How many weeks is better to do the first ultrasound. What will the very first ultrasound during pregnancy show. What is an ultrasound
In the article we discuss the first ultrasound during pregnancy. We will tell you when the study is conducted and how to prepare for it. You will find out what screening standards exist, and what can be considered during an ultrasound examination in the early stages.
When is 1 ultrasound performed during pregnancy
The first ultrasound is performed according to the doctor's prescription for a period of 3 to 12 weeks.
The first ultrasound screening during pregnancy allows you to identify possible intrauterine developmental disorders of the fetus or confirm their absence. The study is based on the principles of echolocation. Ultrasound waves are reflected from tissues, data are read using a special device and transferred to a monitor.
As soon as a girl registers for pregnancy and childbirth in the antenatal clinic, she is sent for the first tests. Expectant mothers are interested in the question - at what gestational age do the first ultrasound? Depending on the purpose of the study, the first screening can be carried out for a period of 3 to 12 weeks.
When you can do the first ultrasound during pregnancy, the gynecologist decides. To do this, he first collects an anamnesis, receives the results laboratory research blood future mother and based on these data prescribes ultrasound.
Most often, the first screening ultrasound during pregnancy for a period of 3 to 5 weeks is carried out to confirm the fact of pregnancy. The doctor may prescribe ultrasound procedure on such short term if there is a risk of developing pathologies of the genital organs, miscarriage, if an ectopic pregnancy is suspected and a diagnosed tumor of the uterus.
If the purpose of the study is to determine the position of the fetus, identify intrauterine pathologies, anomalies in blood flow and heart rate, then the woman is sent for the first planned ultrasound during pregnancy. It is carried out for a period of 10 to 12 weeks.
You learned when the first ultrasound is done during pregnancy. Now we will tell you why diagnostics are carried out and what indicators are measured at the same time.
What does 1 ultrasound during pregnancy show
Heading for screening, expectant mothers are interested in what the first ultrasound shows during pregnancy. This screening mainly reveals congenital pathological abnormalities, structural features of the uterus, determines the visual characteristics of the chorion and its location, and heart rate.
Knowing how many weeks the first ultrasound during pregnancy is scheduled for you, you can understand which systems and organs will be examined. On the different terms gestation with ultrasound, you can see certain organs, as they form gradually. For example, starting from the seventh week of pregnancy on ultrasound, you can see the head of the embryo, from the eighth - arms and legs. From 9 to 11 weeks amenable to more detailed research musculoskeletal system, including small bones in the limbs.
From 11 to 14 weeks, ultrasound in the first trimester of pregnancy shows the presence or absence of kidneys, Bladder, stomach. By this time, the fetus has formed all the fingers and toes.
At the first ultrasound for pregnancy in the 1st trimester, the thickness must be measured collar space determine the size of the uterus and its position. During the first screening, the expectant mother has the opportunity to hear the baby's heartbeat.
Determining the size of the uterus and correlating it with the norm for this period gestation, the diagnostician can detect multiple pregnancy. If the presence of two or more embryos is confirmed, then the next step is to determine the presence of partitions between them, the condition of the umbilical cords and the number of placentas. If deviations are found, they are sent for additional screening after 2-3 weeks and a consultation with a geneticist. See how the stomach looks in the photo at 3 months pregnant with two embryos.
You learned that they look at the first ultrasound during pregnancy. Now consider the norms and interpretation of the screening study.
Norms and interpretation of 1 ultrasound during pregnancy
After the ultrasound, the woman is given the results and a picture
After the procedure, a pregnant woman is given a research protocol, which indicates all the measured indicators. Many expectant mothers are frightened by such a number of incomprehensible abbreviations and numbers, so we will help you deal with the most common ultrasound results.
SVD
At the first ultrasound, the mean diameter of the fetal egg (SVD) is measured. This indicator helps to determine exact date pregnancy. The measurement error is 1-1.5 weeks. The table shows the norms and decoding of ultrasound at the first screening during pregnancy.
