The number of fetuses, gestational age, and location of the placenta will be assessed. As the name suggests, this type of ultrasound looks at your baby’s anatomy. This ultrasound is usually offered in the second trimester, between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation. Knowing where you are in your pregnancy is important for your prenatal care, all the way from your first trimester, through to labour.
This generally predicts the expected date of birth within 5 days. Dating ultrasounds are most accurate when they happen between 7-12 weeks, and are calculated by measuring the fetus’ crown-rump length. Ultrasound can tell you how many weeks pregnant you are, based on the size of your fetus. Many women are uncertain of exactly when conception happened. The possibility of an ectopic or molar pregnancyĪ dating ultrasound gives an accurate estimate of how far along you are in your pregnancy.The possibility of a genetic or other abnormality.How the baby’s internal organs are developing.Whether the baby is the right size for his/her age.Your ultrasound(s) gives important information on many aspects of your pregnancy. What is my health care provider looking for on the ultrasound pictures? Sometimes the ultrasound must be done through the vagina this procedure may be uncomfortable, but is not considered painful. Ultrasound is not used to diagnose pregnancy, but is used to date a pregnancy and assess numerous health aspects of the fetus and mother. The technician will put a warm gel on your abdomen and use a scanning device to get the ultrasound images. It is safe, painless and relatively quick test that usually takes around 30 minutes. The technique does not use any radiation. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body.
See below for descriptions of the information gathered from these two types of ultrasounds. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada recommends that all women have two ultrasounds: one “dating” ultrasound at 11-14 weeks and one “anatomic” ultrasound between 18-20 weeks. The most accurate way to “date” your pregnancy is with an early ultrasound. The results of ultrasound testing provide you and your health care provider with critical information about you and your baby.