Ultrasound Safety for Pregnancy
Ultrasound Safety for Pregnancy With an ultrasound, you can see an image of your child as it is developing in the womb. While you are probably excited by this, you probably also have many questions about how ultrasounds work. Most importantly, you want to know if ultrasounds are safe. As with all medical procedures, it is understandable if you are nervous, and we would like to help put your mind at ease. Are Ultrasounds Safe? This is the main question on many expecting mothers’ minds. Yes, ultrasounds are safe. Numerous tests have been performed on them, and there has never been any evidence of ultrasounds being harmful. Pregnant women have had these scans performed on them for decades. Sonographers are trained to follow guidelines for this procedure, and as long as these guidelines are followed, you and your baby are completely safe. Will the Ultrasound Affect My Baby? Even if ultrasounds are safe, some fear they will still affect their unborn children somehow. Fortunately, ultrasounds will not affect the child. Different studies have confirmed there are no links between this procedure and autism, cancer, dyslexia, weight, or any other possible birth defects. The ultrasound is done by sending sound waves through the uterus. These sound waves bounce off objects, in this case your unborn child, to create an image on a screen. With this image, you and the sonographer will have a picture of your baby in the womb. You will even be able to see the baby’s movements and position. Furthermore, considering how many women undergo ultrasounds, if they did cause problems, one would have been found by now. Do note, however, the ultrasound equipment does generate some heat, however it is less than 33 degrees Fahrenheit. In other words, you and your baby will not be affected by it. Generally, the most standard ultrasound scan is low intensity, and is spread out over a large portion of your body. This type of ultrasound will only cause minimal heating. How Can I Be Sure My Scans are Performed Safely? Now that you know ultrasounds are safe and will not affect your baby, you might feel more at ease. At the same time, how can you know if your scans are being performed safely? The guidelines for an ultrasound are clear. Ultrasound scans are to only be done by trained sonographers who understand how to safely do the procedure. These professional sonographers will only use low level ultrasound, unless it is necessary to do otherwise. Additionally, they understand ultrasounds should not be performed with a vaginal probe in the early stages of the baby’s development. They also know, however, standard scans are safe to perform early on, and will only do those during the initial development. Moreover, they will make the ultrasound brief in cases where the mother has a fever. Her temperature will already be high, and they will not want to make it higher. Overall, experts agree the benefits of ultrasound scans are far greater than any possible risk. Take into account the unlikelihood of anything going wrong with trained sonographers, and there is ultimately nothing to fear. Ultrasounds are safe.
How Does an Ultrasound Produce an Image of a Fetus in the Mother’s Uterus?
How Does an Ultrasound Produce an Image of a Fetus in the Mother’s Uterus? Think of ultrasound imaging like the sonars you would find in submarines and boats. Using a device called a transducer, a sonographer can send high-frequency sound waves into the body, and then receive the sound waves back. Ultrasound gel is applied to the patient’s skin, so the sound is able to travel through the body and return to the transducer. The transducer’s receiver detects any deviations in the sound as it bounces off different parts of the body’s internal workings, from tissues to organs. These sound waves are measured, and create an image on a computer screen. Some computers are even capable of taking these sound waves and creating moving images from them. Ultrasound Science: From Sound to Ultrasound Imagery This question can prove troubling to expecting parents. Do ultrasounds use x-rays? Do they use a procedure which could be harmful to the unborn baby? Fortunately, ultrasounds are completely safe, and once you understand how they produce the image, you will see there is nothing to worry about. Ultrasound services set up a monitor so the patient can see the child while it is in the womb. Note that there are several factors which determine how quickly the image is created, including the body type and structure of the patient. As a consequence, the image is affected by, not only the pitch of the ultrasound, but by how long it takes for it to return to the transducer from the patient’s body. A device known as Doppler, used with some ultrasound devices, monitor’s the child’s heartbeat, creating a live look at the fetus and its movements. The Ultrasound: How is the Procedure Performed? Generally, ultrasounds are performed with the patient lying down on an adjustable examination table. Once the patient is in the correct position for the procedure, the sonographer applies the special water-based ultrasound gel to wherever they are examining. In addition to aiding the sound traveling through the body and back to the receiver, the gel will keep air pockets from forming between the patient and the transducer. Air pockets can keep the sound from passing into the patient’s body. Once this is complete, the sonographer will place the transducer on the desired area, and begin moving it over the area in question. They will repeat this process, back and forth, until they have captured the images they need. After the images form on the monitor, the ultrasound gel is removed from the patient. Any gel remaining on the body dries quickly. The gel used for this procedure will not stain, damage, or discolor the patient’s clothing. In some instances, the sonographer might recommend a transvaginal scan, in order to capture a more detailed image of the female reproductive system. With this, they can determine if there are any notable issues with the ovaries and uterus. I Need a Free Ultrasound Service in Tulsa If you need an ultrasound performed by a trustworthy group, feel free to contact us . We are dedicated to providing a free, helpful service to the women of Tulsa.