KTR
One of the most informative indicators of the normal development of the fetus is KTR - coccyx-parietal size. This is the distance from the tailbone to the crown, measured in millimeters. Look in the table for the transcript of ultrasound at 1 screening.
TVP
During the first screening, TVP is necessarily measured - the thickness of the collar space. This indicator helps to effectively diagnose genetic abnormalities in the development of the fetus.
At normal flow pregnancy, this figure does not exceed 3 mm. Collar space of 4 mm and above indicates chromosomal disorder. This pathology increases the risk of developing Down syndrome. The table shows the norms and decoding of ultrasound at 1 screening during pregnancy.
The length of the bones of the nose
At 10 weeks gestation, the skull bones and facial structures should be sufficiently formed and clearly defined by ultrasound. At 12 weeks, the bones of the nose are already 98% formed, and at normal condition their length is from 2 to 3 mm. The underdevelopment of the nasal bones indicates chromosomal abnormalities that need to be identified early in gestation.
How to prepare for 1 ultrasound during pregnancy
Going to screening, expectant mothers are interested in knowing how to prepare for the first ultrasound during pregnancy? Doctors recommend the day before the procedure to exclude fried and fatty foods, citrus, chocolate and seafood. These products may interfere with the operation gastrointestinal tract and make research difficult. Take a shower before going to the doctor.
If a transabdominal ultrasound is prescribed (through the abdomen), then two hours before the procedure, you need to drink from 1.5 to 2 liters of liquid. Half an hour before the study, you should refrain from going to the toilet.
When preparing for your first pregnancy ultrasound, bring a diaper or large towel to lie on, wipes to wipe off any remaining gel, and a condom if a vaginal ultrasound is scheduled. It is put on the sensor before the procedure. This type studies are more often prescribed at an earlier date, when transabdominal ultrasound is less informative.
How is 1 ultrasound performed during pregnancy
As we described above, the first ultrasound during pregnancy can be performed vaginally or transabdominally. In the first case, the study is carried out using a thin sensor that is inserted into the vagina. The procedure does not cause discomfort, but after it there may be slight spotting.
The vaginal diagnostic method provides more informative data. Including he is able to determine the gestational age with an accuracy of days.
If ultrasound is performed transabdominally, then a special gel is applied to the surface of the abdomen, which improves the transmission of readings. Then the diagnostician runs a special sensor over the abdomen, and the device transfers the data to the screen. For clarity, watch the video of the first ultrasound during pregnancy.
To determine the viability of the fetus, the heart rate (HR) is measured. Expectant mothers are interested in how the first ultrasound of the heartbeat is performed during pregnancy. In the early stages, the most informative research method is ultrasound diagnostics, which reliably determines heart rate from 6-7 weeks of gestation. In the later stages, an ECG or CTG is additionally prescribed to measure heart contractions.
During the examination, you can take a photo of the fetus at 3 months of pregnancy. At this time, the embryo acquires a body structure similar to a person. Modern equipment allows you to take even 3D images that will be printed out right in the doctor's office.
For more information about the first ultrasound during pregnancy, see the video:
What to remember
- When you need to do the first ultrasound during pregnancy, the gynecologist decides after collecting an anamnesis. Scheduled screening carried out for a period of 10 to 12 weeks.
- At the first screening, the visual characteristics of the chorion and its location, the structural features and dimensions of the uterus are determined, the heart rate, the thickness of the collar space and the average diameter of the fetal egg are measured.
- The first ultrasound during pregnancy is performed transabdominally (through the abdomen) or vaginally using a special sensor.
Suspicions about a possible interesting position» may appear in a woman long before the delay next menstruation. Modern test strips can determine the content of a specific hCG hormone in the urine already on the first day of delay, and some even a few days before it. Whatever the result of the test, a woman wants to make sure that she is pregnant as soon as possible. About when the baby can be seen for the first time on an ultrasound will be discussed in this article.
