During pregnancy, ultrasound is used to "see" the fetus inside the mother's uterus. An ultrasound will determine:
- Gestation (age of fetus)
- Size and growth
- Placenta location
- Fetal position, movement, breathing, and heart rate
- Amniotic fluid amount
- Single or multiple pregnancy
- Some types of birth defects
- Internal organ function
A transvaginal ultrasound is used to find the cause of bleeding or pain, length of cervix, or rule out an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.
An ultrasound is not intended to specifically determine fetal gender. After the genitalia has formed (16-20 weeks) it may be possible to identify the sex of the fetus. It is your choice to find out. Remember, it is not 100% accurate. Surprises do happen!
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