Did you just find out you’re pregnant?
First off, CONGRATULATIONS! You’re pregnant! There are likely so many emotions running through you right now. You are probably excited, scared, nervous. Wondering what the next steps are in navigating through this wonderful and stressful journey?
Don’t worry, this pregnancy blog will help guide you on some of the next steps and tips.
What’s my due date?
Do you track your menstruation on an app or in your calendar? Are your cycles regular or irregular? There are so many factors that can affect the answer of how far along you are. In female anatomy, we base the due date and gestations on a 28 day cycle. Sure, the majority of women are somewhere around the 28 day menstrual cycle, that doesn’t apply to everyone.
Tracking your menstruation on a calendar or app is an accurate way of knowing how long your cycles are. Knowing exact dates is helpful when trying to determine how far pregnant you are. This will also help in determining a proper due date.
Powered by calculating due date app
Alternatively, another way we accurately determine your gestation is to schedule a 1st trimester ultrasound. Proactively, scheduling your first OBGYN appointment around weeks 7-10 is best.
1st Trimester Ultrasound Types
There are several methods of performing 1st trimester ultrasounds. As a Sonographer, I typically use 2 methods of performing 1st trimester ultrasounds. The more common methods are trans abdominal & trans vaginal ultrasounds.
Trans abdominal ultrasound
Trans abdominal ultrasound is the most common method of medical and elective ultrasound. Ultrasound gel is applied on the skin near the organs that need to be viewed. 1st trimester ultrasounds will be done in the pelvic region and correspondingly, the ultrasound gel will be placed near your pelvic bone and the areas adjacent. Trans abdominal ultrasound is the most common method used for elective ultrasound clinics.
Trans vaginal ultrasound
Have you ever wondered why you are required to fill your bladder for your first trimester ultrasound appointment? Your body is made up of several different layers: adipose tissue (fat), muscle, tendon, functional organ tissues, etc. Ultrasound waves have to penetrate through different tissue types and thicknesses that each have different rates of penetration and attenuation. Sound waves penetrate well through fluid as a result, give us a clearer focus on the surrounding tissue. Basically, your bladder and uterus are best friends, they are always hanging out and next to one another. Thus, we use the bladder as a “window” into your uterus. A full bladder helps the Sonographer obtain better images.
Alternatively, why don’t I typically need a full bladder for 2nd & 3rd trimester ultrasound? The amniotic fluid surround your baby provides the primary “window” for imaging.
Trans vaginal ultrasound is the “gold standard” for 1st trimester ultrasound scans. This allows the Sonographer to obtain images at a closer distance. Specifically, an ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina. This gives the ultrasound waves less distance to penetrate the other body tissues. During the later parts of pregnancy, trans vaginal ultrasound is used for visualizing the cervix or other hard to see areas. Trans vaginal ultrasound should only be performed by an educated and trained Sonographer or medical provider.
1st Trimester services offered at Peeping Moms Ultrasound Boutique
Peeping Moms Ultrasound Boutique offers services to expecting moms as early as 6 weeks pregnant. For $69, we offer a service called the PEEPING MOM that would allow you to come in to view what’s going on in your womb. Our services are elective and don’t need a doctor’s order.
This service includes:
- 15 minute trans abdominal ultrasound
- 2-3 black and white prints
- Baby’s heartbeat measured in M-Mode
- Email with all images taken
- YouTube video of your scan to share with friends and family
- Measurements and due date calculated
- Brief explanation on what’s happening in your womb
Additionally, we also offer diagnostic ultrasound services with an order from your doctor. Our 1st trimester ultrasound is only $99! Find out more about our diagnostic services.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding our 1st trimester services, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via call or text (813)647-9099.