Pregnancy and scans often go hand in hand; the early days are marked by many scans. The first trimester birth scan is important for an ultrasound. It is an important imaging procedure meant to gain an accurate perspective of your pelvic area, yet new mothers are always worried whether a transvaginal ultrasound can lead to miscarriage or any potential complications. Let us dig into the deep to understand the procedure more and the associated risk of miscarriage.
Overview of Transvag Ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound is a scanning technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to get a clear picture of your pelvic organs. They primarily monitor the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, to identify abnormalities.
Additionally, it can also confirm or monitor your pregnancy. This scanning process is usually performed in the early stages of pregnancy, where an ultrasound probe about two to three inches into your vaginal canal.
So, Why is Transvaginal Ultrasound Performed in Early Pregnancy?
There are various reasons to perform a transvaginal ultrasound during pregnancy. Some of the reasons why this ultrasound scan is taken include:
- Check the cause for abnormal pelvic pain.
- Diagnose reason for enexplained vaginal bleeding.
- Monitor rctopic pregnancy.
- Diagnose infertility challenges.
- Check for Cysts or Uterine Fibroids.
- Confirm pregnancy.
- Monitor heartbeat of the fetus.
- Monitor cervical changes and complications.
- Examine abnormalities in the placenta.
- Diagnose possible miscarriage.
How Does a Transvag Ultrasound Work?
During the procedure, you will be asked to lie on a table with your knees bent, in a supine position, with or without stirrups. Your doctor will cover the ultrasound transducer with a condom, and lubricating gel, before inserting it into your vagina. In case of latex allergies, a latex-free probe cover can be used.
While the device is gently inserted into you vagina, you might feel some pressure, often mild. Once the device is placed inside you, the transducer will send sound waves that bounce off your internal organs and transmit pictures of the pelvic cavity from different angles. This procedure is carried out for 15 to 60 minutes.
For some patients, a saline infusion sonography will be done, where a sterile salt water is injected into the uterus before the ultrasound to identify abnormalities inside the uterus. The saline water stretches the uterus and gives a clear picture during the ultrasound process.
After the ultrasound procedure, your results might arrive immediately, and your doctor will discuss the result and treatment option, if there are any abnormalities. If the test results do not provide sufficient information, your doctor may recommend additional tests.
How To Prepare For A Transvag Ultrasound?
In most cases, transvaginal ultrasound requires minimal preparation. Based on your doctor’s advice, your bladder needs to be empty or partially full. A full bladder lifts the intestine and allows a clearer picture of your pelvic organs. To keep your bladder full, it requires about 32 ounces of water one hour before the procedure.
Can Transvag Ultrasound Cause Miscarriage?
Now, to answer the most concerned questions of most mothers, “Can Transvaginal Ultrasound cause miscarriage?” the short answer is “No”. There is no scientific evidence that transvaginal ultrasound can cause miscarriage. This procedure is generally considered safe, and is a part of prenatal care.
Most of them would have thought that the ultrasound could affect the fetus, but the sound waves are non-invasive, and do not cause any risk to the fetus. Most women undergo this procedure without any issues, and have a successful pregnancy.
Precautions For Transvaginal Ultrasound
While Transvaginal Ultrasound is usually safe, some precautions need to be kept in mind.
In case of any health conditions, infections, or pregnancy complications, communicate with your doctor before to reduce the risk of discomfort or complications.
In case of severe pelvic pain, it is necessary to communicate with your doctor as it can cause irritation or discomfort. In such cases, alternative methods or postponing this procedure can aggravate discomfort.
If you recently had a pelvic surgery, transvaginal ultrasound may not be suitable, as it can cause irritation and discomfort during recovery.
In case of unexplained vaginal bleeding, your doctor may postpone ultrasound until the cause for the bleeding is understood.
For certain high-risk pregnancy conditions with concerns about the cervix, placenta, or miscarriage, transvaginal ultrasound can be avoided unless necessary.
Conclusion
To sum it up, transvaginal ultrasounds are generally safe, and it is one of the essential scans to carry out during pregnancy. There is no scientific evidence that this procedure can cause miscarriage or other pregnancy risk.
Understanding the procedure and consulting your doctor before taking the ultrasound can help clear your worries.
By undergoing an Ultrasound procedure, you can have valuable insights, which can help you with having a healthy pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
The transvaginal ultrasound procedure takes around 15 to 60 minutes, based on the conditions. In case of saline infusion sonography added to the procedure, it might take more time.
Usually the transvaginal procedure does not cause any pain, but some women report having slight discomfort, similar to a smear test.
Generally, the transvaginal ultrasound is done during the early stages of pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, or during the early second trimester, and not beyond.
