Ultrasounds during pregnancy - everything you need to know

Why is an ultrasound required at different stages of pregnancy? We give you the answer

If you've ever wondered why so many tests, scans etc are required during pregnancy you should know that they are all designed keeping in mind the maternal and foetal wellbeing. Ultrasounds or scans comprise to be an important part of your antenatal tests. These scans are done to detect birth defects, any kind of abnormalities developed in the foetus during the course of your pregnancy, and to keep a track of the growth and development of your baby. Ideally during those nine months of your pregnancy you will have to get your belly scanned at least four times. This will also help you see your little on the monitor, though just a hazy black and white shadow like image. But ultrasounds at times can also signal an alarm about the foetal wellbeing.

The significance of ultrasound during pregnancy:

An ultrasound done during each stage of pregnancy tells you about the health status of the foetus and other developing parameters. Following are the ultrasound scans done during pregnancy:

Viability scan: Done between the 6^th and 10^th week of pregnancy this scan assess the progression of pregnancy, foetal heart rate and number of babies the mother is carrying.

Nuchal translucency scan: Ideally done during the 12^th week of the pregnancy this helps to determine the foetal health and pick up signs if there are any possibilities of the foetus developing any chromosomal abnormalities and Down's syndrome. This is considered to be one of the most important scans as it can pick up any potential trouble in the foetus early and prepare you for the pregnancy and labour accordingly.

Anomaly scan: This scan done between the 18^th and 20^th week gives a detailed anatomy of the foetal body and position of the placenta. It gives a fair idea how the brain, face, spine, heart, stomach, kidney, limbs and other part of the body are growing. It also gives the measure of the amount of amniotic fluid present and tells the pace at which the foetal is growing.

Fetal echocardiography:A detailed examination of the fetal heart and connecting vessels is carried out usually between 20 or 22 weeks with this scan. This is usually done if the anomaly scan raises some concern regarding the foetal heart.

Fetal wellbeing:This scan is usually carried between 28 to 39 weeks of pregnancy to check on the obvious, as the name suggest the wellbeing of the foetus and also check the position of the foetus.

How are the ultrasounds scans done during pregnancy?

During the later stages of pregnancy all the ultrasounds are performed transabdominally, but during the initial months a transvaginal sonography might be necessary.

Transabdominal ultrasounds: In this type of ultrasound the sonologist would put a gel like substance on the belly and move a hand held transducer over the belly gently to check on foetal movements. You would be able to see all that is happening within on a monitor along with your sonologist. This kind of sonography is safe and doesn't cause much discomfort to the expectant mother.

Transvaginal ultrasounds: In this type of ultrasound the sonologist willinsert a long narrow transducer inside the vagina. It is usually covered with a condom and lubricated with a gel to help in easy insertion. This might not be a very comfortable situation to be in. But this gives a better view of the foetus and growth status during the initial days of gestation.

How to prepare for the sonography?

• Always be on time for your antenatal sonographies so you don't miss your turn. Remember there will always be a queue at the laboratory for various tests. And missing your turn and waiting will only add to your woes.
• Wear lose comfortable clothes that can be slid easily over your belly during the ultrasound procedure.
• Drink enough water so that your uterus is pushed out by a full bladder. A full bladder also makes it easier for the sonologist to get a better view of the foetus.
• For a transvaginal ultrasound you will have to do the reverse. Relieve yourself before your lie on the examination table. The insertion of the transducer can be painful, relax your lower body and be strong till it gets over. A rigid lower body will make it difficult for both the sonologist and you. Deep breathing probably can help ease the discomfort.

You may also like to read:

• Viability scan why is it important
• The importance of NT scan
• What is anomaly scan
• What is fetal well being scan?
• What does fetal echocardiography mean?

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