Getting your first ultrasound can bring both excitement and nervousness. To ensure a smooth examination, find out the preparations needed below.
Ultrasound Examination is an imaging method that uses sound waves to create images of structures inside the body. The images or results from ultrasound provide information about the diagnosis and treatment of certain diseases and conditions.
There are some preparations before an ultrasound that both Moms and Dads need to pay attention to. To ensure a smooth examination process and obtain optimal ultrasound results, let’s take a look at the preparations below.
Ultrasound Examination for Pregnancy
For Moms who are undergoing a pregnancy program, the doctor may recommend an ultrasound examination to ensure the health of the uterus for a potential pregnancy. Meanwhile, for pregnant Moms, ultrasound examinations play a very important role.
Ultrasound examinations during pregnancy are useful for monitoring the health and development of the fetus. Through ultrasound, the obstetrician can monitor fetal growth, detect potential health issues, and assess the structure and function of vital organs.
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This examination also helps determine the gestational age more accurately, which serves as the basis for estimating the due date. In addition to focusing on the fetus, ultrasound is also used to examine the reproductive organs of Moms, including the uterus and ovaries.
Monitoring the placental position, the amount of amniotic fluid, and the health of Moms’ bladder and kidneys are also aspects observed during the ultrasound examination. In essence, ultrasound examinations during pregnancy are essential steps in prenatal care to ensure optimal health for Moms and the fetus.
Preparations Before Pregnancy Ultrasound
Preparations for an ultrasound during pregnancy generally do not require complicated steps. However, the following aspects can help ensure that Moms undergo an optimal examination.
1. Stay Hydrated
Some doctors may ask Moms to drink 4-6 glasses of water before the examination. A full bladder can help obtain a clearer and more detailed image of the baby and the organs inside the uterus.
2. Avoid Urinating
After drinking water, it’s important for Moms to refrain from urinating until the examination is complete. This helps maintain a full bladder during the ultrasound process.
3. Wear Loose Clothing
During the ultrasound examination, the doctor will ask Moms to expose the abdominal area. Therefore, choose loose and easy-to-remove clothing to facilitate access to the abdominal area during the examination.
4. Ensure a Full Stomach
For some abdominal ultrasound examinations, doctors may recommend that patients do not eat or fast for several hours before the examination. However, this does not apply to pregnancy ultrasounds.
On the contrary, ensure that Moms have a full stomach before going to the hospital or before the ultrasound examination to ensure that Moms are energized during pregnancy.
5. Avoid Soda and Caffeine
Before the ultrasound examination, it is advisable for Moms to avoid caffeine or soda beverages; instead, consume natural fruit juices without added sugar. Juices are very beneficial for the fetus and Moms’ overall health, as the fetus will be more active during the ultrasound examination.
7. Prepare Questions
If there are specific questions or concerns that Moms want to ask, prepare them before the examination so they can be discussed with the doctor or ultrasound technician.
Furthermore, if Moms have a specific medical history or are taking medications, it’s important to talk to the doctor before the examination to ensure safety and understand how this information may affect the examination results.
It’s important to always follow the instructions of the doctor performing the examination to ensure that the ultrasound preparations are done according to the specific needs of each case.
Ultrasound Examination Process
During the ultrasound examination process, Moms will be asked to lie comfortably on the examination bed. Prior to that, a small amount of water-soluble gel will be applied to the abdominal area. This gel does not harm the skin or stain clothing.
Next, the doctor will gently place a small device called a transducer on Moms’ abdominal skin. This transducer will emit high-frequency sound waves into the body, and these waves will bounce back from internal structures, including the developing baby.
Moms need not worry because there is no pain during the examination. The sound or echoes of the waves returning will then be received by the transducer and converted into images that can be viewed on the screen.
The resulting images can be printed or recorded for documentation. The entire ultrasound examination process typically takes about 30 minutes, providing Moms with the opportunity to see the future baby more clearly and obtain valuable information about its health development.
What Happens After the Ultrasound Examination?
After the ultrasound examination, most Moms do not immediately receive detailed results. The healthcare professional performing the examination will typically interpret the image results and provide further information.
Sometimes, the doctor or radiologist may also provide direct explanations to Moms after the examination is completed. They may discuss fetal development, the conditions of the examined organs, and other relevant matters.
Regarding the next ultrasound examination, the schedule will be determined by the doctor based on Moms’ specific needs. Ultrasound examinations during pregnancy are usually scheduled at certain stages, such as the first, second, and third trimesters.
The doctor may plan additional examinations if there are specific conditions that need closer monitoring. It is important to communicate with the doctor after the examination and discuss when the next ultrasound examination is scheduled.
This can help Moms plan and understand the next steps in prenatal care and ensure optimal health for both Moms and the baby. If there are any questions or concerns after the examination, don’t hesitate to ask the doctor.
That’s the explanation of the preparations Moms need to do before an ultrasound. Read more information about pregnancy health, pregnancy programs, and fertility issues only on Bocah Indonesia.
This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Chitra Fatimah.
Source:
National Institute of Health (2023). U.S. National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus. Ultrasound.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2020). Ultrasound Imaging.
Cleveland Clinic (2022). Ultrasound.
Mayo Clinic (2022). Tests & Procedures. Ultrasound.
