Every parent looks forward to that wonderful moment of seeing their baby for the first time on an ultrasound. Sometimes that moment can come with a little surprise — if the baby is hiding.
Maybe the sonographer can’t quite get a clear picture of the face, or the baby keeps turning away when it’s time to find out the gender. If this sounds familiar, know that it’s perfectly normal.
At the Coral Springs office of Alan B. Patterson, MD, ultrasounds are a special part of prenatal care. Every pregnancy, and every baby, is unique. Some babies are camera-ready from the start, while others seem to play hide-and-seek.
Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to create real-time images of your baby, uterus, and surrounding tissues. The waves bounce off structures inside the body and form pictures on a monitor.
Depending on how far along you are, Dr. Patterson may recommend either a transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound. Both types of ultrasounds are safe, painless, and an important way to monitor your baby’s growth and development.
Transabdominal ultrasound uses a small device called a transducer that glides over your belly with the help of a warm gel. This is the most common type of scan in later pregnancy.
Transvaginal ultrasound is used in early pregnancy. This method involves gently inserting a thin transducer probe into the vagina. It provides clearer, closer images when the baby and uterus are still small.
When a baby seems to be hiding, it’s not because they’re shy, it’s usually due to a combination of positioning, movement, and timing. If your little one is facing your spine or curled tightly in a ball, their face or body parts may be hard to see.
In other cases, a placenta that’s positioned toward the front of the uterus (anterior placenta) can partially block the view.
Amniotic fluid levels can also play a role in making it challenging to get a view of the baby. Clear imaging depends on fluid surrounding the baby. Lower fluid levels can make it harder for sound waves to travel cleanly.
Additionally, a full bladder, abdominal scar tissue, or body composition can affect how easily the sound waves pass through. Timing is another factor. Early pregnancy ultrasounds capture a growing baby before features are well-defined, while ultrasounds taken in late pregnancy may find the baby running out of room to move.
If your baby is turned or the view isn’t ideal, there’s no need to worry. Dr. Patterson may ask you to change positions, take a short walk, or schedule a follow-up scan. Even small movements can encourage your baby to shift just enough for a better picture.
Around the middle of the second trimester, ultrasounds often provide a sharper, more complete view, and that’s also when you can opt to find out your baby’s sex, too. Every OB patient should get a fetal anatomy scan at 20-21 weeks which will look for 60 different organs on the baby.
If your baby seems camera-shy, rest assured, they’re still growing, and thriving. With the expertise and gentle touch of Dr. Patterson, you can look forward to a high level of care and peace of mind.
Dr. Patterson performs each ultrasound session with the utmost attention and care. You’ll feel supported and fully involved in the process. To schedule your ultrasound or learn more about prenatal care, contact the office of Alan B. Patterson, MD, in Coral Springs, Florida, today.