Minimum terms for determination
After the conception has taken place, intensive processes begin inside the expectant mother, which she most often does not know about. On the very first day, the fertilized egg divides and moves along the fallopian tube, where the conception took place, into the uterine cavity. This journey lasts about four days. It is no longer a set of individual cells that descends into the uterus, but a blastocyte - a formation in the form of a ball. It is embedded in the lining of the uterus. This is implantation. This happens 6-7 days after fertilization, and sometimes a woman feels implantation in small pulling sensations lower abdomen.
by the most early symptom pregnancy is sometimes the so-called implantation bleeding - a few drops of bloody or blood secretions at the time of introduction of blastocytes into the endometrium. This does not mean that it is time to run for the test or sign up for an ultrasound.
The test strips react to the formation of the so-called pregnancy hormone - hCG, and it is just beginning, the hormone level is below the control level of the sensitivity of the test strips. And on ultrasound, a blastocyte cannot be seen - its size is only 0.2 mm.
There is no placenta yet, the uterine mucosa "supplies" nutrition for the embryo. But from the very first day after attaching, the baby begins to produce hCG, this hormone gives everything female body mass mobilization teams. The restructuring of all systems of the female body begins in order to create the maximum comfortable conditions for the further growth of the child.
In two weeks after conception, the child grows up to 1 mm, the delay in menstruation begins, and during this period, pregnancy is already possible with highly likely determine by hCG level in the blood (if a woman takes a blood test from a vein), test strips also begin to “strip”. However, on ultrasound, the woman is still not happy with anything, pregnancy is not yet visible.
In 3 weeks after conception (this is the fifth obstetric week, which is counted from the first day of the last menstruation), the size of the baby reaches 4 mm. He has laid neural tube and the formation of the placenta begins. The embryo takes on an oval appearance - appears fertilized egg. Exactly 3 weeks after conception, the formation of the brain and spinal cord and the embryo's heart begins to beat.
It is exactly one week after the start of the delay (this approximately corresponds to the 21st day of embryo development or the full 5 obstetric weeks) you can see the embryo for the first time with ultrasound diagnostics. However, this possibility depends on many factors.
- A woman should not have polyps and diseases of the uterine mucosa. If there are such pathologies, the doctor may confuse the fetal egg with a fragment of the polyp, and it will not be possible to confirm the pregnancy.
- The scanner must have good resolution, determine pregnancy on such minimum term It is possible only with modern good equipment and, of course, with the help of an experienced and qualified doctor.
Indications for examination
If there are no periods, the test is "striped" or it does not show an interesting situation, then 10 days after the start of the delay, in any case, you should contact women's consultation. A slight increase in the uterus by an obstetrician-gynecologist at this time can be determined manually when examining a woman.
Ultrasound 10 days from the day of delay gives fairly accurate indicators of the presence, absence and characteristics of the embryo. This does not mean that all, without exception, pregnant women at such an early date should go to the ultrasound diagnostic rooms and do ultrasound as they please. The effect of ultrasound on the embryo is not considered harmful, but it cannot be called useful either, it has not yet been sufficiently studied.
There are certain indications for which the doctor will recommend a woman to undergo an ultrasound procedure for such a short period of time:
- The delay is accompanied by unpleasant, painful sensations, there are discharges that are not menstrual;
- Previously, the woman had ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages in the early stages;
- If there is a delay, the test shows positive result, and the size of the uterus and the features of the organ during palpation do not tell the obstetrician about the onset of pregnancy;
- If a woman has previously had uterine surgery, including C-section;
- If a woman does not remember the date of the last menstruation.
Diagnostics ultrasound scanner in these cases, it will allow to establish whether implantation has occurred in the uterine cavity, whether a woman develops a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy, and also to determine whether there is a detachment of the fetal egg if there are abnormal discharges. Exactly on early stages you can set the gestational age to the nearest day, after all, in the embryonic period, all embryos grow at approximately the same rate.
Women who have undergone surgical intervention on the uterus, ultrasound will help to find out what condition it is postoperative scar whether the fetal egg is fixed in the scar area. If a woman does not have fears and a complex history, then there is also an urgent need for an ultrasound scan, and for the first time the expectant mother will be able to look at her baby at 11-13 weeks, when the doctor will give a referral for the first prenatal screening.
