Congratulations on finding out that you are pregnant with a baby. It is a very exciting time in a woman’s life, and her partner’s as well. We all want to know that we are providing our unborn baby with everything they need for proper development. However, no other time is as important as those first few months of pregnancy. It is during this time that your baby’s gender is being determined and genetic disorders may be seen, which is why first trimester scans are so important. They can reveal the facts that matter most about your baby.
The First Scans
When we talk about the first scans of pregnancy, most women imagine a sonogram that tells them whether they are expecting a boy or a girl. These scans are possible, though typically they will be early in the second trimester.
The scans that happen first are those that include blood draws and some imaging. They can tell your doctor your estimated delivery date, whether you should be concerned about down syndrome, and if there is a risk for you to develop pre-eclampsia.
In fact, it is up to 99% accurate when diagnosing down syndrome. It is also reliable on diagnosing the risk of pre-eclampsia, which is often fatal to the baby and sometimes their mom.
Why Should You Have Early Scans?
Early scans are useful as a way to give you options and allow you to be fully prepared for whatever may come. For instance, if you discover that your baby may have down syndrome early in the pregnancy, you give yourself several months to prepare for their needs. If you find out that there are other health concerns for your baby early, you can prepare for them as well.
Since pre-eclampsia is sometimes fatal, it will allow you and your doctor to start working on solutions before it happens, which may save both you and your baby. At the very least, your doctor will be able to monitor you more closely as the pregnancy progresses.
Don’t Put Off Your Scans
When you are pregnant, the future is within your hands. First trimester scans are one of the many tools that you can use to ensure it is a good future for both you and your baby. We will do our part to safeguard your future. However, you have to do yours as well. We urge you to do your part and avoid putting it off.
