What is the Importance of Ultrasound During Pregnancy?
The journey to motherhood is filled with wonder and excitement. Every tiny kick and flutter of movement is a reminder that a new life is growing inside you. Creating a new life is one of the most miraculous things in the world. And, as an expectant parent, you want to ensure your little one is growing and developing just as they should be.
Enter the amazing world of prenatal ultrasound, your magical window into the womb. With this incredible technology, you can see your baby’s first movements, hear their heartbeat, and track their growth, all while giving your doctor crucial information to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Whether it’s transabdominal ultrasound, transvaginal or 3-D ultrasound, the type of ultrasound you receive during pregnancy depends on what your doctor is trying to assess and at what stage of your pregnancy.
Let’s understand the most important ultrasounds in pregnancy.
1- Cardiac Activity Scan
A cardiac activity scan, typically conducted between 6-7 weeks of pregnancy, provides information about the duration of pregnancy by the length of the embryo – CRL. It also confirms whether the pregnancy is viable and live by detecting the presence and strength of a developing heartbeat.
2- First Trimester Scan
NT NB ultrasound or Level 1 ultrasounds look for Nuchal translucency, Nasal Bone with other structural and doppler parameters to ascertain with a Dual marker test that the developing fetus is healthy and doesn’t have any genetic syndrome like Down syndrome. Usually performed between 11 weeks to 14 weeks of pregnancy.
3- Level 2 Scan
A Level 2 ultrasound is performed between 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy. Level 2 ultrasound is performed to produce images of the fetus and its internal organs. The ultrasound helps to assess the size and growth of the foetus, evaluate the formation of the brain, face, spine, heart, lungs, and other organs, and to identify any potential structural abnormalities.
In addition, the ultrasound can help determine the placenta’s position, evaluate the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus, and assess the blood flow in the umbilical cord.
3D ultrasound (and even 4D) is becoming more common and popular.
4- Fetal Echo Scan
A fetal echo scan is an ultrasound test used to examine the heart of a developing fetus. Fetal echo scans are typically performed between 19 and 22 weeks of pregnancy and are commonly used to diagnose heart problems in the fetus.
Fetal echo scans are important because early detection and treatment of heart problems in the fetus can significantly improve outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
Doppler & Growth Scans
A growth scan is typically conducted in the third trimester of pregnancy to evaluate the developing fetus’s growth and well-being. This scan assesses various parameters such as the fetal size, weight, and the amount of amniotic fluid present in the womb. Generally, the first growth scan is done at around 28 weeks, and further scans, if needed, are decided based on the first scan’s findings. If everything appears normal, a second growth scan is typically performed around 36 weeks, which is often combined with a Doppler scan.
A Doppler scan measures the blood flow through the umbilical cord and different parts of the fetal body, such as the fetal brain and liver. This scan can indicate whether the fetus receives enough oxygen and nutrients through the placenta.
Ultrasounds are completely safe. While some people believe that ultrasounds are harmful for a developing baby, they are generally considered safe. In fact, many times doctor advise ultrasound to check for any abnormalities.
Conclusion!
Ultrasound plays a crucial role in pregnancy, providing valuable information about the growth and development of the fetus, placenta, and surrounding structures. Whether it is transabdominal ultrasound or 3-D, from observing blood flow and detecting abnormalities, ultrasound is a powerful tool for expectant parents and healthcare providers to produce detailed images of the baby.
So, embrace the wonders of ultrasound technology and cherish the journey of motherhood!
