As you step into one of the most incredible chapters of your life, you're probably going through some mixed emotions. Pregnancy is an amazing, emotional, but sometimes nerve-wracking ride, and those ultrasound appointments? They can be just as scary as they are exciting. Whether you’re eagerly awaiting your first ultrasound or getting ready for another, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement, curiosity, and fear for the worst. To help put your mind at ease, here’s everything you need to know about what to expect during your baby’s ultrasound visits.

What Is an Ultrasound, and Why Do You Need It?

An ultrasound is a safe and painless test that uses sound waves to create pictures of what's happening inside your belly. These images show your little one growing and developing in real time! It’s like getting a sneak peek into their world.

Ultrasounds are used for several purposes throughout your pregnancy, including:

  • Dating Your Pregnancy: During the early weeks, a “dating ultrasound” determines how far along you are and calculates your due date.
  • Checking Baby’s Growth: Later ultrasounds ensure that your baby is growing at the right pace and track developmental milestones.
  • Determining Health and Positioning: These scans can check for any potential issues with the baby’s organs, growth, or position inside the womb.
  • Finding Out the Gender: If you choose, this exciting reveal might happen during your anatomy scan, typically between 18–22 weeks.

Knowing why these visits are done can make each one a little less intimidating and more exciting. Plus, ultrasounds are safe for you and your baby, so there’s no need to worry.

Types of Ultrasounds

During your pregnancy, you might encounter different types of ultrasounds. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect.

Transvaginal Ultrasound (Early Weeks)

If you’re early in your pregnancy (before 12 weeks), the ultrasound may be done transvaginally. Instead of the wand being placed on your belly, it’s inserted gently into the vagina to get a clearer image. This allows the technician to get up-close views of your uterus and tiny baby.

The idea of this might sound a bit uncomfortable, but it’s quick and all over before you know it. And honestly, seeing that first little flicker of a heartbeat is pure magic—it’s one of those moments that sticks with you forever.

Abdominal Ultrasound (Most Common)

Once your baby gets a little bigger, ultrasounds are performed externally on your abdomen. For this, the technician will apply a bit of gel on your belly (it’s a little cold at first!) and glide a wand over the skin. This is likely the kind of ultrasound you’ve seen in movies and TV shows—it’s simple, painless, and lets you watch your baby squirm, stretch, or even suck their thumb!

3D or 4D Ultrasounds (Optional)

3D and 4D ultrasounds are more specialized scans that give you a clearer, more detailed view of your baby’s features. You might see their adorable little face, tiny fingers, or even yawns in real time! While not medically necessary, many parents opt for these later in pregnancy as keepsakes.

How to Prepare for Your Ultrasounds

Now that you know a bit about what happens during ultrasounds, here’s how to prepare so you feel more comfortable and ready to enjoy the experience.

  1. Stay Hydrated
    • For most abdominal ultrasounds, the technician will ask you to drink water and come in with a full bladder. Trust me, I know this can feel like an impossible game of patience when you’re pregnant and already running to the bathroom every five minutes. But having a full bladder helps lift your uterus into the right position, making it easier to get clearer images. Try to drink about 24 ounces of water an hour before your appointment.
  2. Wear Comfortable Clothes
    • Make things easier by wearing loose-fitting clothes, ideally something that lets you lift your shirt easily while keeping your bottom half covered. Leggings and a long top? Perfect combo.
  3. Bring Support
    • Whether it’s your partner, a parent, or your bestie, having someone with you for emotional support can make the experience even more special. Plus, it’s always fun to have someone to “ooh” and “ahh” with when you see your baby on the screen.
  4. Prepare Questions
    • Ultrasound appointments are a great opportunity to ask your healthcare provider questions about your baby’s development. Whether it’s about the baby’s positioning, heartbeat, or something else you’ve been wondering, don’t hesitate to speak up.

What Happens During an Ultrasound Visit

When you arrive for the appointment, the procedure is pretty straightforward. After signing in and waiting (hopefully not too long), you’ll be guided into a dimly lit room. If it’s your first visit, the technician or doctor will explain how the ultrasound works and what they’re looking for.

Here’s how it typically goes:

  1. Getting Set Up: You’ll lie on a comfortable examination table, and if it’s an abdominal ultrasound, your shirt will be pulled up, and gel applied to your belly. (It’s cool but not unpleasant.)
  2. The Scan: The technician will move the wand over your belly and focus on capturing different angles, measurements, and images. You’ll see everything pop up on a screen. Heads up—know that you might not understand everything you see right away. Don’t be shy to ask, though!
  3. Hearing the Heartbeat: One of the most emotional parts is hearing that rhythmic whoosh, whoosh, whoosh for the first time. Tears? Totally normal.
  4. Duration: Ultrasounds typically last anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the type and what’s being checked.

Ultrasounds are clinical tools, so the technician’s main focus will be getting everything they need for the doctors. Some appointments might feel more like a medical procedure than a bonding session, but don’t take it personally!

The Emotional Side of Ultrasounds

I have to tell you—there’s a huge emotional side to these visits. Seeing your baby for the first time, right there on the screen, is surreal. Suddenly, this little person growing inside you feels so real and tangible. It’s completely normal to cry tears of joy (I bawled through my first ultrasound!), laugh at how tiny their hands and toes are, or just be speechless with awe.

That said, it’s okay to feel a little nervous too. You might worry about whether everything’s okay, and that’s human. Most ultrasounds, however, offer comforting insight into how healthy and amazing your little one is.

Making the Most of the Experience

If you have the option, ask for printed photos or digital files to bring home. Flip through them anytime you need a reminder of the incredible life you’re growing.

And don’t be afraid to celebrate after every appointment—whether it’s grabbing a treat, calling a loved one to share the excitement, or just daydreaming about what your baby will be like.

Ultrasound visits are a chance to check in on your baby, soak in their development, and get a glimpse of the incredible little person you’ll soon meet. Knowing what to expect can ease any anxieties and help you fully enjoy the magic of the moment.