Coming in for an ultrasound can bring mixed emotions – maybe you’re excited, maybe you’re worried, or maybe you’re uncertain about the pregnancy as a whole. Whatever you’re feeling- at ZoeCare you will be heard, accepted and valued. Here’s how to prepare and what to expect at your ultrasound appointment.
Preparation
It’s important to note that ZoeCare offers ultrasounds once your pregnancy is far enough along that we can reliably confirm its viability and provide you with accurate information. Our nurses will assess when the timing is right based on guidelines from our medical director.
One hour before your appointment, drink 2 cups of water and avoid using the bathroom. This should be enough to fill your bladder without making you uncomfortable!
At ZoeCare, we know support matters, you are encouraged to bring your partner, a family member, or friend! They can join you in the room, watch the ultrasound on the screen, and be there for you.
Your Appointment
Your ultrasound appointment will take between 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your needs. You’ll be in a private exam room on a comfortable exam table with pillows – your comfort is our priority throughout the entire process. The type of ultrasound you receive – abdominal, transvaginal, or both — will depend on your situation and the nurse’s assessment. Before we begin, we’ll explain the procedure so you can give informed consent, then help you get ready and verify your information in the ultrasound machine.
We’ll start with an abdominal ultrasound, which doesn’t hurt but may cause some pressure on your full bladder. If a transvaginal ultrasound is needed based on the nurse’s assessment, we’ll have you empty your bladder first and get you prepared. Most women say the transvaginal ultrasound doesn’t hurt, but it may feel a bit awkward.
Your partner, family member, or friend can join you in the room at the appropriate time in the visit (or not, if that is your preference), and we’ll display the ultrasound on the TV screen so everyone can see. If we’re able to confirm the pregnancy, we’ll print ultrasound pictures and can text them to you if you prefer, along with preliminary dating information. You’ll have privacy to get cleaned up, and before you leave we’ll provide a discharge sheet with the preliminary data for your records and discuss any support services that could be helpful to you.
Results
During your ultrasound, we’ll be looking for specific information including whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus (and not ectopic), the estimated gestational age based on measurements of the baby or gestational sac, and the baby’s cardiac activity (heartbeat).
At the end of your visit, we’ll share preliminary findings with you, which may include an estimated due date and an estimated gestational age based on ultrasound measurements. However, nurses don’t diagnose ultrasound results; the official interpretation will come from the physician once the ultrasound is reviewed.
After your ultrasound, we’ll address any concerns you have and discuss topics you want to talk about, including options and resources that may be appropriate for you. If the ultrasound shows something unexpected, we’ll refer you for appropriate follow-up care with guidance from our physician.
We know that if you’ve never had an ultrasound before, you may feel nervous about the process or about your pregnancy. Our team is here to support you, we will listen to your concerns and answer your questions as you figure out next steps.
