The journey of pregnancy is one filled with a multitude of emotions. There’s excitement, anxiety, curiosity, nervousness, and caution. For many first-time parents, the first pregnancy ultrasound is that moment that makes the pregnancy feel real in a way it wasn’t before. However, many of them have no idea what happens during a pregnancy ultrasound scan.
Pregnant women need to know what to expect at such scans, whether it’s their first pregnancy or not. Australia has clear clinical guidelines for ultrasound scans. Such scans are only performed by trained professionals, and that too in accredited imaging centres. For expecting parents, understanding how the process works can bring clarity and increase confidence, enabling you to walk into your first scan feeling informed and reassured.
When Is the First Pregnancy Ultrasound Usually Done?
The first pregnancy scan is usually performed in the early weeks of pregnancy, often between 6 and 12 weeks. It is requested by your GP or obstetrician to confirm the pregnancy, check the foetus’s location, and estimate how far along you are. Your obstetrician or GP may also use this scan to confirm the heartbeat and assess your child’s growth. However, when you need to take this scan depends on individual circumstances. That’s why it’s important to have your doctor’s referral for this scan.
Do You Need a Referral for a Pregnancy Ultrasound in Australia?
Yes, you do need a referral for a pregnancy ultrasound in Australia. To ensure its clinical appropriateness, it is usually your GP, obstetrician, or midwife who arranges for the first scans as part of your early antenatal care. A proper referral helps the imaging provider to ensure they perform the correct type of ultrasound and tailor the report to your doctor’s needs. However, choosing the right imaging centre for your scan is equally important. Always go to an accredited diagnostic imaging centre, like Insight Diagnostic Imaging, to ensure your scans are performed by qualified sonographers and using high-quality, safe, and non-invasive technology.
How to Prepare for Your First Pregnancy Ultrasound
Wondering what to do to prepare for your first pregnancy ultrasound? Don’t worry, the prep for the first ultrasound is pretty simple. Here are some things you should remember:
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen.
- Carry your referral to the imaging lab, and if your lab allows bulk billing, you can also carry your Medicare card.
- Ensure you arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the necessary paperwork.
- In early pregnancy, some scans require a full bladder to improve image quality. So, depending on the scan type (such as a dating scan or viability scan), you may be asked to drink water before the scan.
- The entire process usually takes 15-30 minutes and is completely pain-free.
What Happens During the Ultrasound Appointment?
In Australia, qualified and skilled sonographers usually perform ultrasound pregnancy scans. These professionals are aware of the uncertainty of expecting parents and can guide you through the procedure. While the scan is generally performed over the abdomen, sonographers may sometimes need to use a different approach to obtain clearer images. This usually depends on how early the pregnancy is. If the scan requires a full bladder, they may ask you to drink water beforehand.
During the scan, the sonographer will apply gel on your abdomen and move a handheld device over the area to capture images. Many parents expect the sonographers to interpret the images and tell them the results on the spot. You must remember that while images are visible on the screen, the sonographer’s role is to capture accurate images, not to interpret the results.
Will You Get Results Straight Away?
One common question parents have is whether results are provided immediately. The answer is no, you don’t get results straight away. Once your scan is complete, the images are reviewed by a radiologist. The radiologist prepares a detailed report, which is then sent to your referring doctor. So, you’ll get your report from your doctor when they discuss the results with you. This entire process exists to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Final Thoughts
Your first pregnancy ultrasound is an important milestone, but it’s also a routine part of antenatal care in Australia. Knowing what to expect can ease nerves and help you focus on the experience itself. It can also help you prepare yourself for the first ultrasound pregnancy scan with confidence. That’s why it’s important to choose a trusted, accredited imaging provider, like Insight Diagnostic Imaging. With the right imaging provider, you can rest assured of receiving accurate imaging and compassionate care throughout your entire pregnancy journey.
If you’re located in Springvale, Dandenong, or near the South-East suburbs of Melbourne, Insight Diagnostic Imaging offers specialised pregnancy ultrasound services and consistent support to monitor your baby’s growth and development from early viability to late-term checks.
