I’m Pregnant and Going In for an Ultrasound. Will It Hurt My Baby?

Being pregnant is an exciting, one-of-a-kind experience. And as you navigate this journey toward meeting your baby for the first time, questions and concerns naturally arise — especially when it comes to their health and well-being.

Getting regular prenatal care is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby, but if you’re unsure about all of the recommended tests and procedures, you’re not alone. A common concern is the safety of ultrasound during pregnancy, and we’re here to ease your fears.

Farly Sejour, MD, Natalie Gould, WHNP-BC, and our team at Solace Women’s Care offer pregnancy ultrasounds in Conroe, Texas. 

These noninvasive, pain-free exams give you the opportunity to catch a glimpse of your baby, and they provide valuable information about your baby’s health. Here’s what you need to know.

The basics of ultrasound technology

Ultrasound is a noninvasive procedure that captures images of the inside of your body. When you get an ultrasound, your ultrasound technician guides a small device, known as a transducer, over the surface of your skin.

The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves, which bounce off internal structures and return to the transducer, creating echoes. The transducer converts these echoes into electrical signals, which a computer generates into real-time images that you see on a screen in the ultrasound room.

Pregnancy ultrasounds create images of your uterus, the developing baby inside, and surrounding tissues. You have the opportunity to see your unborn baby, and your health care team examines the images to monitor the baby's growth and development.

Ultrasound during pregnancy: safe, painless, and effective

As an expectant mother, you want what’s best for your baby. It’s normal to have questions about what to expect during your prenatal care appointments, and you might be wondering if getting an ultrasound will have a negative impact on your baby.

The answer is no. Ultrasounds are a routine part of prenatal care, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women have at least one ultrasound exam during their pregnancy.

Ultrasound is considered to be very safe, even for pregnant people. Unlike other imaging techniques like X-rays, ultrasounds don’t use radiation. Plus, the sound waves used in ultrasound are at a frequency that is harmless to fetal development.

Ultrasound exams are painless for both you and your baby. Your ultrasound technician applies a special gel to your abdomen to help the transducer glide smoothly and make better contact with your skin. Then, they gently move the transducer around your belly to capture different angles and views of your baby.

Getting an ultrasound when you’re pregnant reveals important information, including your baby's position, size, and overall health. 

Not only does it allow us to monitor your baby’s growth and development, but it can also detect any potential complications early on, to help ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy for both you and your little one.

So, as you prepare for your ultrasound appointment, take comfort in knowing that this simple procedure is safe — and it’s an invaluable tool in monitoring your baby’s health and well-being. Learn more with a prenatal appointment at Solace Women's Care. Call us at 936-441-7100 or send us a message online now.