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At New Baby Pregnancy Clinic, we offer ultrasounds to women throughout El Mesa and the surrounding area. Whether this is your first pregnancy or you've been pregnant before, you may be considering an ultrasound. Ultrasounds can provide you with more details about your pregnancy, and many women find them reassuring. We understand that you may have some questions, which is why we're here to answer those that our clients most frequently ask.

How does a pregnancy ultrasound work?

We use a handheld scanner to send ultrasonic waves through your abdomen and into your womb. When those ultrasonic waves bounce off your baby, they send an echo back to us. Those echoes then go through digital processing and produce the image of your baby that you see on the screen.

What should I do to prepare for my ultrasound?

If you're in the earlier stages of your pregnancy, you'll probably need to arrive with a full bladder. Our advice is to empty your bladder completely around 1.5 hours before the scan. Then, drink an 8-ounce glass of water. Having a full bladder is the best way to position your uterus so that we can generate an image of your baby.

Can you predict my due date?

Yes, we can use our ultrasounds to measure the size of your baby and the contents of your womb. Using the information we gain, we can predict your due date. The best time to try and predict your due date is between weeks 8 and 11 of your pregnancy. This allows us to predict your due date with three to five days of accuracy. It's worth remembering that most women don't give birth on their predicted due date, but having a rough idea can help you prepare.

Can I use an ultrasound to predict my baby's sex?

Between weeks 18 and 22, you can use an ultrasound to predict your baby's sex. Our predictions are accurate in the vast majority of cases. The success of our prediction does depend on the position of your baby on the day. As a skilled team, we know a few tricks for getting your baby to move around so we can identify the gender.

How do ultrasounds keep me safe?

Ultrasounds are used as diagnostic tools by obstetricians throughout pregnancies for their patients' safety. During the earlier stages of your pregnancy, an ultrasound can identify where your baby is. By detecting ectopic pregnancies early, we maintain your safety. Additionally, ultrasounds can reveal information such as the location of your baby's head and the location of your placenta. Knowing such information in the later stages of your pregnancy is central to your safety.

Are ultrasounds safe?

Yes, ultrasounds are safe. They've been used in pregnancies for decades with no adverse events. Unlike other imaging techniques, they don't depend on radiation. As a result, they won't affect the development of your pregnancy.

How many ultrasounds can I have during my pregnancy?

At New Baby Pregnancy Clinic, we provide our patients with multiple ultrasounds. Most moms will have two or three during the course of a normal pregnancy. However, if you have an underlying medical condition that could affect your pregnancy, your OB may request more than that. Some of our patients also choose to have additional ultrasounds for their own reassurance.

Can I have a copy of my ultrasound?

Yes, you can request photos from your ultrasound. They often act as excellent gifts for extended members of your family.

At New Baby Pregnancy Clinic, we provide ultrasounds to moms throughout El Mesa and surrounding areas. If you want to know more about our services, or if you'd like an appointment, call 619 303 1335.