I can remember when I first got pregnant. It was planned, but I don't think you can ever really plan for what your first pregnancy is ever going to be like. I was torn between being nervous, anxious and excited. When my doctor said that I should have a ultrasound, I immediately thought that something must be wrong. He reassured me that everything was alright, and that this is something routine. I was relieved to find out that nothing was wrong!

Still, I went home to read about ultra sounds, and what they were all about. I found out that ultrasounds are high-frequency sound-wave waves that echo back and are transformed into a picture on a video screen that helps the doctor see the fetus and maternal structures.

So, why is it that ultrasounds are prescribed? I found that there are several common reasons.

To establish the babies age. I have read that as high as 30% of pregnancies have dating errors. This makes the use of ultra sounds very important. For dating purposes, an ultrasound is typically scheduled between 12 and 16 weeks.

To determine if you are carrying more than one baby. Sometimes it sounds as though there may be more than one heartbeat, so the use of pictures can help to determine if you are going to have babies instead of a baby:)

To identify fetal abnormalities. An anatomy scan is usually done at 18 to 22 weeks.

To determine the size and position of the baby. Towards the end of a pregnancy, the doctor can use an ultrasound to determine if the baby is breech, or too large to pass through the moms pelvic cavity. To help to identify the source of potential problems. Such as any bleeding, or to help the doctor identify the safest place to insert a catheter or needle for certain procedures, such as an amniocentesis or to obtain a blood sample from the umbilical cord.

To find out the sex of the baby. Although not 100% accurate, many parents want to know whether they are having a boy or girl.

So, ultrasounds are important and fairly routine, something like 60% of pregnant women have at least one. What are they like. Well, I found the procedure to be more fun than anything. The most uncomfortable experience was my first ultrasound. It was at 6 weeks, and when they are done this early it has to be done internally. This is because ultrasound waves cannot pass through bone, and the baby is located deep within the pelvic structure. Doctor's have to use a wand shaped tool that is covered with a latex sheath. This can be uncomfortable, but seeing your babies heart beat for the first time is precious.

Ultrasounds that are done over the abdomen aren't at all bad. There is a cold gel that they apply before the transformer is applied. The doctor then pushes some when getting a reading, but there is only a slight pressure. The hardest thing for me was that the doctor asked for me to have my bladder full. He explained that ultrasound waves travel better through liquid. So, there I am laying there with the doctor pushing on my full bladder, not the most fun part, but when I saw the picture of my baby, all of that was instantly forgotten.

Ultrasounds are routine and safe, and although they can be uncomfortable, they also can help to strengthen the bond between the baby and it's mommy.

**Please note that these are only tips for the average pregnancy, you need to follow your midwife, obstetrician, etc... to practice the healthiest pregnancy for your individual needs.

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About the author :: Rebecca Olsen is a stay at home mom that recently became a work at home mom with MomsExpo. She is married to Angelo, and the mom of Jason.  She currently administrates and runs the MomsExpo Message Boards, and is the website administrator to DirectSales.ws and WAHMNetwork.com.  She has just recently become a freelance writer for MomsExpo as well!