How is an ultrasound done?
To determine pregnancy, two types of ultrasound examination are used - transvaginal and transabdominal. In the first case, the doctor examines the uterine cavity and its contents with a vaginal probe. In the second case, the inspection is carried out by a sensor through abdominal wall. For the most part, doctors prefer the first method when it comes to early pregnancy. Through the vagina it is much easier to see the embryo and its structure.
Ultrasound of the pelvic organs by the abdominal method is recommended to be performed with complete bladder, transvaginal - with an empty one, while it is better to take care in advance that the intestines are not swollen from gases. To do this, a few hours before going to the doctor, it is advisable for a woman to take Espumizan or Smecta.
It should be noted that pregnancy can be seen in a transvaginal way earlier than in a transabdominal way, for several days. So, the vaginal probe and good specialist in addition, they can tell a woman about her “interesting position” already on the 5th-6th day from the day of the delay, and scanning through the abdomen may not show pregnancy even on the 8th-10th day. The procedure is painless, harmless for a woman and a baby, it lasts no more than 5-7 minutes.
Deciphering the first ultrasound
At the very first ultrasound to determine pregnancy, the diagnostician will be able to detect an echogenic formation. This is the fertilized egg. Its dimensions will indicate the exact gestational age. The doctor will also determine the size yolk sac, the position of the fetal egg, the thickness of the endometrium, will exclude inflammatory processes in it, as well as the presence of cysts, polyps and other unwanted formations. The dimensions of the fetal egg and the timing table are presented below.
Are mistakes possible?
The method of ultrasound diagnostics is considered one of the most accurate for determining pregnancy in the early stages, but you should not assume that its accuracy is 100%. In gynecology, the accuracy of this study is estimated at about 90%. In early pregnancy, the accuracy decreases to 75%. A doctor is first and foremost a person, not a machine with a program embedded in it. He has the right to make a mistake, especially if the woman has health problems reproductive system. So, the doctor can confuse uterine fibroids with pregnancy on initial terms, if a woman was not previously diagnosed with fibroids, and she found out about her presence only on an ultrasound scan. A cyst or polyp can be confused with a fetal egg, since a cyst is also an echogenic formation.
If a woman had late ovulation, then pregnancy a week after the delay may not be detected at all by an ultrasound specialist, since the fetal egg later descended into the uterus and is not yet visualized. Naturally, the doctor will write in the conclusion that no signs of pregnancy were found, but after 7-10 days on a second study, he will be able to determine both the fetal egg and its structure. Only the dimensions will help to understand that ovulation was really late.
Common Questions
On the Internet, inexperienced pregnant women and those who still dream of an “interesting position” ask a lot of questions regarding the earliest diagnosis. About the most frequent situations worth talking about in more detail.
Pregnancy test came back positive but ultrasound didn't
There may be several reasons for this. First of all, it should not be ruled out that the test turned out to be defective, this happens, and quite often, especially when it comes to inexpensive test strips that are sold on almost every corner. In the desire to see two cherished stripes, some ladies go too far, starting to look for "ghost" strips on the test strips. If they find it, they automatically begin to consider their test positive, although in reality there may not be a pregnancy.
If the test still did not deceive, then the reason for the negative conclusion of the ultrasound diagnostics doctor may be that the woman turned to the doctor too early, and the fetal egg is not yet visible. The device itself may be outdated, with low sensitivity and poor resolution. The reason for the absence of signs of pregnancy on ultrasound may be late ovulation, and the presence inflammatory process in the uterine cavity, and, of course, insufficient qualifications of the doctor.
Pregnancy test came back negative but ultrasound came back positive
There may be enough reasons for such a situation. Firstly, the woman could have performed the test at home with an error, the test could have been defective or expired, and it is also possible that it was performed too early, when the level of the hCG hormone in the urine was still insufficient for the test to respond brightly to it. second stripe.
