The moment one talks of ultrasound scans during pregnancy, the only image that comes into mind is that of a pregnant woman’s belly being monitored on a screen which shows baby’s images, precisely his movements.
This is the general perception one has about ultrasound and even pregnant women feel that this technique is mainly used to observe baby’s movements. Well, ultrasound surely has many more functions. Let us here understand ultrasound cans during pregnancy in detail and gather some important facts about it.
Ultrasound scan: An Overview
The test makes use of high-frequency sound waves transmitted through mother’s abdomen via a device known as transducer to monitor the inside of abdomen. The sound waves as produced stand inaudible to human ears. The echoes are recorded and altered into video or images of the baby.
It is used to show baby’s images, his movements, amniotic sac, placenta, and ovaries. If there is any anatomical abnormality or birth defect, it’s easily visible during ultrasound.
How is an ultrasound performed?
It’s generally carried out on skin surface making use of gel as the conductive source, which aids in image quality. But if it’s a trans-vaginal ultrasound, a tubular probe is inserted into the vaginal canal. This method produces a greater image quality, however; it’s not a commonly used procedure. It’s used in early pregnancy to calculate your gestational period i.e. how long you have been pregnant. It can even be used to get the details about uterus or ovaries.
Ultrasound: Safety Quotient
As far as the studies go, ultrasound has no hazardous effect. It causes no side effect to the mother or the baby. Also, ultrasound doesn’t make use of radiation, which is a common scenario in case of X-ray tests.
When will you need ultrasound during pregnancy?
In general, it is performed during 20 weeks of pregnancy. When the process is carried out, doctor will let you know as to how healthy the placenta is and if your baby is growing properly. Your baby’s heartbeat, body movements are also observed in the process.
You may even have an ultrasound a bit earlier in your pregnancy to know your due date or monitor if there are any problems pertaining to baby’s development. Another ultrasound can be done in later stage of pregnancy to see if there is sufficient fluid in your uterus or to know baby’s position.
It can be done to determine:
• Presence of more than one fetus
• Your due date
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Baby’s health
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Placenta location
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Amount of amniotic fluid
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Baby’s position
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Baby's weight
Preparing for an Ultrasound
You don’t need to undergo any special preparation for the same. Your doctor may ask you to drink 4-6 glasses of water prior to the test, so that the bladder is full. This helps the doctor to have a better view of the baby.
What Happens During an Ultrasound?
You will be made to lie on an examining table and some gel will be applied on your abdomen. A small device, known as transducer, will then be gently applied on your abdomen. This sends high-frequency sound waves into your body, which replicate the internal structures, including the baby. The echoes as reflected back are received by this transducer and changed into an image on the screen. These images can either be taken out in printed form or recorded on a videotape.
You will not feel any discomfort during the test. The test is completed in around 30 minutes and once it’s done, the gel is wiped off from your body. It leaves no stain on your body.
When will you get the results?
Some results of ultrasound are available immediately, while some may need to be analyzed which can take some time; nearly a week.
It’s indeed one safe and secure method of observing every details pertaining to your baby’s growth inside.