5 Ways to Maintain Healthy Bones After Menopause
Bone health can deteriorate rapidly after menopause, which is why it’s critical to stay on top of your bone health in both youth and middle age. Here are five ways to accomplish this goal.
Reasons Why You May Need Extra Ultrasounds During Pregnancy
Being pregnant means you’re going to be going to a lot of doctor appointments. Some of these will include an ultrasound, which lets us see how your baby is developing in utero. How many ultrasounds you’ll need can vary depending on your age, health, the baby’s position, etc.
At Women’s Health Care Center of Houston, with two locations in Houston, Texas, our team of women’s health and reproduction specialists offer a full range of obstetric services including ultrasounds as needed during your pregnancy.
Pregnancy ultrasounds 101
Ultrasounds use sound waves to create a picture of internal structures, including those of your uterus and your baby when you’re pregnant. Most ultrasounds during pregnancy are external ultrasounds, during which a handheld device is pressed against and moved around your belly to make an image of what’s going on inside.
Some ultrasounds involve a wand that’s inserted into your vagina. Most women who are pregnant don’t require a transvaginal ultrasound unless there are concerns about your baby’s delivery method or due date, or if you’re very early in the pregnancy and can’t get a good image with a regular ultrasound.
A typical pregnancy ultrasound schedule
Most women who are carrying a healthy pregnancy can expect two ultrasounds, about eight weeks apart.
12 weeks
The first ultrasound is usually scheduled at around 12 weeks into your pregnancy. You can usually see your baby’s heart beating at this appointment. You might also find out if you’re having twins or triplets.
20 weeks
Your second ultrasound will be scheduled about 20 weeks into your pregnancy. At this point, your baby’s organs will be visible and your doctor can see if there are any issues with development. You can usually find out the sex of your baby at this appointment.
Why you might need extra ultrasounds
Some women have extra ultrasounds during pregnancy. The most common reasons for additional ultrasounds are:
- Your age: for complications that are more common in women over 40
- Your fetus’ size: for belly measurements that are below or above average
- Placenta placement: for a placenta close to the cervix that needs to be monitored
- Multiples: to confirm fetal health and positions, especially in the third trimester
- Potential complications: if tests may show your baby’s development could be impaired
Basically, extra ultrasounds can help give you, your partner, and your provider peace of mind as to your baby’s health by spotting any issues early or monitoring potential complications. Getting to see your baby suck their thumb, wave to you, or give you an idea how to decorate the nursery are just bonuses!
Want to know more about ultrasounds during pregnancy? Get in touch with our team by calling 713-365-2900, or visit our contact page to make an appointment today.
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