Then, we look for the baby’s heartbeat, because a normal heart rate means that the baby is alive and continuing to grow. Third, we measure the baby so that we can determine an accurate gestational age. This can tell us when your baby was conceived and when your baby is due.

Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce the images seen on the screen. Having an ultrasound is not painful and is considered a low-risk procedure.

Each ultrasound exam is reviewed by a doctor, called a radiologist, who reads the ultrasound images and confirms the nurse sonographer’s findings. Once the ultrasound report is received, a nurse will call you to review it. If the nurse sonographer or the radiologist observes anything that is not expected during your ultrasound exam, they will let you know what kind of follow-up care you might need.

Please make sure your bladder is full when you come for your appointment. We recommend drinking 24-36 ounces of water.

When you arrive, your provider will review consent forms, note any changes to your medical history, and explain the ultrasound exam process.

Typically one guest is allowed, but they will need to wait in the lobby during the initial portion of the appointment. The nurse will get them when it is time to start the ultrasound.

There is a large TV screen on the wall, so you and your guest will easily be able to see the images that your provider is also seeing on the ultrasound machine. Hope Resource Center does not allow children to be present for the ultrasound and you will not be allowed to take pictures or videos, but you will get ultrasound pictures to take home with you.

The first part of your ultrasound will be an abdominal scan. This is helpful to determine the position of your uterus, but if you are in your first trimester or less than 14 weeks, you will likely need a transvaginal ultrasound. This is standard medical practice during early pregnancy to obtain clear images for accurate measurements.

You will be able to empty your bladder before you undress for the transvaginal scan. Many women are nervous about this. Know that you will feel some pressure as the transducer is inserted, but it will not be painful.

Hope Resource Center’s nurse sonographers do not listen to the baby’s heartbeat during early pregnancy because the ultrasound machine uses a higher pulse wave that could be stressful on the baby’s newly developing heart. You will be able to see the baby’s heartbeat, though, and the ultrasound machine can determine the baby’s heart rate by measuring the heart motion.

A lot of women want to know if we can tell them the baby’s gender. Hope does not perform ultrasound exams to determine gender, but once you have established routine care with an OB provider, you will have a more comprehensive ultrasound exam, usually around 18-20 weeks to evaluate the health of your baby. You will be able to find out the gender of your baby then.

Although Hope Resource Center doesn’t offer comprehensive prenatal care, it is our pleasure to be here for you at the beginning of your pregnancy and help you get the information and support you need.