Ultrasound and Sonogram: What Are My Ultrasound Options?
Ultrasound and Sonogram: What Are My Ultrasound Options? Types of Sonograms Standard Ultrasound A standard ultrasound is preformed using a transducer which a sonographer places on your abdomen to create a two-dimensional image of your baby. Advanced Ultrasound For the most part, this procedure is the same as a standard ultrasound, except it requires sophisticated equipment and designed to target a potential problem. 3D Ultrasound This variant can create three-dimensional images of your unborn child with probes and software specially designed for this ultrasound. 4D Ultrasound A 4D ultrasound can let you view your unborn child’s face and movements before it is born. The ultrasound is a procedure most expecting mothers will have heard about. A sonographer uses a device which generates high-frequency sound waves, and scans the pregnant woman’s abdomen to generate a picture of the unborn child and placenta. This picture is called a sonogram. One question which you might be having, however, is what are your ultrasound options? Types of Ultrasounds In general, there are seven types of ultrasounds. While each has its own variances, the process of performing them is roughly the same. Your Tulsa ultrasound options include: Transvaginal Scans Early in your pregnancy, a sonographer can use probe transducers placed in the vagina to create sonograms. These ultrasounds can be used to find out early on about any complications in your pregnancy, such as a molar pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy. Doppler Ultrasound The Doppler ultrasound measures the blood flowing through your veins by detecting changes in the sound wave frequency. Fetal Echocardiography A fetal echocardiography evaluates potential congenital heart defects your child might be suffering from. How an Ultrasound Works Ultrasounds are preformed using gel (to help conduct sound waves), and a transducer. A Tulsa sonographer will place a transducer on your abdomen which will generate sound waves. These sound waves will bounce off any objects they encounter (such as your unborn child), a return to the transducer. This generates an image of your child. Think of it like sonar. When Are Ultrasounds Performed? You can undergo an ultrasound during any stage of your pregnancy, and see immediate results. There are no recommended amounts of ultrasounds for pregnant women, since ultrasounds aren’t a necessity for a healthy pregnancy. If you suspect something is wrong, you should have an ultrasound to make sure everything is okay. You can have as many or as few as you want (though it’s recommended to only get them if medically needed), and we highly recommend having an ultrasound, so that you can see the life developing in your womb. Things an Ultrasound can Detect Whether detecting abnormalities, or just showing the mother an image of the fetus, ultrasounds are important. If it finds something suspicious, other tests are preformed to confirm its diagnosis. The following are some of what the ultrasound looks for: First Trimester Confirmation of a heartbeat Confirmation of a viable pregnancy Measurement of the gestational age Measurement of the crown-rump length Confirmation of ectopic pregnancies or molar pregnancies Assessment of abnormal gestation Second Trimester Diagnosis of fetal malformation Signs of Down syndrome (by 13 to 14 weeks) Congenital heart defects (by 18 to 20 weeks) Structural abnormalities Confirmation of a multiple pregnancy Verification of growth Confirmation of stillbirth (clinically known as intrauterine death) Identification of high levels of amniotic fluid or low levels of amniotic fluid (AKA hydramnios or oligohydramnios) Evaluation of the unborn child’s well-being Third Trimester Placental location Confirmation of stillbirth Fetal presentation Movements made by the unborn child Identification of any abnormalities in the mother’s uterus and pelvis How Safe is an Ultrasound During Pregnancy? Research shows ultrasounds to be safe for mothers and their unborn children if preformed properly. If you want more information on the side effects of ultrasounds, read more about ultrasound safety. Ultrasound Questions
5 Steps to Take to Prepare for Pregnancy
