Many prenatal tests are recommended during pregnancy. These medical tests are done to determine your baby's growth and the mother's health. Among them, the most common prenatal test done is the ultrasound scan. Read below to know the benefits and side effects of this procedure.
A sonogram, also referred to as the prenatal ultrasound, is a test that is conducted during the pregnancy to check the health and development of you and your baby. Ultrasound in pregnancy is a noninvasive medical imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves to help doctor's analyse the baby and its body’s internal structures, that too in real time. It is used widely in prenatal care to understand fetal development. It helps assess the fetal development, in turn, the anatomy, growth and potential abnormalities. It is versatile and safe and plays an important role in monitoring and medical diagnosis. Since it does not use radiation, it is said to be safe.
During this procedure, a transducer sends sound waves through the vagina or the abdomen. These waves get converted into images when they bounce off the internal structures of your reproductive organs and the inside of your body. These images are seen on a screen by the healthcare provider and interpreted. Even though ultrasound is a safe procedure during pregnancy, it is done only if needed.
There are two types of ultrasounds used mainly during pregnancy;
In a transvaginal ultrasound, the technician puts a device in the vaginal canal to get images. This is done during early pregnancy to check the gestation age and detect the baby's heartbeat. Images from this ultrasound are clearer compared to abdominal ultrasound.
In this procedure, the transducer is placed on the skin and moved around the belly to capture the baby’s images. Sometimes, the technician applies more pressure to get the best views. Providers use this type of scan after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Apart from the above types, there are other ultrasounds that the provider may recommend. These can be:
● Doppler ultrasound: This is done in the later stages of pregnancy to check the flow of the baby’s blood through the blood vessels.
● Fetal echocardiogram: This scan checks the shape, function, size, and structure of the baby’s heart if the doctor suspects a heart condition.
● Ultrasound helps doctors track the baby’s development throughout the pregnancy to ensure proper growth.
● Detailed ultrasound allows for the examination of the structures and organs of the fetus and aids in detecting potential problems with the baby.
● It helps to identify pregnancies that are at risk of complications like multiple pregnancies, fetal growth restriction or placental abnormalities.
● Early ultrasound detects congenital anomalies or structural abnormalities, aiding in early intervention and management.
● Fetal Ultrasound scans confirm if it is a viable pregnancy and also detect the gestational age, embryo or fetus location and fetal heartbeat.
● It can rule out ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage in case of abdominal pain or bleeding.
● Ultrasound scans ensure the safety and precision of many prenatal procedures, such as amniocentesis, fetal blood transfusions, chorionic villus sampling, and CVS.
● It helps to determine the effectiveness of interventions such as monitoring the levels of amniotic fluids or fetal position during labour.
● It helps assess the placenta's blood flow, size, and location, which is essential for identifying placenta previa or other placental abnormalities.
● It also helps to evaluate ovarian cysts and identify fibroids or uterine abnormalities.
Ultrasound allows parents to see their babies visually, helping create a bond between them even before birth. It also provides reassurance, enriching the pregnancy experience.
The timing of the pregnancy ultrasound depends on the provider. Some doctors recommend an early ultrasound, also called the dating ultrasound or first-trimester ultrasound. This is done as early as seven to eight weeks. Transvaginal ultrasound is done in this stage to:
● Confirm pregnancy
● Check for multiple pregnancies
● Measure the fetus's size
● Confirm the due date by calculating the gestational age
This can be expected to be done around 18-20 weeks of pregnancy. This is called the anomaly scan, where specific congenital disabilities like cleft palate or more severe issues related to the heart, brain, kidney or bones are detected. If your pregnancy is going well with no complications, this ultrasound scan may be the last prenatal scan during pregnancy. However, if problems are detected during this scan, additional scans may be ordered later in pregnancy.
Sonographers do the scans. It is done in a dimly lit room so the sonographer can get clear images of the baby. You will be made to lie on the back and reveal your abdomen. A probe is moved over the belly by the sonographer, and the images of the baby will appear on the screen. The baby’s internal structure is carefully examined to monitor its growth and development. A scan takes about 20 to 30 minutes if all goes well. However, the technician may not get good views if the baby moves around too much or lies awkwardly.
Studies show that pregnancy scans are safe and have no side effects on the baby. However, these scans should be done only when necessary. If the pregnancy is low risk and the initial ultrasounds are normal, repeat scans are unnecessary, and medical associations do not recommend them.
An ultrasound is performed during pregnancy to monitor the baby's development and growth. Most expectant mothers will have two ultrasounds, one in the first trimester and the other in the second. If there is a medical reason or complication, more ultrasounds may be ordered. Talk to your doctor about the schedule and what to expect.
The benefits of ultrasound include pregnancy confirmation, detection of multiple pregnancies, monitoring the baby's growth, checking amniotic fluid levels, and determining abnormalities.
Yes. Ultrasound is safe for a baby.
It shows the baby’s internal organs and blood flow in real time and helps monitor the fetus's growth. It also helps expectant parents create an emotional bond before birth.
Doctors recommend two ultrasound scans for a healthy pregnancy.
