Sonograms early pregnancy

Fetal ultrasound - Mayo Clinic

Overview

2D fetal ultrasound

A 2D fetal ultrasound can help your health care provider evaluate your baby's growth and development.

A fetal ultrasound (sonogram) is an imaging technique that uses sound waves to produce images of a fetus in the uterus. Fetal ultrasound images can help your health care provider evaluate your baby's growth and development and monitor your pregnancy. In some cases, fetal ultrasound is used to evaluate possible problems or help confirm a diagnosis.

The first fetal ultrasound is usually done during the first trimester to confirm the pregnancy and estimate how long you've been pregnant. If your pregnancy remains uncomplicated, the next ultrasound is typically offered during the second trimester, when anatomic details are visible. If a problem is suspected, a follow-up ultrasound or additional imaging tests, such as an MRI, might be recommended.

There are two main types of fetal ultrasound exams:

Transvaginal ultrasound. With this type of fetal ultrasound, a wandlike device called a transducer is placed in your vagina to send out sound waves and gather the reflections. Transvaginal ultrasounds are used most often during early pregnancy. This type of ultrasound also might be done if a transabdominal ultrasound didn't provide enough information.
Transabdominal ultrasound. A transabdominal fetal ultrasound is done by moving a transducer over your abdomen.

Various other types of transabdominal ultrasounds are available, including:

Specialized sonographic evaluation. This type of exam might be needed in specific circumstances, such as when a fetal abnormality is known or suspected. In this situation, a more detailed evaluation can provide additional information about the abnormality.
3D ultrasound. This exam provides a two-dimensional display of three-dimensional data. This type of ultrasound is sometimes used to help health care providers detect facial abnormalities or neural tube defects.
Doppler ultrasound. A Doppler ultrasound measures slight changes in the ultrasound waves as they bounce off moving objects, such as blood cells. It can provide details about a baby's blood flow.
Fetal echocardiography. This exam provides a detailed picture of a baby's heart. It might be used to confirm or rule out a congenital heart defect.

Products & Services

Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
Book: Obstetricks

Why it's done

First trimester ultrasound examination is done to evaluate the presence, size and location of the pregnancy, determine the number of fetuses, and estimate how long you've been pregnant (gestational age). Ultrasound can also be used for first trimester genetic screening, as well as screening for abnormalities of your uterus or cervix.

In the second or third trimester a standard ultrasound is done to evaluate several features of the pregnancy, including fetal anatomy. This exam is typically done between weeks 18 and 20 of pregnancy. However, the timing of this ultrasound might be altered for reasons such as obesity, which could limit visualization of the fetus.

During the second and third trimesters, limited ultrasound evaluation might be needed when a specific question requires investigation. Examples include the evaluation of fetal growth and the estimation of amniotic fluid volume. A specialized or detailed exam is done when an anomaly is suspected based on your history or other prenatal exam results.

Your health care provider might use fetal ultrasound to:

Confirm the pregnancy and its location. Some fetuses develop outside of the uterus, in the fallopian tube. A fetal ultrasound can help your health care provider detect a pregnancy outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy).
Determine your baby's gestational age. Knowing the baby's age can help your health care provider determine your due date and track various milestones throughout your pregnancy.
Confirm the number of babies. If your health care provider suspects a multiple pregnancy, an ultrasound might be done to confirm the number of babies.
Evaluate your baby's growth. Your health care provider can use ultrasound to determine whether your baby is growing at a normal rate. Ultrasound can be used to monitor your baby's movement, breathing and heart rate.
Study the placenta and amniotic fluid levels. The placenta provides your baby with vital nutrients and oxygen-rich blood. Too much or too little amniotic fluid — the fluid that surrounds the baby in the uterus during pregnancy — or complications with the placenta need special attention. An ultrasound can help evaluate the placenta and amniotic fluid around the baby.
Identify birth defects. An ultrasound can help your health care provider screen for some birth defects.
Investigate complications. If you're bleeding or having other complications, an ultrasound might help your health care provider determine the cause.
Perform other prenatal tests. Your health care provider might use ultrasound to guide needle placement during certain prenatal tests, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.
Determine fetal position before delivery. Most babies are positioned headfirst by the end of the third trimester. That doesn't always happen, though. Ultrasound imaging can confirm the baby's presentation so that your health care provider can discuss options for delivery.

Fetal ultrasound should be done only for valid medical reasons. Fetal ultrasound isn't recommended only to determine a baby's sex. Similarly, fetal ultrasound isn't recommended solely for the purpose of producing keepsake videos or pictures.

If your health care provider doesn't suggest a fetal ultrasound but you'd like the reassurance an ultrasound can provide, share your wishes with your care provider so that you can work together to determine what's best for you and your baby.

More Information

Prenatal testing: Quick guide to common tests
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Preeclampsia

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic

Risks

Diagnostic ultrasound has been used during pregnancy for many years and is generally considered safe when used appropriately. The lowest amount of ultrasound energy that provides an accurate assessment should be used.

Fetal ultrasound also has limitations. Fetal ultrasound might not detect all birth defects — or might incorrectly suggest a birth defect is present when it's not.