Ultrasound diagnosis in this case is rarely premature, since a woman after a negative homemade test not in a hurry to see a doctor, patiently waiting for the start of a late period. After one and a half to two weeks of delay, when the lady still goes to the doctor, the pregnancy on the ultrasound is already clearly visible. Therefore, the results of ultrasound should be considered more reliable than the results of a home test. In doubtful cases, you can donate blood for hCG to get even more accurate data.
How to calculate the gestational age by ultrasound?
To do this, you can use the table above. If a greater specification of the term is required, use a table of correspondence of the term to the nearest day to the average internal diameter of the fetal egg (SVD). The table of gestational age according to SVD is given below.
Examination of the female body during the period of bearing a child and monitoring the course of pregnancy is an important measure in order, as they say, to keep everything under control. In the course of the survey, we obtain data that focus on further actions, if such are required, or create favorable atmosphere for the expectant mother and her child. One of these informative methods of examination is ultrasound (ultrasound), which includes, in addition to various indicators, also visual information.
The principle of such a study is based on echolocation: the reflection of ultrasonic waves from the tissues into which it penetrates, and the display of the image of these tissues on the screen. The sensor that receives the reflected rays perceives the response signals differently, depending on the density of the tissues that reflect the rays. Therefore, the image of the fetus in all its outlines is reproduced on the screen. Today, ultrasound is the most effective and safe, and therefore the most common research method used for diagnostic purposes for 40 years. For the entire time of the use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of its negative impact on the object under study was not observed.
Note! In the scope of the study, the duration of the operation of the sensor for radiation is only 0.1%, the rest of the time it is busy receiving and processing ultrasonic waves reflected from the object under study. Therefore, nothing threatens the female body and the fetus.
The advantages of ultrasound in its reliability, full information content. A simple and quick examination does not require complex and special preparation of the patient; ultrasound is also included in the list of free diagnostic procedures.
According to experts, for the entire period of pregnancy, it is necessary to conduct three ultrasounds on strictly deadlines pregnancy (at 10-12, 20-24 and 32-36 weeks) for strictly defined purposes. Doing an ultrasound in order to please yourself with a picture is hardly worth it. Of course, there are times when a doctor prescribes additional ultrasound.
The purpose of the first ultrasound
The number of studies for the periods mentioned above does not include the first ultrasound, which is recommended to be done to confirm pregnancy assumptions. The importance of the first ultrasound, first of all, is that it can be used to prevent a very dangerous diagnosis - an ectopic pregnancy. An ultrasound will show whether the fetal egg has attached where it should, that is, in the uterus. The importance of ultrasound is that this diagnostic method allows you to determine multiple pregnancy.
Note! The first ultrasound examination is carried out with several goals - to confirm the fact of pregnancy, including multiple pregnancy, to exclude the possibility of ectopic insemination.
The timeliness of diagnosis initial stage pregnancy is vital for a woman. An ectopic pregnancy is extremely important to identify immediately after fertilization of the egg. Early diagnosis will avoid future severe complications providing emergency assistance. Therefore, it is important to know when to do the first ultrasound during pregnancy.
Time of the first ultrasound
The first ultrasound examination is performed at the beginning of the 1st trimester (up to 12 weeks). For the purpose of confirming uterine pregnancy Ultrasound is performed for a period of 3-5 weeks from the beginning of the last menstruation.
in obstetrics in given time Basically, two diagnostic methods are used - ultrasound through the abdominal wall and a transvaginal method using a vaginal sensor with special protection like a condom. Vaginal examination significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of the data obtained due to the direct contact of the sensor with internal organs. AT this case there is also no need to fill the bladder when preparing a woman for the study. Using the transvaginal ultrasound method, pregnancy can be confirmed as early as 4-5 days of delayed menstruation, that is, an embryological pregnancy for a period of 2-4 weeks. During this period, the fetal egg reaches a diameter of only 5 mm. a little later deadline pregnancy is specified by measuring the size of the embryo from its coccyx to the crown (head). The probability of an error in the gestational age does not reach more than 3.
