What Should You Expect At Your First Baby Scan?

Introduction: The anticipation of seeing your baby for the first time is an incredible and heartwarming experience. Your first baby scan, often referred to as the “dating scan,” is a momentous milestone in your pregnancy journey. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you should expect during this momentous appointment.

1. Scheduling the Scan: The first step is scheduling your dating scan. This scan is typically performed between weeks 6 and 8 of your pregnancy, but it can vary depending on your healthcare provider’s recommendations.

2. Preparation: Before your appointment, there’s usually no need to fast or make significant dietary changes. However, drinking water and having a comfortably full bladder can improve the visibility of the ultrasound images.

3. Arrival at the Clinic: Arrive at the clinic or hospital for your scan appointment. It’s a good idea to bring your partner or a support person along to share in this special moment.

4. Consent and Health History: Upon arrival, you may be asked to complete some paperwork, provide a health history, and sign consent forms for the procedure.

5. Ultrasound Technician: You will be greeted by a trained ultrasound technician who will perform the scan. They will explain the procedure, answer any questions you have, and make you feel comfortable.

6. Gel Application: To conduct the ultrasound, a water-based gel will be applied to your abdomen. This helps the ultrasound transducer glide smoothly and ensures good contact with your skin.

7. Transducer Placement: The ultrasound technician will gently place the transducer on your abdomen and move it around to capture images of your baby. You may feel slight pressure but should not experience pain.

8. Baby’s First Image: The first image of your baby will appear on the monitor. You’ll likely be able to see your baby’s heartbeat, which is a beautiful and reassuring sight.

9. Measurements and Assessment: During the scan, the technician will take measurements of your baby to determine their size and confirm the gestational age. They will also check the location of the pregnancy (uterine or ectopic).

10. Estimated Due Date: One of the essential outcomes of the dating scan is determining your baby’s estimated due date. This helps your healthcare provider monitor your pregnancy’s progress.

11. Multiple Pregnancies: If you’re carrying more than one baby (twins, triplets, etc.), the dating scan will also confirm the number of fetuses.

12. Gender Reveal (Optional): While the primary purpose of the dating scan is to confirm pregnancy and assess development, some clinics may offer a gender reveal if you wish to know the sex of your baby. This is entirely optional.

13. Emotional Moment: The dating scan is an emotional and exciting experience for many parents. It’s the first time you see your baby’s form and hear their heartbeat, making the pregnancy feel more real and tangible.

14. Discussion and Next Steps: After the scan, the technician may discuss the findings with you or provide a preliminary report. You’ll receive images of your baby to cherish and share with loved ones. Your healthcare provider will use the scan results to guide your prenatal care.

Your first baby scan is a memorable and joyous occasion that marks the beginning of your journey into parenthood. It offers a glimpse into the incredible world growing within you and provides essential information to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Cherish this moment, and let it be the start of many beautiful experiences throughout your pregnancy.

Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and the dating scan is just the first of several ultrasound appointments to monitor your baby’s development. As you continue on this extraordinary journey, enjoy each moment and look forward to the milestones yet to come.