TTMA: Early-ish Ultrasounds

[esquette]

Howdy,

So! I'm gonna probably have an ultrasound on the 4th, to make sure everything is cooking along. It'll be 7 weeks 6 days or so. What should I expect?

Confession: I find pelvic exams very traumatic and painful. I know I'll get over it, but that's where I'm at right now. I'm freaked out by the idea of a transvaginal ultrasound. That's probably what they'll do? What's it like? Speak comfort to me, Marley!

***iphone post***

[elm1214]

In my experience, I've always had transvaginal ultrasounds until around 11 weeks, but I know every practice is different. You can always call the office in advance so you know exactly what to expect and you will have time to prepare.

FWIW, my TV ultrasounds have never been nearly as uncomfortable as my annual exam/pap smear. I mean, it's a little awkward but it didn't hurt at all. Plus once I saw my little bean on the screen, that's all I focused on.

Good luck!!

[krose]

I don't find transvaginal ultrasounds to be too bad. Definitely not painful in my experience. And like pp said, once you see the image on the screen that's your only focus anyway.

[youdontsay]

TV ultrasounds are a lot less painful than your annual. TBH, it gets a little messy from the U/S gel so just bring a panty liner with you.

[Rogue]

I did ultrasound at 7 weeks 3 days. It was TV. They don't compare at all to pelvic exams. It's just pressure. The biggest thing with them is make sure you pee before you go back. It makes it a lot more comfortable.

If your doc is like mine the will not say anything for awhile while moving the wand around. Then he'll turn the screen and show you all the things.

[thepax89]

Our ultrasounds are the same day!

Just a thin tube. They will put a condom on it and some lube. Within seconds you will see the most beautiful image in the world. It isn't painful.

I don't really remember the pelvic exam. Tbh, there will be a lot of them in late pregnancy, labor, post partum.

Please voice your concerns go your doctor/midwife. It is important that they understand your sensitivities.

So much luck to you my friend.

[twinkie0612]

I've had about a billion transvaginal u/s because if infertility treatments, and they are way easier than a pelvic exam.

You'll go in to the u/s room and they'll have you undress from the waste down and cover yourself with a drape. Then the tech or doctor will either insert the wand or have you insert the wand (I've had both experiences). It can be a little uncomfortable, but I think less uncomfortable than an abdominal u/s since you don't need a full bladder.

At 7w6d you should see your little bean's heartbeat, which is so amazing.

[dc2london]

TV u/s are not painful, just a little bit of pressure when they go exploring from side to side (which is only for a moment). MUCH easier than having a speculum crammed in there. The implement itself is pretty narrow. At 7w6d you will most likely see what looks like a little gummy bear with a rapid flickering heartbeat! If you Google around you can usually find pics from u/ s at just about any GA. I like to look at a few to get an idea of what I can expect to see

[shamrockshimmy]

Basically what others said. The wand is hard and the gel is a tad cold so it is generally just a bit uncomfortable for about a second when it's inserted, then it's not bad. My u/s techs have always been good about reminding me to expect that too. Once you see the little blob with a heart fluttering away, you forget there's even someone standing there with a wand in you. There's also a little pressure when they go side to side to get views of your ovaries. If this type of exam is difficult for you, this may be too. However, I find them much easier like other posters said, than pelvics. Less discomfort, and at least no one's face is down there! Plus, seeing that squish is amazing!

[katelm]

Dec 27, 2015 8:34:13 GMT -5 twinkie0612 said:

I've had about a billion transvaginal u/s because if infertility treatments, and they are way easier than a pelvic exam.

You'll go in to the u/s room and they'll have you undress from the waste down and cover yourself with a drape. Then the tech or doctor will either insert the wand or have you insert the wand (I've had both experiences). It can be a little uncomfortable, but I think less uncomfortable than an abdominal u/s since you don't need a full bladder.

At 7w6d you should see your little bean's heartbeat, which is so amazing.

This. I've had so many TV from IF that I don't know what the other kind is like

[misshart00]

It really depends on the office. I had one u/s at 6w2d with DS. They did an abdominal first then TV when they couldn't find him. All of my 8 week ultrasounds have been abdominal and they've never had a problem finding them.

But I agree with PP, it's not painful, just some pressure. But messy.

[remylove1011]

I'm with twinkie0612 and katelm on having many transvaginal ultrasounds due to IF treatment. They're really not that bad! I found that my gyn appointments are worse. It's basically a wand (dildo cam if you will) that they put up there. My office always lets me insert it myself and then takes over from there (I've found this helps with the angle). It'll feel like pressure, but nothing major. Should be able to see the little one and hear the heartbeat. Hope it goes well!! You'll do great! (I have mine on Tuesday!)

[agpjt413]

Also agree with PPs that I'd rather deal with the dildo cam than have an annual any day! (Side note - if you haven't had a mammo done, I'd rather have an annual than a mammo ). As what to expect to see, like what several PPs have mentioned, a little gummy bear GL and let us know how it goes!

[ameliabird]

Like remylove1011 said, dildo cam. They don't even put it up as far as a dildo goes lol. Honestly, once the gummy bear shows up, you totally forget about the dildo cam.

[sarcaztic10]

I will echo what PP's have said and say good luck!!

[Rama]

It's seriously nbd. Dildo cam is what I've always affectionately referred to it as, too. Definitely would prefer that over a speculum any day. Pelvic exams hurt, pelvic ultrasounds are uncomfortable at worst, imo.

[kaitkat]

Because of our infertility I have had several TV ultrasounds. I have always had to insert myself and gone from there. the only annoying part for me is having to prop my butt up so they can get a better view haha

[spicysalmonroll]

It doesn't necessarily have to be a vaginal kind unless they already told you that. I had an abdominal one at 6w3d without any problem finding "it". Good luck!

[alygohome]

After 7 weeks I have always gotten a stomach us. TV arent bad at all. My last pregnancy my first us looked like a little gummy bear waving her arms and legs.

[dc2london]

My next u/s is at 9w so I am hoping they can do transabdominal. It's not a big deal, I just don't like feeling all slimey from the lube afterward, and I have to do intake with a CNP which means I'll be in the office for about an hour after the scan

[annbuhdan]

I saw a little "blob" at about 7 weeks with my DD. The thing about TV ultrasounds is sometimes they can't get perfect measurements. At first she told me I was a week off, but I knew my dates were right. After she checked again, everything came out measuring on track. Just something to keep in mind!