At a period of 3 weeks, the embryo is determined (its coccygeal-parietal indicators are 4 mm), the heart pulsation is visible (the heart rate is determined).
If there is no need to confirm the fact of pregnancy (when its presence and absence ectopic pathology installed in a different way), then ultrasound diagnostics up to 12 weeks for a woman will be her first ultrasound, which makes it possible to see on the monitor screen:
for a period of 7 weeks - the head of the embryo;
For a period of 8 weeks - limbs;
For a period of 9-11 weeks - ossification points and bones of the limbs;
For a period of 11-14 weeks - the presence (or pathology) of all fingers, bladder, kidneys and stomach of the fetus. The “collar space” is measured: the norm is no more than 2-3 mm, more than 3 mm leads to swelling of the fetal neck, which indicates a chromosomal disorder, hereditary pathology the child is at risk of developing Down syndrome. Collar space data is especially important when multiple pregnancy. Its early detection will help to be more accurately examined for Down's syndrome, since the results of a blood test for Down's syndrome in large pregnancies are inaccurate.
The sex of a child can only be determined by II trimester(after the 12th week). More accurate and detailed detection of various fetal pathologies is possible only after the 20th week.
Note! The first ultrasound in the first trimester can show only the most serious malformations in the development of the fetus, on the basis of which a decision can be made on artificial interruption pregnancy.
Study preparation
I must say that the principle of ultrasound is that the waves pass through a kind of window, which is the liquid. This is especially important when diagnosing the pelvic organs of women with no pregnancy or at the earliest possible time. In this case, the role of such a window is played by a filled bladder.
Note! Before the procedure, the patient needs to drink 500 to 700 ml of liquid one and a half hours before the procedure. With an increase in the duration of pregnancy, the need for such an amount of fluid for the bladder gradually disappears, as the amount of amniotic fluid increases.
The diagnostic method using ultrasound should not be chosen as the main method for detecting and confirming pregnancy. Modern medical technologies make it possible to choose simpler and cheaper methods for this. Ultrasound, despite its safety, in the early stages of pregnancy should be carried out without repetition, if necessary and only at the behest of a doctor.
A repeated, more thorough examination is best done in a prenatal laboratory and only if a fetal pathology is detected. The results of all studies should be kept to assess the course of pregnancy, to monitor the dynamics of fetal development, which will allow timely identification of complications and take measures to eliminate them.
Video
For more information about the first ultrasound, see below:
Undoubtedly, this is one of the most beautiful, but at the same time crucial periods in a woman's life. Each decision must be made deliberately and with caution, because the health of the unborn baby depends on it. There are necessary activities that all expectant mothers face, including holding. Consider in this article the first ultrasound during pregnancy, what it shows and whether you need to somehow prepare for it.
What shows
First ultrasound examination prescribed by a doctor on an individual basis. It can be prescribed at any time if there are any signs that may threaten the health of the child and mother. helps doctors take a close look at the fetus and make sure the pregnancy is going as it should.
The main purpose of the first planned ultrasound during pregnancy is to determine the duration of pregnancy and the expected date. Also, the doctor can determine the risk of developing Down syndrome by measuring the thickness of the collar zone. In the event that the syndrome has been detected, it is possible to terminate the pregnancy without serious complications. 
In addition, the doctor monitors heart contractions, examines the site of attachment of the placenta, evaluates volume. The expectant mother will already be able to see her arms, legs, and some organs. Usually this is a very exciting moment for her, because this is the first day of visual acquaintance with the baby.
And for a doctor it is also very significant event, as it allows everything to be considered and identified possible complications and developmental disorders. No matter how sad it is, not everything always goes smoothly and the initial stage of pregnancy is just the time when it is not too late to fix a lot.
Procedure safety
Every pregnant woman probably asked herself if this procedure is safe and when it is possible to do the first ultrasound during pregnancy, because the first one is one of the most important periods, during which many organs and tissues are laid. But we hasten to reassure you. Back in the last century, studies were conducted on how echography affects future mother and child. 
