Ultrasound in Pregnancy: Your Baby’s Health and Development

Ultrasound in Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of excitement and anticipation, after all, you are bringing a new life into the world. But it can also bring its fair share of questions and concerns. One of the most common being, if ultrasound sonography is really necessary. Are these high-frequency waves safe for the baby?  In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about USG (ultrasonogram).

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Pregnancy is a time of excitement and anticipation, after all, you are bringing a new life into the world. But it can also bring its fair share of questions and concerns. One of the most common being, if ultrasound sonography is really necessary. Are these high-frequency waves safe for the baby? 

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about USG (ultrasonogram). Right from how it works to what to expect during the procedure. The different types, and the risks and benefits of sonography. So, let’s get started! 

What is an ultrasound scan?

Ultrasound scan or sonography is a non-invasive painless diagnostic procedure that has been used for several decades in medical practice. Also known as ultrasonography, this imaging technique uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the developing fetus and its surrounding structures. These images provide information about the growth and development of the fetus inside the mother’s womb. 

Why is Ultrasound Needed During Pregnancy?

Ultrasound is an important tool for monitoring the health and development of your baby during pregnancy. Also, who doesn’t want to see the first glimpse of the growing little human! 

USG (ultrasound sonography test) is needed to diagnose the health of the growing baby, it also helps detect and diagnose any potential problems such as ectopic pregnancy, multiple gestation, fetal anomalies, and placental abnormalities that might arise during pregnancy. The procedure also monitors the growth and development of the fetus, as well as the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.

How is Ultrasound Beneficial During Pregnancy?

More than just confirming the fact that you are pregnant, ultrasound scans offers several other advantages, like:

  • Early detection of potential problems: Pregnancy is a complicated process, and USG helps detect any potential problems early, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
  • Detection of Ectopic Pregnancy: USG can detect an ectopic pregnancy, which is a potentially life-threatening condition where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.
  • Diagnosis of Abnormalities: These scans can detect fetal abnormalities, such as neural tube defects, heart defects, etc. Along with this the procedure also checks for Nuchal translucency (NT)also known as nt scan during pregnancy helps detect any chromosomal abnormalities associated with different fetal developmental stages.
  • Assessment of Amniotic Fluid Levels: Amniotic fluid is basically the water level during pregnancy. Sonography helps detect the levels of amniotic fluid around the fetus, which is important for monitoring fetal well-being.
  • Detecting the number of babies inside the womb: The procedure helps detect the number of babies inside the womb (twins, triplets, etc.), which requires special monitoring during pregnancy.
  • Confirmation of due date: Confirming your due date gets easier after a USG procedure. 
  • Position of the baby: The technique helps detect the position of the baby, which can help with planning for delivery.

When is the First Ultrasound Suggested?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that the first ultrasound scan be performed between 6-8 weeks of pregnancy. This is typically performed to confirm the pregnancy and to check for the presence of a fetal heartbeat.

What are the types of ultrasound performed during the pregnancy?

Types of scans during pregnancy are as follows: 

Transabdominal ultrasound:This is the most common technique that uses a transducer to be placed on the mother’s abdomen which produces images of the growing fetus.
Transvaginal ultrasound:This technique creates images of the fetus by inserting a narrow transducer into the vagina. The procedure is typically carried out very early during pregnancy to provide a clearer look at the growing fetus.
Doppler ultrasound:The Doppler scan uses sound waves to assess the blood flow in the placenta, umbilical cord, and fetus. It is frequently used to check on the fetus’s health and well-being throughout the second and third trimesters.
3D/4D ultrasound:These specialized forms of ultrasound can produce images of the fetus that are three-dimensional or four-dimensional, giving parents a clearer view of the baby’s features.
Fetal echocardiography: This specialized procedure focuses on the developing fetus’s heart and is typically carried out when there are concerns about the baby’s heart health.
Types of ultrasound

How many times is ultrasound recommended during pregnancy?

Dr. Sonali Malgaonkar, Chief Fertility Consultant at Progenesis says, “The frequency of ultrasounds during pregnancy varies based on several variables, including the age of the mother, her medical history, and risk factors, etc. However, normally two ultrasounds are required for a healthy pregnancy: first ultrasound during pregnancy is roughly around 11 to 14 weeks and the second at around 18 to 20 weeks. You could require additional if abnormalities or problems are found during either of the routine ultrasounds.”

