Bringing Older Children to an Ultrasound

If you're wondering if it is a good idea to bring your older children to your ultrasound appointment, this article can help you decide what to do!

Knowing how much or how little to involve your older children in both pregnancy and birth can be a daunting discussion. But thankfully, you don't have to make these decisions alone! As a mom myself and a sonographer for over 20 years, I can tell you that I have seen it all. Here are some things to consider as you make your decision about whether or not you want to include your older children in your upcoming ultrasound appointments.

Your Comfort Level

The first thing I would encourage any expecting mother to consider is their own comfort level as you book your appointment. We have seen throughout the years that moms who feel safe, comfortable, and at peace tend to have the easiest time getting the proper images of their baby in the womb.

If the idea of having your older children in the room with you during your appointment feels more stressful than it does supportive, perhaps it is a good idea to leave them at home with someone who can watch them. But if bringing them along either makes the logisitics of scheduling your appointment easier, or simply puts a smile on your face, then we highly encourage you to bring them along!

All children are a blessing and we'd love to meet the whole family when you come.

Your Children's Tempraments

Because it is important for mom to stay still during the imaging process, your attention on the appointment is pretty important. If you have children who have a harder time following instructions or they are in a phase where they need to be closely managed, it may be a little bit harder for you to focus while you are getting your ultrasound done.

So, for moms with kids who have a bit more of a wild spirit, we would recommend either bringing along another adult who can help keep track of your older children or having someone watch over them at home while you come, depending on your personal preference.

We do, however, have a small arrangement of toys available in our imaging room to keep kids occupied. This is because we truly love having your older children join us just as much as you do!

Your Pregnancy History

Especially if you have a history of miscarriage or you are coming in for a diagnostic test for a complication in your pregnancy, it can be even harder to decide whether or not your older children should come. On the one hand, it could be hard for them to handle more challenging news. But on the other, having them present during the ultrasound can help them accept that news more concretely.

When it comes your pregnancy history or facing a complication, it really is up to you as the parents to discern what is best for both you and the older siblings, and you may want to consider how your children process information to decide.

Just know that whatever you decide, we at Belly Vision are committed to providing a safe, comfortable space for the whole family to process more challenging news. In my 20 plus years of sonography, I have seen it all and always available to share any wisdom I might have and pray over your family if or when that is desired during an appointment.

Family Bonding

Ultrasounds can provide an incredible opportunity for older siblings to really begin to connect to the new baby. Studies have shown that bringing your elder children to an ultrasound appointment can help ground the reality of a new family member into their understanding. This can actually facilitate less sibling rivalry and familial tension in the postpartum season as the hearts and minds of your kids are prepared.

This is why we welcome children and support people of all kinds to tag along to your ultrasound appointment with you. We have a plenty of space and seating available to welcome whomever you might want to bring.

When you come with older children, it can be especially fun to include them in the session, which is why we made also our "Baby Bonding" sessions both a standalone appointment type and an inclusive add-on for any service you book. Adding this on to your appointment will increase your appointment time by 20 minutes, during which I will encourage you, dad, and older siblings (and anyone else who might have come with you) to speak with and engage the new baby.

As they do this, I will record our session for you to see how baby responds to the sound of your voice, your touch, and other cues. This can be an incredibly beautiful experience for the whole family to bond and connect with the little one in your womb. You can read more about the benefits of prenatal bonding in an older post I wrote on this blog.

If this is something you'd love to enjoy with your own family when you come in, use the button below to either book a stand-alone Baby Bonding Session or tack on the add-on to any service during checkout.

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