5 Steps to Take to Prepare for Pregnancy You just found out you’re pregnant. There’s a million questions swirling about your head. You don’t know if you should be overjoyed or afraid or some combination of the two. Like you, we want to ensure the life growing in your womb is healthy and strong, and maybe help relieve you of some stress. Knowing how to proceed is a large step towards that Here are five things to do when you learn that you are pregnant. 1. Stay Healthy During Early Pregnancy If you want your child to be healthy, you might need to make some changes in your life. Check things such as your BMI, and learn what the recommended caffeine intake during pregnancy is. You might also want to get a transvaginal ultrasound if you experience pelvic pain during early pregnancy. 2. Calculate Your Baby’s Due Date Going to a free mobile ultrasound is one quick way to determine gestational age, but you can calculate it yourself if you are so inclined. Take 40 weeks and add it to the first day of your previous menstrual period. Alternatively, there are online calculators dedicated to this, too, which are free and simple to use. 3. Contact a GP Set up your first appointment with your general practitioner (GP). The appointment will probably occur within 8-10 weeks of pregnancy, however, in some instances, you can meet with a midwife immediately. You will still want to contact your GP to see if this is an option. 4. Learn About Early Pregnancy Symptoms You are probably going to feel unwell for the first few weeks of pregnancy. We’ve all heard about morning sickness, but in addition you will also feel some fatigue and likely have sore breasts. If you suspect something is wrong, don’t hesitate to call a Tulsa doctor for more information. You want to ensure you and your child are healthy. 5. Learn About Lifestyle Changes to Prepare for Pregnancy There are six main lifestyle changes you will need to make during pregnancy, including: You’ll need to cut alcohol out of your diet, as it can cause problems with your unborn child’s development. You will want to relax whenever you can, since pregnancy hormones can lead to feelings of fatigue and stress. Research what you should eat during pregnancy, and try to not eat anything which contains high amounts of sodium, fats, or sugars. Exercising is healthy for you and your unborn child, so try taking a walk every day. Make sure you have the vitamins you need in your diet, and research which ones are most important during pregnancy. Avoid smoking (if you smoke). Make sure anything you research is reputable, and double check any facts you find. Pregnancy, while often a joyous occasion, can be a trying time, but eliminating fear of the unknown can help alleviate your stress. If you want to affirm the life in your womb, contact a Tulsa ultrasound near you. info@golifemobilemedical.com(918) 518-0648
How an Ultrasound Helps You Bond With Your Baby
How an Ultrasound Helps You Bond With Your Baby Whether your pregnancy is expected or unexpected, it can be difficult to establish a relationship with the unseen child. Bonding with your baby during pregnancy offers many benefits, not only to the baby but to the parents as well. When a mother bonds with the baby during pregnancy, it affects the baby’s future growth and development. Bonding with the baby during pregnancy is simply the process that you go through in experiencing emotions and feelings for the baby. You begin to identify as the baby’s mother. Early in the pregnancy, it can be hard to imagine the baby. The baby’s kicks may not be felt until the 14th week or later in the pregnancy. Some new mothers aren’t even sure they’ll feel the baby, because it can feel like gas. The Dating Ultrasound An ultrasound done in the first trimester of the pregnancy is often called a dating ultrasound. It confirms the correct dates of your pregnancy. An ultrasound done in the first trimester of the pregnancy is often called a dating ultrasound. It confirms the correct dates of your pregnancy. This ultrasound can often detect a baby’s heartbeat as early as six weeks into the pregnancy. The scan can determine if the pregnancy is developing normally in the uterus. It can also count the number of babies present. What can be seen in this early ultrasound depends on how many weeks into the pregnancy you are: Before 5 weeks gestation, the pregnancy may be too small to detect a fetus. However, there will be other signs of pregnancy. From 5 to 6 weeks, the baby is a tiny embryo just a few millimeters long. Don’t panic if you cannot see too much. At 6 to 7 weeks, the baby is still very tiny, less than an inch long, but