She further adds, ” Additional ultrasounds could be advised in specific circumstances. For instance, to check on the fetus’s health and development if there are concerns about its growth or if the pregnancy is at high risk.”

How to Prepare for an Ultrasound Scan?

It’s simple and easy. Before the procedure, you’ll probably be instructed to drink a lot of water to help fill your bladder, this can enhance the quality of the photos. Additionally, you could be asked to avoid eating for a certain period before the procedure.

What happens during an ultrasound?

During the procedure, you will lie on a table while a technician applies a special gel to your abdomen or the ultrasound probe. This gel helps the sound waves produced by the ultrasound machine to travel through your skin or vaginal wall more easily. (But during transvaginal ultrasound, a probe is inserted into your vagina.) 

The transducer will be placed against your skin or inserted into your vagina and moved around the area being examined.

As the transducer moves around, it will send sound waves into your body, which will bounce off the fetus and other structures inside the uterus and create echoes. The echoes will be picked up by the transducer and sent to a computer, which will create images of the fetus.

The procedure is painless and usually takes 20-30 minutes.

What next after an ultrasound scan?

Your doctor will look over the pictures and discuss the findings with you. Sometimes your doctor might advise additional tests or monitoring based on the findings. To track fetal growth and development, he/she will probably plan your subsequent ultrasound visit for later in the pregnancy if everything appears normal.

Does ultrasound have any risks?

Ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive medical procedure. It is safe for you and your baby when done by your healthcare provider. It’s important to know that the USG procedure is less dangerous than X-rays because it uses sound waves not radiation. 

Relax, healthcare professionals have been using ultrasonography for the past 3 decades, and they have not discovered any harmful dangers.

Is ultrasound safe in pregnancy?

Remember, ultrasound is an important tool for monitoring the health and development of your baby during pregnancy. It is painless, gives immediate and extensive results, and is widely considered to be safe. 

By detecting potential problems early, this procedure can help ensure the best possible outcome for both you and your baby. 

FAQs

Which ultrasound is best for pregnancy?

Answer: Transabdominal ultrasound is the most commonly used USG technique during pregnancy. However, a transvaginal ultrasound can be used in specific cases.

Can ultrasound detect early pregnancy?

Answer: Yes, ultrasound can detect pregnancy as early as 5-6 weeks after the last menstrual period.

How many ultrasounds are done during pregnancy?

Answer: The majority of pregnant women undergo at least two rounds of ultrasound. The dating ultrasound in the first trimester and an anatomy ultrasound in the second. However, depending on your particular circumstances, you might be recommended more. 

Is ultrasound safe for the baby?

Answer: Ultrasound sonography is considered safe for both the mother and baby. It uses sound waves and does not expose the fetus to ionizing radiation.

What are the 2 types of ultrasound?

Answer: The two types are transabdominal ultrasound, which uses a transducer on the abdomen, and transvaginal ultrasound, which uses a transducer inserted into the vagina.

Who performs an ultrasound?

Answer: Ultrasound during pregnancy is usually performed by a sonographer or ultrasound technician, who is trained to use the equipment and interpret the images.

How soon can I see the baby on ultrasound?

Answer: The baby can usually be seen as early as 6-7 weeks during the first trimester ultrasound after the last menstrual period.

What should I wear to the ultrasound?

Answer: Wear comfortable and loose clothing that can easily be removed to expose your abdomen. It is also a good idea to avoid wearing jewelry or accessories that may interfere with the ultrasound procedure.

Can I eat before the ultrasound?

Answer: In general, there are no specific dietary restrictions. However, your healthcare provider may provide you with specific instructions based on the type of ultrasound being performed.

Can ultrasound detect all birth defects?

Answer: No, ultrasound may not be able to detect all birth defects. However, it can detect many common abnormalities and can provide valuable information about the development and health of your growing baby.

Will the ultrasound hurt my baby?

Answer: No, the procedure does not hurt your baby. It is painless and is safe for both mother and baby.

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