Prenatal care

• Prenatal care is the care you get while you’re pregnant.
• Regular prenatal care helps keep you and baby healthy.
• A doctor, midwife or other health provider gives this care.

What is transvaginal ultrasound?

Transvaginal ultrasound is a prenatal test that uses sound waves to show a picture of your baby in the uterus (womb). Your health care provider uses transvaginal ultrasound to check your baby’s health. It’s often used for early ultrasound in the first trimester.

During the test, your provider moves a thin, wand-like transducer into the vagina. You lay on your back with your feet in stirrups during the exam. You may feel some pressure from the transducer, but it shouldn’t cause pain.

Transvaginal ultrasound can be used throughout pregnancy to check for problems with the cervix (opening to the uterus) and lower uterus.

See also: Ultrasound