Congratulations, mom! Whether you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a while or you’re welcoming a little surprise, finding out you’ve got a baby on the way is an exciting time – but it can also bring new worries! When it comes to getting your first ultrasound, you might be nervous, but don’t stress. We’re busting the myths about ultrasounds so you can feel comfortable at your next appointment.
#1: Ultrasounds can hurt a baby or the mother.
False. These procedures are completely safe for you and your baby.
Although it’s a common misconception that ultrasounds could harm an unborn child in the first trimester, there is no evidence to suggest this. In fact, our team recommends that you get an ultrasound during the first trimester to protect yourself and your child.
Early ultrasounds can help your doctor diagnose any existing issues with the pregnancy, so we can intervene if necessary. They also help us know how long you’ve been pregnant, which is how you get your due date! How exciting, mom!
#2: You’ll get your results immediately.
False – for the most part. Your clinician will give you a summary of the results the day after your ultrasound.
When you see ultrasounds in the movies, it always looks like the results arrive right there in the room the second the doctor completes the exam. While it’s true that your doctor can give you a few details like the baby’s sex and health, we can’t give you the entire run-down without taking a bit more time to review the ultrasound.
The good news is that you won’t have to wait long! We’ll confirm all the details in an extensive summary, typically the next day.
#3: Ultrasounds use radiation to detect your baby.
False. Ultrasounds don’t use radiation – they use sound waves!
Whenever radiation is brought into the picture, most people (especially new mothers worried about the well-being of their children) feel apprehensive about moving forward. Although radiation isn’t harmful in very small, controlled amounts, excessive exposure can harm a growing fetus.
Fortunately, you can mark fears about radiation off your list completely. Ultrasounds don’t use it at all! Instead, they use high-frequency sound waves that bounce off tissue to produce an image of your baby called a sonogram.
#4: The sex of the baby is 100% accurate.
False. There’s a margin of error in any case.
One of our patients’ favorite parts of getting an ultrasound is finding out the baby’s sex. This is an exciting time for everyone involved! Gender sonograms are almost always correct, but your baby’s positioning may affect your ability to get an accurate assessment.
Most gender ultrasounds have a 95-99% accuracy rate when performed between 18 and 20 weeks. These are excellent odds, but remember that the margin of error does exist.
#5: Ultrasounds are always non-invasive procedures.
False. We sometimes require transvaginal ultrasounds to get a better image of a smaller baby.
If you’re picturing the handle on the belly procedure when imagining what your ultrasound will look like, you’re not wrong! However, your Women’s Health Specialists clinician can use two types of ultrasounds to get an accurate picture of your unborn baby.
Aside from a traditional ultrasound, earlier pregnancies may pair better with a transvaginal ultrasound. Because the baby is smaller, a transvaginal ultrasound gives your doctor a closer look at the growing fetus. If you’re wondering which type you’ll need, just call our team!
Visit Women’s Health Specialists Today!
Visit Women’s Health Specialists Today!Taking care of your baby-on-the-way is a big responsibility, but your team of qualified specialists at WHS is here to help you carry the weight. If you’re ready to schedule your first ultrasound, contact us to get started today!