Is anomaly scan painful?
To the question, “is anomaly scan painful?”, since there are no surgical procedures involved, anomaly ultrasound is the most preferred method for diagnostic investigations.
The vast majority of ultrasounds are performed on the outside of your body. Throughout the scan, the only sensations are the temperature of the translucent gel used and a slight movement of the transducer on your body, so pain is minimal.
Not convinced with the answer? We have discussed it at length in this blog.
Anomaly ultrasounds during pregnancy
Ultrasound scans are not usually painful, though they may be slightly uncomfortable when the fetal medicine expert or the sonographer applies pressure around the bladder, as most scans require a full bladder for the best results.
Although the ultrasound gel applied to the skin may feel cold, the procedure is not painful and there are no side effects to be concerned about.
It is natural to be nervous or concerned about having a scan, especially if it is your first scan, you have had a miscarriage, or you have had problems during pregnancy in the past; however, your fetal medicine expert will do everything possible to put your mind at ease, and you should find the scan to be a very relaxing and exciting experience.
Is the anomaly transvaginal or abdominal?
Anomaly scans are done between 20 and 24 weeks of pregnancy and are done ‘transabdominally,’ or over the tummy. This is the best time of pregnancy to conduct a thorough examination of your baby’s physical development and growth.
However, when your doctor or midwife wants a better and clear diagnostic image than a standard abdominal ultrasound can provide, a vaginal ultrasound will be recommended.
What happens during a Transvaginal Ultrasound?
The transvaginal or internal scan may sound frightening, but it is extremely safe and should cause only minor discomfort.
Transvaginal scans are ultrasounds in which the transducer is inserted into the vagina to collect images of the pelvic region. These scans may be unpleasant, but they should not be painful.
There is a great deal of care and time taken to ensure that the lady being scanned is well informed about the benefits of the scan and is as comfortable as possible.
Your fetal medicine expert or sonographer will perform a vaginal ultrasound in a hospital, clinic, or consulting room. It uses a probe slightly wider than your finger.
In order to give you an idea of what to expect, the ultrasound probe will typically be about the same size as a tampon and only a few inches deep into the vagina.
Before the ultrasound, you will most likely be asked to empty your bladder by peeing. You must remove your tampon if you are using one.
You’ll be asked to strip down to your underwear and lie back on the examination table with your knees bent. Robes may be present, or your hips may be slightly raised.
The probe is encased in a sheath that is then encased in lubricating gel. It will be inserted slowly into your vagina for about 5 to 8cm. That usually does not hurt, but you will feel pressure and it can be nervous.
To get the best view of what is being examined, the probe will be moved around. The exam usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes.
The ultrasound screen will then display a black and white image of the baby. During the examination, sonographers must keep the screen in a position that allows them to see the baby clearly – either directly in front of them or at an angle.
How does it feel when you have a transvaginal scan?
Since you will be required to remove the lower half of your clothing and lie down for the scan, you may feel uncomfortable.
Although the probe will be inserted slowly and carefully, you may experience some discomfort as it moves. You will feel some pressure as the probe moves during the scan to capture images from various angles.
Because everyone is different, some women may feel more discomfort during an internal scan. Before the ultrasound, notify your sonographer if you are uncomfortable or in pain, and inform them of any problems with your cervix or vagina.
Book your 18 to 20-week anomaly ultrasound scan with Jammi Scans
An ultrasound scan poses no known risks to the baby or you, but it is important to consider whether or not to have one. It may provide information that forces you to make critical decisions. So do not skip it. Choose a trustworthy medical center to get it done.
At Jammi Scans, we have limited appointments for routine ultrasounds with our fetal medicine expert. As a result, we recommend you connect with us at +91-7338771733 or +91-44-43594620 to book your slot.
