Congratulations, you're pregnant! Now it's time to start tracking your baby’s growth and development. But when exactly will you get to see that little bean on a screen? Fear not my baby bump rockin' friends, we've got all the juicy details right here.
The Early Weeks
During the first few weeks of pregnancy, your doctor may perform an ultrasound for a variety of reasons such as confirming pregnancy or checking for ectopic pregnancy. However, don't expect a clear picture just yet. Baby is still too small at this stage.
First Trimester
Week 6-8:
Time flies when you’re pregnant - before you know it, at around the six-week mark your obstetrician may order up your first real ulsound (the kind where they actually look inside) via transvaginal ultrasound. You’ll be able to see and hear your little one’s heartbeat…and maybe even their tiny hands waving hello.
Week 12:
The twelve- week scan is ordered for most pregnancies by doctors doing OB Work-Up Examination. This ushers in some gender prediction based on Nub Theory way faster than intuition could ever work.
Second Trimester
Weeks 16-20:
Get ready mama-to-be because around sixteen weeks is typically when Gender Reveal/Anatomy scans are performed provided there were no issues noted from previous diagnostic testing like cell-free DNA analysis screening (yup long name) done earlier as prenatal care process [^1]. Want butterfly kisses from baby? Watch out cause he/she might be flashing his little tushie during this test!
Third Trimester
Weeks 32+ :
As if countless trips to pee aren’t enough by now, expectant mothers may have another date with sonography waiting at around thirty-two weeks! This exam is called a Biophysical Profile and typically is used to evaluate baby’s well-being when there’s an issue like increasing blood pressure or decreased fetal movements[^2][^3].
Weeks 35-40:
Approaching the finish line of pregnancy, antsy moms -to-be may have started staring at their overdue bump while singing ‘get out get out’ in twenty languages. Depending on your location and pregnancy history, it's not uncommon for most women to have another OB scan ordered toward$ $the end of 39 weeks which could help track developments till the big day arrives.
A Few Notes
While these medical scans offer up incredibly important insights into both an expectant mother and her growing fetus, it's important to remember that regular appointments with health care providers are equally essential (and more relevant than "Dr Google").
Conclusion
So now you know exactly when you'll be ogling those first ultrasound pics. Don't forget to ask questions during your visit to help demystify any areas that make no sense. These imaging tests are just one small aspect of prenatal medicine but could inform a lifetime worth memories…literally.
And if naught else has served as empathy: Pregnancy is always keeping things interesting!