Three ultrasound examinations are usually an integral part of pregnancy—one in each trimester. They are covered by health insurance. This means potential care and developmental disorders in your baby can be detected early and treated if necessary. And of course, it’s also wonderful to be able to see your baby regularly.
As soon as you have a positive test in your hands and schedule your first prenatal appointment, questions often come up. We spoke with LILLYDOO gynecologist Christian about the most important topics.
What happens during an ultrasound and when can you see the pregnancy?
It’s certainly a very special moment when you see your baby for the first time on the ultrasound screen, even if it initially looks more like a blurry image. With each of the three examinations, you’ll be able to make out more—and of course, your doctor will explain what you’re seeing. Don’t worry: ultrasound is not dangerous for you or your baby, because the ultrasound device does not emit radiation, but rather high-frequency sound waves. As early as the fifth or sixth week of pregnancy, it’s possible to detect a pregnancy via ultrasound. After the first examination, your doctor will also assess how far along you are and calculate an approximate due date. Are you too curious to wait until the first appointment? Then you can also determine your little explorer's due date with our . By the way, ultrasound appointments are also a wonderful opportunity for your partner to connect with your baby.
How do the three regular inspections take place?
The first ultrasound examination takes place between the 9th and 12th week of pregnancy. Your doctor performs a crown-rump length measurement to ensure that your baby is developing appropriately for their age. In addition, the back and abdomen of the embryo are checked for abnormalities. This allows potential chromosomal disorders to be detected early.
The second ultrasound scan takes place between weeks 19 and 22 of pregnancy. It is often also called the “organ scan” because it focuses on checking the individual organs. In addition, your doctor will measure the individual body parts of your little explorer and check the amniotic fluid and placenta. From around week 20 of pregnancy, you can determine the of your baby. If you want to be surprised and not know the sex of your little explorer, you should definitely inform your doctor before the examination.
The third ultrasound examination takes place between the 29th and 32nd week of pregnancy. It checks whether your pregnancy is still progressing normally and well. Your doctor will once again measure your baby's body parts and check the amniotic fluid and placenta.
In our YouTube video, LILLYDOO doctor Christian explains in more detail how the ultrasound procedure works, what is examined during the three appointments, and why it can depend a little on your baby's mood whether the sex can be determined. ;)
Are there additional ultrasound examinations?
If you are healthy and your pregnancy is progressing normally, no additional ultrasound examinations are necessary. Optional examinations such as 3D or 4D ultrasounds may need to be paid for privately, depending on your health insurance provider. If there are any abnormalities during your pregnancy, your doctor will monitor them closely with additional examinations—these will also be covered by your health insurance.
Since our video cannot replace a consultation with your gynecologist, it’s best to contact them or your midwife if you have any further questions about your ultrasound examinations.
We wish you a wonderful first encounter with your tiny explorer in your belly!