you can begin to detect the heartbeat. During the 8th to 11th week of gestation, the baby will continue to grow and develop. You should be able to see the baby through a transabdominal ultrasound. From the 10th to 11th week, the embryo will be much more recognizable as a baby, with a body, head, arms and legs. Although the gender may not be apparent in the dating ultrasound, it does give you a chance to confirm that you are pregnant and bond with the baby. You may even get a photo of the scan to carry with you. This makes the baby that much more real. Bonding Beyond the Medical Tests Mothers and fathers have many ways to bond with the developing baby besides the ultrasound. Massage oils and lotions rubbed into the mother’s belly helps prevent stretch marks and relax a new mom. Massaging the baby bump is an excellent way to interact with the baby. Talking or singing to the baby can also create an attachment to the baby. Although you can get a small microphone that attaches to the stomach, women have been talking to their unborn babies for centuries to strengthen the bond between mother and child without technology. For more information be sure to read our Frequently Asked Questions about Ultrasounds. Get More Information For a free ultrasound and pregnancy resources, check out our calendar for our mobile unit or make an appointment by calling our office or following the link below.
What to Expect at Your First Ultrasound
What to Expect at Your First Ultrasound An ultrasound in the first trimester of a pregnancy can be very beneficial. Although the baby’s gender cannot be identified, you should be able to see the baby on the screen. Often, the heartbeat can be detected. Your first ultrasound can be an exciting moment. Here’s what to expect. Emotions Run High Pregnancy is a roller coaster of emotions and hormones. Going into the ultrasound, you are probably worried about dozens of things. You may be worried about whether or not you’re really pregnant. Maybe you’re worried about telling your parents or the baby’s father. You could be worried that the baby is okay. This first ultrasound will provide a lot of information about your pregnancy. It can help calm some of the mind games but get used to the emotional ride. You Get Validation Even though you’ve had a positive pregnancy test, you may still have a small voice inside your head telling you that maybe, just maybe, it’s all a dream. When you see the baby on the screen at your ultrasound, it’s visual proof that you are, in fact, pregnant. You can’t ignore what’s in front of you. You Get a Due Date The first ultrasound is called the dating ultrasound because the gestational age of the baby can be confirmed. You get a potential due date. Keep in mind that your baby will not necessarily come on that date, but it does give you a closer estimate than just using the date of your last menstrual cycle. You’ll Know How Many Babies Although twins only account for about 3 percent of the births in the United States, many moms get a surprise when they see that they’re carrying two babies. At your first ultrasound you can be sure that there’s only one or get the news that you’re doing double duty. If twins run in your family, having this information can really help you plan for your post-pregnancy. You Know the Location of Your Baby This ultrasound checks to make sure the baby is developing properly in your uterus. If the egg implanted itself outside the uterus, it can cause complications. The location of your baby is an important aspect at each ultrasound you receive, but more so at this appointment. You Get Assurance Hearing the heartbeat and seeing the baby gives you confidence that your pregnancy is moving along normally. You can begin to imagine what it will be like when your baby is born. You can make plans to take care of yourself through your pregnancy and make plans for the birth. Your first ultrasound helps you bond with the baby. You’ll Forget To Ask Something You’ll be able to ask questions at your ultrasound. You may even make a list of things you want to know. Don’t be surprised if you forget. This is often referred to as “mom brain.” There’s no need to worry about being forgetful in the amazement of seeing life growing inside you. Many of your questions can be answered online at some of the top mommy forums until you have another appointment with your doctor. You can even reach out to us and we’ll do our best to help you.
