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Posted on April 1, 2006 by Yong Moma | Posted under Pregnancy
The First Trimester Includes A 12 Week Ultrasound
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Your first appointment will have you undergo a complete physical exam as well as an update of your medical history. Your doctor will record your weight, check your blood pressure, do a urine species, a pregnancy test for confirmation, and a pelvic examination. Your prenatal exam should include a complete blood count, your blood type, and your Rh factor, HIV testing, Hepatitis B screening, Syphilis testing, and Rubella titer screening. As well you should be given a complete urine analysis. This will work as a baseline for the rest of your pregnancy. An ultrasound can be done at the earliest stages but the 12 week ultrasound is the optimum time. It is a good time to determine the age of the fetus and its location, as well as check for any problems. An ultrasound is a non invasive test that uses sound waves to create a visual image. It is an excellent tool for collecting important information about the health of the fetus. After your 12 week scan you'll like have another one somewhere between 16 and 20 weeks. Depending on your personal circumstances your first scan might be as early as 4 weeks. Sometimes the technician will even be nice enough to give you a print out of your first ultrasound. It is a great keep sake for your baby book. If your pregnancy is low risk, you are comfortable with your dates, and there is no real reason to do an ultrasound there is a good chance your doctor may wait until the second trimester. The ultrasound provides much useful information including: 1. Baby's heart beat - it can ensure that the hear beat is normal.2. Baby's location - it can ensure your baby is growing properly in the uterus and that the pregnancy is not ectopic.3. Baby's size - the ultrasound measures your baby and ensures he or she is the correct size for the age. If your baby is ahead or behind by more than 2 weeks your due date will usually be readjusted.4. Number of Baby's - you scan will confirm whether there is one or more baby's.5. Placenta Location - the location of the placenta is important. Over the cervix can cause severe bleeding later in the pregnancy so if this condition is detected it will be followed up on.6. Amniotic Fluid - it will tell if there is too little, too much, or just the right amount of amniotic fluid in the womb.7. Physical abnormalities - Your scan will be closely examined for abnormalities that may be of concerns.8. Gender - late you may even find out your baby's gender. Your ultrasound during the first trimester may be ordered if a ectopic pregnancy is suspected, if there is vaginal bleeding and concern of miscarriage, if there the gestational age is uncertain, and if a multiple pregnancy is suspected. After your 12 week ultrasound there is a good chance that you will have at least one per month scheduled and you'll get to enjoy seeing your baby grow and develop. About The Author: Yong has been working for a leading ultrasound manufacturer for last 8 years. At At http://www.ultrasoundlive.com he has provide information about different types of utlrassound equipments. Visit the website to get more information about ultrasound equipment and accessories. |
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