Pregnancy Ultrasounds

 

An ultrasound scan is usually provided to pregnant women in the 12-14 week period (sometimes known as an"booking" or early "dating scan). In certain situations like when there are particular issues or risks there is a possibility to get an earlier or later scan if required.

How do they function
A ultrasound scan sends sound waves through the tissues of your body to create a picture of your baby inside the womb. early pregnancy scan You and your partner will capable of seeing on a computer or TV screen.

Prior to having an abdomen scan, you'll have to drink plenty of fluids and avoid emptying your bladder. If your bladder is empty and it is pushed up against your womb, giving an improved glimpse of your child. This is crucial in the beginning of your pregnancy.

When you are lying down, a gel will be placed onto your stomach and a hand-held probe/scanner/transducer will be moved in various directions over your skin to allow you to see your baby inside your womb.

Ultrasound scans may also be performed with the vaginal probe. If that is the case it is not a requirement to require a fully filled bladder because these types of ultrasound scans offer an improved image, particularly when you are pregnant early.

While the scan is completed, the person who is doing the scan will usually describe what they is viewing, and you could be provided with the black-and-white photograph to take home and also data and charts of different dimensions. Certain scanners also give you the option of having your scan captured on video tape that is available for purchase.

Do ultrasound scans cause harm?
Ultrasound scans are painlessand, to date, there is no evidence from a medical perspective to suggest they could cause harm to either the mother or her child. In actual fact, watching your baby move around through the scan is very enjoyable and reassuring.

What do they do
Ultrasound scans are quick to finish and are utilized for a variety of reasons, but their main function is to test:

  • whether you're pregnant with more than one baby
  • how far along in the pregnancy stage you are
  • If your baby is growing normally and to observe its development and overall health.

 

Not only do ultrasound scans assess your baby's size and shape, giving more information about the their age and the date of birth However, they also:

  • It will show the exact location of your baby as well as the position of your baby's placenta (if your placenta appears to be low it could signal placenta previa that could affect the delivery)
  • Check for bleeding during pregnancies, and rule out the possibility of an Ectopic pregnancy
  • identify fetal abnormalities, especially of the head or spine, such as the structural/developmental defects spina bifida and hydrocephalus, or for specifying the risk of the chromosomal disorder Down's syndrome.
  • Show your baby moving and let you observe his or her heartbeat, the movements of your baby, amniotic fluid volume , and blood flow into the womb through the cord of umbilical (also observed on a later scan)
  • whenever possible, let you discover the gender of your baby's gender at the 20-week check-up, but should you wish to know, you'll have to inquire. clinic Certain units do not, however, want to divulge information to you.
  • It can be used to assist in the planning of specific diagnostic tests or procedures which may need to be performed on your baby while in the womb.

 

Additionally, certain units also offer Doppler ultrasound scans in addition to the routine scans that measure the flow of blood to the womb. This could help you detect potential issues, such as pre-eclampsia or an extremely small infant.