When and Why to Get Ultrasounds During Pregnancy
Prenatal care cannot be complete without ultrasounds, which offer crucial information about the health and development of the unborn child. During critical times of pregnancy, ultrasounds are essential for tracking the baby’s development, spotting abnormalities, and confirming its position and heartbeat. Let us understand the importance of ultrasounds during pregnancy, which allow pregnant parents to make informed decisions.
What is Pregnancy Ultrasound?
Pregnancy must be confirmed before a pregnancy ultrasound can be conducted. A pregnancy test is commonly performed to confirm pregnancy before an ultrasound. This test detects the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone, confirming pregnancy and the need for additional ultrasound surveillance. Pregnancy ultrasounds are medical imaging procedures that use sound waves to produce visual images of the uterus, placenta, and developing baby. They offer essential details regarding the baby’s location, growth, and possible anomalies. Ultrasounds, usually done at critical points, contribute to a healthy pregnancy.
When Are Pregnancy Scans Done?
Most pregnant women undergo at least four ultrasound scans, and this frequency varies. The number of scans varies according to each person’s health. The scans during pregnancy are:
1. 6 to 14 weeks
The ultrasound performed between 6 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, during the first trimester, is called a dating scan. The healthcare provider uses this first ultrasound during pregnancy to:
● The viability of the pregnancy: Finds a heartbeat and confirms that the pregnancy is developing correctly.
● Accurate due date: Determines a more exact date by calculating the foetus or embryo size.
● Detecting pregnancies: Detect if the pregnancy is single or multiple (twins, triplets, etc.).
● Verify the pregnancy location: Eliminates the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy by confirming that the pregnancy is in the uterus.
● Early abnormality detection: Recognises the foetus’s potential developmental difficulties or anomalies in its early phases.
2. 11 to 13 weeks
A crucial screening method for evaluating fetal health in the early stages of pregnancy is the Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan, performed between weeks 11 and 13. This ultrasound’s goal is to:
● Determine chromosomal disorder risk: This method determines the baby’s risk of Down, Edwards, and Patau’s syndrome by measuring the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck.
● Early disorder detection: This assists in locating possible developmental problems, like genetic disorders or heart defects.
● Non-intrusive screening: This reduces the need for more intrusive tests by offering a noninvasive way to evaluate the risk of genetic abnormalities.
● Determine accurate gestational age: This provides more accuracy for the due date by confirming the time of the pregnancy.
3. 18 to 22 weeks
The 18-22 week TIFFA (Targeted Imaging For Foetal Anomalies) or morphology scan provides a thorough ultrasound that reveals essential information about the baby’s growth and development. The doctor uses this scan to:
● Baby’s development and growth: The morphology scan checks the amniotic fluid levels and measures the baby’s size and growth to ensure appropriate development.
● Examine key organs: This procedure provides a comprehensive evaluation of the baby’s organs, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and spine, to avoid abnormalities.
● Find structural anomalies: This scan can identify structural issues such as cleft lips, heart malformations, or limb abnormalities.
● Verify placenta position: The location and condition of the placenta are also evaluated, which can affect delivery.
● Reassure parents: Assures pregnant parents of the well-being of their unborn child.
4. 32 to 36 weeks
The third-trimester ultrasound, performed between weeks 32 and 36, is essential for tracking the baby’s growth and getting ready for delivery. The purpose of this ultrasound is to:
● Baby’s position: The scan helps determine if the baby is breech or head-down, which helps with birth plan selections.
● Monitor growth: It assesses the infant’s development and detects any indications of either excessive or restricted foetal growth.
● Check amniotic fluid: Verify the amniotic fluid levels to make sure there is enough fluid surrounding the baby for a safe birth.
● Examine placenta function: Evaluate the placenta’s health and placement to lower the chance of problems.
Knowing when ultrasound is required during pregnancy is critical for the mother’s and baby’s health and well-being. These scans vitally reveal the size, location, and growth of the baby, as well as the state of the placenta and amniotic fluid. They facilitate the early identification of potential problems, enabling timely medical intervention when necessary. By adhering to medical recommendations, ultrasounds play a significant role in a safe and well-managed pregnancy.
If someone experiences any issues during pregnancy, they should consult their healthcare provider and schedule the recommended pregnancy tests with Dr Lal PathLabs.
FAQs
1. Is an ultrasound safe for the baby?
Ultrasounds are safe for babies because they use noninvasive sound waves for imaging.
2. Do ultrasounds hurt?
No, ultrasounds are painless. Some people can feel a little uncomfortable after using the probe or gel.
3. Can an ultrasound determine the baby’s gender?
An ultrasound can identify the gender of the baby, usually during the anatomy scan at 18 to 22 weeks, but in India, it is against the law to find out the gender.