Dealing With the Early Symptoms of Pregnancy
Dealing With the Early Symptoms of Pregnancy Your body amazingly transforms during pregnancy. It begins when conception occurs. Your hormones signal emotional and physical changes from the time life begins. Here are some tips for dealing with the early symptoms of pregnancy. Morning Sickness, Nausea and Vomiting Contrary to its name, morning sickness can attack any time of day or night. It’s believed that rising hormone levels make you nauseated. If the vomiting becomes severe, you’ll want to talk to your health care provider, but many times, you can manage morning sickness by: Choosing foods that are low in fat Avoiding spicy foods or smells that make you nauseous Eating smaller amounts every couple of hours so that your stomach isn’t empty Staying hydrated by drinking lots of fluids Trying foods with ginger, like ginger ale Tiredness Progesterone levels soar during the early days of your pregnancy. You may feel as if you need a nap every day. This fatigue will pass as the hormone levels change. In the meantime, you may need more rest. When you are able, exercise can help you boost your energy. A healthy diet will help too. Heartburn and Food Aversions Many pregnant women complain of heartburn. The valve between your esophagus and stomach is relaxed during pregnancy, (thanks hormones), which lets the acid in the stomach leak into the esophagus, which causes heartburn. Eat smaller meals. Avoid acidic foods, like citrus. Don’t eat fried foods or spicy foods. You may also be sensitive to aromas. Your sense of taste may change. Don’t panic, it’s hormones Constipation Progesterone not only makes you want to sleep, it also slows the movement of food through your system. Iron supplements can aggravate the problem, essentially causing constipation. Boost your fiber consumption and make sure to drink lots of water. Exercise will also help alleviate constipation. Mood Swings Your emotions are going to fluctuate. Practice self-care to help deal with the added emotional stress of having a baby. Find support from loved ones. If mood swings become severe, you should talk to your health care provider. What’s Going On With Your Baby? Your body is changing due to the baby inside you. The first trimester is an exciting time in the development of the baby. The baby grows from a single cell to an embryo to a bundle of arms, legs and organs. While you can’t see this baby on an ultrasound until about week 8, there’s still a lot going on: By week 6, the baby will have arms, legs, hands and feet. The optic nerves and lenses will form around week 4. Your baby will have a sense of touch around week 8, mostly on the face. In 4 more weeks, the receptors on the palms and soles of the feet will form. In about week 5, the baby’s heart begins to beat. You should be able to hear the heartbeat when you get your dating ultrasound, but it does depend on the position of the baby in your uterus. Week 8 also sees the baby’s brain developing. Muscles are forming. Vocal cords are being made. The first trimester is major to the development of your baby. Do you have questions about your pregnancy or free resources ?
Don’t Assume You’re Pregnant on Symptoms Alone
Don’t Assume You’re Pregnant on Symptoms Alone When you’re sexually active, pregnancy is always a concern. Most birth control methods are not 100 percent effective. If you think you might be pregnant, you should make an appointment to get a pregnancy test. Here are a few of the symptoms of pregnancy: Missed period Nausea / morning sickness Breast soreness or darkening nipples Frequent urination Tiredness Mood swings Headaches Food cravings or aversion Backaches Interestingly, these symptoms could also mean many other things. You should never rely on symptoms alone to determine pregnancy. Home tests are usually fairly accurate, but a medical-quality pregnancy test will confirm those results. I’m Pregnant, What Happens Now? One of the first considerations when you find out that you’re pregnant is “when is the baby due?” You can get a rough date based on the date of your last menstrual period be entering it into a baby due date calculation. A dating ultrasound can more accurately determine the due date, especially when the ultrasound is done around weeks 8 to 10. We offer free dating ultrasounds in Tulsa through our mobile clinic that can tell you when your baby is due based on the size of the fetus. .Keep in mind that only about 5 percent of babies are born when they’re due. The due date might be adjusted during the pregnancy, too. Your baby is going to be born when he or she is ready. Expecting a baby brings on many emotions. Even parents who are overjoyed experience stress and worry after getting the news. If your pregnancy is unplanned, you may have some ups and downs while you decide what to do. We have many resources to help you make those hard choices. Parents Have to Make Changes Your first prenatal appointment will be the most involved. It’s recommended that you have this appointment when you’re about 8 weeks along. You should be ready to talk about your concerns and ask lots of questions at this visit. Your doctor may suggest that you take a prenatal vitamin, not only for the baby, but to protect your own health. Start your pregnancy out on the right foot by changing your eating habits. You should probably eat more fruits and vegetables. Lay off the junk food. It’s recommended to give up raw fish while you’re pregnant. Make sure meat, poultry and eggs are properly cooked. Be more diligent in washing fruits and vegetables. Have a conversation with your doctor about how much and what you should be eating. Play it safe and avoid alcohol while you’re pregnant. Most research shows that excessive consumption is bad for the baby, so the risks with light drinking haven’t been studied as much. Although some doctors believe that an occasional glass of wine is okay, it’s best not to take a chance. Let Us Help You Explore Your Options Adoption, abortion or parenting the baby. You have options when you’re pregnant. Our services are confidential and free. We give information to help you make the best decision for you. Get a free ultrasound and learn more about the life growing inside of you.