As a result, no negative biological aspects of the impact of ultrasound on living tissues were revealed. But in case of refusal of ultrasound bad consequences statistically much more.
Is born enough a large number of children with Down syndrome and other disabilities that interfere full life. Such children are doomed to suffer all their lives, and their parents to suffer. Therefore, the importance of this procedure is very significant.
Did you know? In medical practice, ultrasound began to be used in the 30s of the last century. But the image was flat, one-dimensional, which did not allow for high-quality diagnostics. Only in the middle of the twentieth century, scientists managed to achieve a three-dimensional, two-dimensional image, which we now see on examination.
What week to do
So, let's figure out at what stage of pregnancy an ultrasound is done. Basically, the first examination is scheduled for 11-14. This ultrasound is perhaps one of the most important, as it allows you to assess the formation of the fetus on this moment and analyze the prospect of further pregnancy. Next, the doctor prescribes an examination from 22 to 23 weeks. On the this stage almost all organs and tissues are already formed, and the doctor has the opportunity to exclude most of the malformations of the unborn child. 
And last ultrasound usually prescribed for a period of 31-32 weeks. During it, various anomalies in the development of the internal organs of the child are diagnosed. In addition, the doctor determines the position of the fetus in, the location of the placenta, as well as the growth rate of the unborn child and whether its size matches the expected ones.
Important! However, do not forget that every woman-This is an individual organism and examination can be prescribed at any time. It all depends on how your pregnancy is going.
What could be the reason for holding up to 10 weeks
In modern obstetrics, doctors usually perform three routine ultrasound examinations. However, very often an examination is prescribed before the planned first, that is, before the 10th week. There are a number of reasons for this:
- ultrasound on 4-5 weeks may appoint due to the fact that there are suspicions of. Not detected in time, it can lead to such sad consequences as, for example, a pipe rupture, which can even threaten a woman's life.
- On the 6-8 weeks may prescribe an examination to make sure that the pregnancy is there and the fetus is developing. This is determined by listening to the heartbeat. You can also determine the threat of miscarriage, and. In addition, it is estimated uterine tone, condition and size in order to exclude various anomalies in the development of the genital organs, tumors of the uterus and appendages.
It should be noted that ultrasound examination is a voluntary event. 
However, the doctor knows better how many times to carry out this procedure and usually an unscheduled ultrasound is prescribed in case of suspicion of any deviation.
Important! If you feel that something is wrong with you, there are any pains or discharge, then immediately consult a doctor!
Timely diagnosis will help to provide emergency assistance and exclude serious complications in the future.
How to prepare
There is nothing special about preparing for the procedure. Most likely, the doctor will tell you what to do before the examination. But there are a few more nuances that the doctor can take for granted, and you will not know about it.
Preparing for an ultrasound:
- Two hours before the procedure, you need to drink about 2 liters of fluid to fill your bladder. This factor is important for transabdominal examination. If the ultrasound will be performed transvaginally, then this is not necessary.
- Be sure to take a towel with you (to wipe off the remnants of the gel), shoe covers, a diaper and a condom (in the case of a transvaginal examination).
- And the last thing to remember is hygiene. Wash before inspection intimate parts and put on clean underwear.
Did you know? In the beginning, ultrasound was used only for examining animals, most often for determining the thickness of adipose tissue in pigs.
How does it go
Consider the passage of an ultrasound examination in stages:
- In most cases, you will be recorded for the procedure in advance, the most important thing is not to be late and arrive on time. Why do you need extra haste and fuss.
- In the office, the doctor will tell you to lie on your back in a chair (a diaper will come in handy here) and bend your knees a little. Well, let's start the inspection.
- The procedure itself will not last longer than 10-15 minutes.
- During the inspection, do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have.
- After the end of the procedure, the doctor must give you the results of the examination with a conclusion.
You should not be afraid of him, and most importantly, listen to your doctor, because only he knows when you need to do the first ultrasound and can help with any problems that arose during pregnancy.