Becoming pregnant is often one of the most exciting and joyous times in a person’s life. However, along with this happiness often comes anxiety and fear of the unknown. Pregnant women and their partners can benefit greatly from elective ultrasound scanning sessions as it provides an opportunity to see their baby early on in the pregnancy and ensure everything is progressing well. In this post, we’ll discuss how to gain peace of mind with an early, safe elective ultrasound scanning session.
What is an Elective Ultrasound?
An elective ultrasound is a non-medical ultrasound that can provide expecting parents with an opportunity to see their baby in high definition (HD) and three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) imaging. Unlike medical ultrasounds, which are conducted for medical purposes such as monitoring fetal growth or diagnosing potential problems, elective ultrasounds are done for the sole purpose of bonding with the baby and creating memories.
Benefits of Having an Elective Ultrasound
There are many benefits to having an elective ultrasound during pregnancy. One of the biggest advantages is that it provides expecting parents with a chance to bond with their baby by seeing them in real-time. This experience can help create a sense of connection and help alleviate any fears or anxiety the parent may have regarding their pregnancy.
Another benefit of having an elective ultrasound is that it can help detect any potential problems early on in the pregnancy. An early scan can pick up on issues such as ectopic pregnancies or multiples before they become more challenging to manage.
Lastly, an elective ultrasound allows expectant parents to get a sneak peek at their baby’s gender if they choose to do so. This can be an exciting and memorable moment for those who want to know the gender of their child before birth.
When is the Best Time to Have an Elective Ultrasound?
The best time to have an elective ultrasound is between 27 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. This is when the baby has developed enough fat under their skin, making it easier to see their features and characteristics.
However, some elective ultrasound providers also offer what’s known as early scans between 6 and 10 weeks of pregnancy, also known as a dating ultrasound. These scans are used to confirm how far along in the pregnancy someone is, which can be helpful when determining a due date.
How to Prepare for an Elective Ultrasound?
Preparing for an elective ultrasound is relatively easy compared to medical ultrasounds. Wear comfortable clothes that allow easy access to the belly area. Drink plenty of water before the appointment to help ensure that there is enough amniotic fluid around the baby, which will provide better images during the scan. You may also be asked to have a full bladder, depending on the type of ultrasound being done.
How Safe are Elective Ultrasounds?
Elective ultrasounds are considered safe for both mother and baby when conducted by a trained technician. The FDA recommends that elective ultrasounds only be performed by licensed medical professionals for no longer than 30 minutes in duration.
It is essential to note that there are some risks associated with prolonged exposure to ultrasound waves. However, these risks are minimal when following safety guidelines.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, an early, safe elective ultrasound scanning session can provide expecting parents with peace of mind during pregnancy. The experience can help create a sense of connection between parent and child while also allowing any potential issues to be detected early on in the pregnancy. With HD and 3D/4D ultrasounds becoming more accessible, parents can now take advantage of this incredible opportunity to get to know their baby before they are born.