The Role of Ultrasounds: What to Expect During Your Pregnancy

Ultrasounds are an essential part of prenatal care, providing a window into your baby’s development and offering valuable insights into your health and your baby’s growth throughout pregnancy. At Partners In Obstetrics & Women’s Health, we know that ultrasounds are exciting milestones for expecting parents and serve a critical role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Here’s an overview of what to expect during your ultrasound appointments, from their purpose to the key details they reveal.

Understanding Ultrasounds in Pregnancy

Ultrasounds use sound waves to create images of your developing baby and the surrounding anatomy, helping doctors monitor growth, detect potential issues early, and provide the necessary guidance for your prenatal care. Each ultrasound performed during pregnancy has specific purposes, from confirming the pregnancy to assessing your baby’s anatomy and positioning.
 

The most common ultrasounds include:
 

• The First Trimester Ultrasound: Generally performed around 6–8 weeks, this initial ultrasound confirms the pregnancy, checks for a heartbeat, and estimates the due date.
   

• The Anatomy Scan (18–22 weeks): Also called the mid-pregnancy ultrasound, this scan is perhaps the most detailed and informative. It provides a close look at your baby’s organs, spine, limbs, and facial features. The anatomy scan can also often reveal your baby’s sex if you wish to know.
   

• Growth and Position Scans: Later in pregnancy, additional ultrasounds may be done to check your baby’s growth, position, and estimated weight to ensure everything is on track as you approach your due date.
   

What Ultrasounds Look For During Pregnancy

Ultrasounds offer insights into various aspects of your baby’s development, as well as the health of your uterus, placenta, and amniotic fluid. Here are some key aspects that ultrasounds help monitor:
 

• Heart Rate and Activity: Ultrasounds detect your baby’s heartbeat, a reassuring sign of your little one’s vitality and health.
   

• Growth and Size: From head circumference to abdominal measurements, ultrasounds help track growth to ensure your baby is developing appropriately for each stage.
   

• Organ Development: The anatomy scan is an opportunity to examine your baby’s brain, heart, kidneys, stomach, bladder, and spine. Any abnormalities can be detected early to allow for additional monitoring or planning.
   

• Placenta and Amniotic Fluid Levels: Ultrasounds can identify any issues with the placenta or amniotic fluid, helping to ensure your baby’s environment is healthy and supportive.
   

What to Expect During Your Ultrasound

To ensure the best possible images, you may be advised to drink water before your ultrasound, especially in early pregnancy. A full bladder helps lift your uterus, making it easier for the technician to capture clear images.
 

An ultrasound is typically a straightforward, painless process. You’ll lie down comfortably while a technician applies a special gel on your belly. This gel helps the ultrasound probe move smoothly and improves image quality by conducting sound waves. The probe then moves over your abdomen, projecting images of your baby onto a screen.
 

The length of the ultrasound varies, with early pregnancy scans taking about 15–30 minutes, while the anatomy scan may take 45 minutes to an hour due to the detailed evaluation. Throughout the scan, the technician will explain what they are seeing, and in many cases, you’ll be able to see your baby’s movements on the screen. This can be a wonderfully emotional experience, especially when you see your baby’s face, hands, or feet for the first time.
 

Ready for Your Next Ultrasound?

We understand that ultrasounds are more than just a medical procedure—they’re an opportunity to connect with your growing baby and gain peace of mind. Whether it’s your first or third ultrasound, knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and excited for each stage of your pregnancy.
 

If you have any questions about ultrasounds or what to expect, Partners In Obstetrics & Women’s Health is here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to our office in New Lenox, Illinois, by calling (815) 240-0554 to book an appointment today.