I don’t want to call myself an “expert” when it comes to ultrasounds (because who really wants to be that unless you’re a licensed tech!) but I have had more than my share of ultrasound experiences.
Despite what I would definitely call “normal and healthy” pregnancies for the most part, I have had several bumps in my pregnancies that caused me to have more ultrasounds than what is expected for a typical pregnancy.
Most women with low-risk and healthy pregnancies should only expect to have one routine ultrasound at around the 20 week mark which is generally used for determining if there are any fetal anomalies or other problems with the pregnancy (though this scan has become more popular for its ability to find out the gender of the baby, I never have).
I received my first ultrasound with Honeybun when I was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia as they wanted to confirm the pregnancy was viable before determining a course of care. And during her routine scan they found cysts in her brain (Choroid Plexus Cysts) which can be an indication of Trisomy 18, a genetic disorder. I received several follow-up ultrasound scans after refusing an amniocentesis (on the advice of a friend who was an ultrasound tech). The cysts disappeared around 24 weeks, as they often do, and all the worry was for nothing. I had more scans at the end of my pregnancy with her because my fundal height (aka bump size) was routinely measuring 6 weeks small and even though my midwife assured me it was just due to my “spacious abdominal cavity,” they had to have it on record that everything was fine.
Sugarplum was by far my easiest pregnancy and only had two full ultrasounds, one to date the pregnancy at around 7 weeks and the anatomical scan which I received at around 24 weeks. But with her I also had a “mini-scan” every visit with my doctor in Dublin as he used ultrasound to monitor her growth in lieu of fundal height.
With Doodle I had three ultrasounds after my placenta previa was confirmed at my 20 week anatomical scan (it was suspected by my midwife after I had a small bleeding episode a few weeks before). The previa resolved by 28 weeks but I got to go in for one last visit just days before he arrived after another much more severe bleeding episode (for which the cause was never found).
I thought I was finally going get to have a “normal” pregnancy the last time with only one scan necessary since I thought everything on my first mid-pregnancy scan showed a perfectly normal and healthy baby, but the tech was unable to find the kidneys during my first scan and so we opted for a follow-up do to kidney disease running in hubby’s family.
So all-in-all, I’ve been under the ultrasound goo at least 15 times for full scans. And through all those scans, I’ve gleaned a lot of wisdom on how to keep as stress-free and enjoyable as it can be because really, anytime you get to see your sweet little dumpling should be a positive experience!
- Wear comfy clothes. The tech/doctor is going to need access to your belly and if it’s early in your pregnancy or you’re not hugely bumped out yet, they’ll need to get pretty far down there. I prefer to wear jersey skirts/pants so that I don’t have to unbutton or unzip anything, I can just push it down as far as necessary without overexposing myself as well as comfy shirts that easily pull up. You’ll also be on your back for quite a while so avoid bulky belts or ties on your back.
- Be prepared to be messy. Ultrasounds require jelly. And usually lots of it (and it’s usually cold). You will be given a drape/cloth of some kind to shield your clothes but it can vary from a large paper size sheet like they use at the dentist to a full-size sheet like at the gyno but no matter the size of the drape, you’ll end up with some stuff on your clothes (always, never fails!) If you have somewhere important to go immediately afterwards (like work), you might consider bringing a change of clothes.
- Drink a lot of water before you go and then ask to use the restroom before the scan. Sometimes they want your bladder full and sometimes they want it empty and often they won’t tell you. By drinking a lot then asking to go, you’ll cover all bases.
- Know what you want to know. We have never found out the genders of our babies before their birthdays and I always tell the tech/doctor we don’t want to know before they even apply the jelly. Even a tech that has seen you before may not remember you preference and with sooooooo many people wanting to know these days, us waiters are definitely an anomaly.
- Take the kids. We have taken all of our older kids to every ultrasound I’ve ever had. I find it fantastic for helping them feel connected and more understanding about what is happening. I’ll never forget Honeybun’s face when she first saw Sugarplum on the ultrasound at just 8 weeks gestation and by Doodle’s later scans she could point out features as fast as hubby and I could pick them up. (Read about all three kids’ reactions to my latest ultrasound with baby #4 here). And if your doctor doesn’t allow kids in the office/exam rooms, I’d consider changing because it is a really awesome bonding experience for the whole family.
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Thanks for the information. I’m pregnant with my first child, so I honestly don’t know what to expect with my first ultrasound. It’s good to know that if I drink a lot of water, just in case I need my bladder full or empty. I’ll also make sure I think about taking my kids to their siblings ultrasounds in the future; that’s such a cute idea!
The ultrasounds are probably one of my most favorite pregnancy memories, enjoy seeing your little one, Mia!
Great article, Melissa! I’m due for my ultrasound soon, so I’m glad that I stumbled upon your article! I think you’re absolutely right: it’s important to drink lots of water because it helps them see the baby better (or at least that’s what I’ve heard). I’ll be sure to follow your recommendations. Thanks for sharing these tips with us—they’ve been very helpful!
Thanks for stopping by, Lily and good luck with your pregnancy!
I am going to be a mother for the first time in May, and I will be having my first ultrasound this next week. Needless to say, I’m a bit nervous and excited! I really liked your idea of wearing comfy clothes for the ultrasound. I think that it would really help me relax while the doctor is preforming the ultrasound. I’ll make sure to put on my comfiest pair of sweats and a t-shirt before I go in. Thank you for the tips!
Ultrasounds are one of my most favorite parts of pregnancy, try not to be too nervous, just enjoy seeing all your baby’s bits and pieces for the first time. Congratulations and good luck with your exam, Jenny!
I think it is a great idea to bring your kids to the ultrasound. It is a good experience for them and will help them get closer to the baby before it is born. At least it can help them get more used to the idea of having a baby brother or sister.
That’s exactly why we always did it! A new baby can be a very abstract idea for young children but I think the ultrasound helps them to better understand the idea of the baby in mommy’s tummy because they can see the baby and watch it move around.
There really isn’t anything quite like the first time you can see your child through ultrasound. It is absolutely amazing. I would recommend having your ultrasound pictures printed. I know my wife and I are grateful we did for our kids.
Our printed pictures are prized treasures as well!
I loved your comments on bringing the kids to the ultrasound. My sister would always do that with her kids, they stared with wonder. The 3D images are really cool to look at. When it’s my time I will totally take my kids.
It’s one of my favorite moments of my pregnancies, Skylar!
I had no idea that sometimes they want you to have a full bladder and sometimes they want you to have an empty one when going to get ultrasounds. I’ve also never considered taking the other kids to see the ultrasounds when you get it, but that’s a good idea! My sister-in-law will be getting a ultrasounds soon and she was wondering how to include their young son in the process, I’ll have to pass this article along to her!
Taking our kids with us to each ultrasound was one of the best parts of the pregnancies for all of us. It’s fun for the little ones to see the baby moving around and doing things other babies do like suck their thumbs and smile.