Around the six week to nine week mark, you’ll probably have an ultrasound examination, which will produce an image called a sonogram. It won’t be done before six weeks, since prior to that there won’t be much to see. Ultrasounds are completely safe and involve no radiation or chemicals. Your doctor can use ultrasounds to check the fetus’ heartbeat and development, estimate a likely due date, and identify the fetal pole — the shape of the fetus, to include its head and the places where limbs will emerge.

Key Takeaways:

• A 6 week ultrasound allows your doctor to do things like check your baby’s heartbeat and development, figure out a due date and determine sex.
• Going into an ultrasound with your bladder as full as you can endure can help produce clearer and more useful images.
• At six weeks, your doctor will be looking for the fetal pole — the shape of the embryo — and identify features like the head and future limbs.

“Vaginal ultrasounds are very common at six weeks. Don’t be surprised, if this is what your doctor suggests. It is important to understand that ultrasounds are not x-rays, and are completely safe. It is non-invasive and typically will only last 15-30 min.”

Read more: https://www.rookiemoms.com/6-week-ultrasound/