better picture of when conception occurred and can determine a more accurate due date.

This ultrasound is such an exciting experience.

Often pictures of the pea-sized embryo are provided for you to share the wonderful news with friends and family when you are ready to do so.

What are the next steps for you and the family?

As part of your prenatal care, the health of both you and your child are now monitored very closely throughout the next 8 months.

As preferred Glendale, AZ women’s specialists who work with patients from the greater Phoenix area, we highly recommend that you maintain routine monthly appointments to check on the progress and the well-being of the baby and yourself.

The monthly appointments will also help create a more positive experience during pregnancy, as questions and concerns can be addressed during these times.

The Gender Reveal!

There are many milestones that you will experience while pregnant. One of the most exciting appointments you will have is finding out the gender.

In your 2nd trimester, between weeks 15 and 16, you will be scheduled for another ultrasound appointment to see whether you are having a boy or a girl.

These pictures make for a wonderful “We’re Expecting!” announcement.

Then, 3-4 weeks after learning the gender, your Glendale OBGYN will do a detailed anatomy ultrasound. This will be scheduled about the time you are 18 to 20 weeks pregnant. 

Get a Sneak Peek!

During this exciting time, parents can’t wait to meet their little one. As the baby develops it is amazing to see his or her features as they form. 

Many OBGYNs in Glendale and in the Phoenix metro area offer 3D and 4D ultrasounds. 

At our Glendale location, we know that patients much prefer the 3D and 4D technology as it far outweighs the visual quality and effects of the typical 2D sonograms that appear on a black and white screen. 

The higher quality imaging can be performed during the 3rd trimester to get the best pictures.

Get the Most Out of Your Maternity Journey

These sneak peeks of the baby make for the most memorable photos as well as a great gift to share with friends and family.

Babies are a precious joy. From the day you find out you are pregnant you enter into an experience that is full of awe as you get to see your little one progress and grow in your womb. 

With today’s technology, you get clear, detailed pictures to share with others during this exciting time.

Trust the Absolute Best that Phoenix Has to Offer for Your Prenatal Care

Our Glendale OBGYN facility serves the greater Phoenix area. Our patients come from a broad radius to receive the best in prenatal care.

We are pleased to offer our patients the latest in this visual technology to help monitor the health and growth of your precious bundle.

Seeing your baby as your delivery day draws close only increases the anticipation for his or her arrival. Enjoy this time with advancements made in ultrasound imaging to get close to your child before he or she is in your arms!

We know there are lots of questions for expecting moms. We are here to help you along this beautiful journey. 

Leave your comments and questions below. We would love to hear from you!