How does pregnancy change your body?
How does pregnancy change your body? You’ll experience many physical and emotional changes in the first trimester. If you’re experiencing symptoms of pregnancy, you’ll want to make an appointment for an ultrasound with Golife.org and then with your doctor or vice versa. When you consider how your body changes when its pregnant, you have to amazed at the transformation. You may not outwardly notice any pregnancy symptoms until you’re two or three weeks along, but your body immediately knows that you need to nourish the baby. How does pregnancy change your body? You’ll experience many physical and emotional changes in the first trimester. If you’re experiencing symptoms of pregnancy, you’ll want to make an appointment for an ultrasound with Golife.org and then with your doctor or vice versa. Physical Changes Nausea and vomiting Morning sickness can strike about one month after you become pregnant. It’s the rising hormones that can cause morning sickness. You may feel sick to your stomach and want to vomit, even if you don’t actually throw up. It can seem counterintuitive, but to relieve nausea, avoid having an empty stomach. Eat small amounts throughout the day. Drink plenty of water. If the vomiting is severe, make sure to contact your doctor. Tender breasts Again, the rising hormone levels change how your breasts feel. As your body adjusts, the tenderness will decrease. Fatigue Progesterone, one of the hormones of pregnancy, will make you tired. You may need to rest more than you did. You’ll need to eat healthy and exercise to boost your energy while you’re adjusting to being pregnant. Frequent urination The amount of fluid in your body is increasing, which causes your kidneys to work harder processing extra fluid. You’ll probably need to go to the bathroom more frequently. Still, you need to drink plenty of water. Sensitivity to smell and taste Some people become very sensitive to odors and tastes during pregnancy. Your sense of taste may change. Heartburn The valve between your stomach and esophagus relaxes during pregnancy, again due to hormonal changes. This allows stomach acid to leak into your esophagus, which causes heartburn. Eating smaller meals can help reduce heartburn. Your doctor may recommend an antacid but talk to your healthcare provider before taking medicine. You should also avoid citrus, spicy and fried foods. Constipation Progesterone also slows the movement of food through your digestive system. Once you start taking prenatal vitamins which include an iron supplement, the problem is compounded. Regular exercise can help constipation. You’ll also want to add fiber to your diet. You may first realize you’re pregnant when you miss your period, but your body changes in many other ways: Emotional Changes You may experience mood swings as your hormones change. It’s perfectly normal in the first trimester to feel worried one minute and happy the next. Pregnancy brings many changes, even if you’re prepared for the demands of having a child. If the pregnancy is unexpected, it can be overwhelming. Parenthood is not an easy change. Practice self-care during this time. Find people who love and encourage you. If the mood swings are intense, talk to your doctor. Prenatal Care Is Important The symptoms of pregnancy can also indicate other conditions. If you think you’re pregnant, confirm the diagnosis with pregnancy test and ultrasound . The sooner you start to take care of your body, the better you’ll feel and the healthier your baby will be. If You’re Pregnant, We Can Help