How you prepare

You might be asked to drink a certain amount of fluid or avoid urinating before a fetal ultrasound, depending on the type of ultrasound. When scheduling your ultrasound, ask your health care provider for instructions.

Also be aware that fetal ultrasound can be done through the vagina (transvaginal) or over the abdomen (transabdominal), depending on why it's being done or the stage of your pregnancy. If you're having a transabdominal ultrasound, consider wearing loosefitting clothing so that you can easily expose your abdomen.

What you can expect

During the procedure

During a transabdominal fetal ultrasound, you'll recline on an exam table and expose your abdomen. Your health care provider or technician will apply a special gel to your abdomen. This will improve the conduction of sound waves and eliminate air between your skin and the transducer.

Your health care provider or technician will move or scan the transducer back and forth over your abdomen. The sound waves reflected off your bones and other tissues will be converted into images on a monitor.

Your health care provider or technician will measure your baby's anatomy. He or she might print or store certain images to document important structures. You'll likely be given copies of some of the images.

Depending on your baby's position and stage of development, you might be able to make out a face, hands and fingers, or arms and legs. Don't worry if you can't "see" your baby. Ultrasound images can be hard for an untrained observer to decipher. Ask your health care provider or technician to explain what's on the screen.

The procedure for other types of fetal ultrasound exams is similar. If you're having a transvaginal ultrasound, however, you'll be asked to change into a hospital gown or undress from the waist down. You'll recline on an exam table and place your feet in stirrups. The transducer will be covered in a plastic sheath, like a condom, and be lubricated with gel. Your health care provider or technician will place the transducer in your vagina.

After the procedure

You can wipe off any residual gel or lubricant. If you had a full bladder during the ultrasound, you can urinate after the exam.

Results

3D fetal ultrasound

A 3D fetal ultrasound can detect facial abnormalities or neural tube defects.

Typically, a fetal ultrasound offers reassurance that a baby is growing and developing normally. If your health care provider wants more details about your baby's health, he or she might recommend additional tests.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Products & Services

What Every Mom-To-Be Needs to Know

Moms-to-be typically look forward to ultrasounds during pregnancy more than any other prenatal appointment. It’s easy to see why! It’s fun to get a sneak peek of your bundle of joy while your OBGYN looks for specific growth and development markers. Many women look forward to learning their baby’s sex as soon as possible and wait impatiently for their 20-week ultrasound. Others want to be surprised. Whether or not you intend to learn about your baby’s sex ASAP, it’s important to keep all your ultrasound appointments.

An ultrasound, also known as a sonogram, is typically performed by an ultrasound technician or sometimes by an OBGYN. It uses sound waves to create an image of the organs inside your body. (These sound waves are not harmful to you or your baby.) Ultrasounds during pregnancy help doctors diagnose many diseases and conditions, even those not related to pregnancy.

This article will cover why and how ultrasounds are used during your pregnancy, how many ultrasounds to expect while you’re pregnant, and what your OBGYN may be looking for at each ultrasound.

Most pregnant women typically only get two ultrasounds, one at the beginning of pregnancy and one about halfway through. Other women may have three or more ultrasounds done depending on a number of factors.

Your First Ultrasound

Your first ultrasound is called the “dating” or “viability” ultrasound. It’s typically done between 7 and 8 weeks to verify your due date, to look for a fetal heartbeat, and to measure the length of the baby from “crown to rump. ” At this ultrasound, you’ll also learn whether you’re having one baby, pregnant with twins, or more! You may even get to see or hear your baby’s heartbeat during this appointment.

If you have irregular periods, or didn’t have a period after coming off birth control, this ultrasound will be especially helpful in determining a more accurate due date. Your due date is important because it helps your doctor know whether your baby’s development is on track each month.

We’ll perform this ultrasound at our Madison Women’s Health clinic.

What to Expect at Your First Ultrasound

When you’re just 7 or 8 weeks pregnant, your fetus is only about two centimeters long. In order to get a close enough view of your uterus and fetus, the dating ultrasound is done transvaginally. This means the ultrasound is done internally, literally “through the vagina.” A transvaginal ultrasound can be a little uncomfortable, but it is not painful. Most would say it feels less invasive than a gynecological exam that uses a speculum.

To perform this ultrasound, your OBGYN or ultrasound tech will gently insert a narrow ultrasound wand just inside your vagina. The transvaginal ultrasound wand is also called a transducer. It’s about three centimeters around, a little larger than a tampon. It will be covered by a condom and lubricant. The wand will not reach your cervix and is safe for your baby.

You may be asked to arrive at your first ultrasound with a full bladder. Having a fuller bladder helps to put your uterus in a better position for the ultrasound.

What Your Doctor is Looking for at Your First Ultrasound

Viability of pregnancy
Fetal heartbeat
Fetal size
Single or multiple pregnancy

Genetic Screening Ultrasound

If you choose to have prenatal genetic testing done, you’ll have your next ultrasound at 12 to 13 weeks gestation. This ultrasound is also called nuchal translucency screening. It’s offered to everyone and is covered by most insurance plans. This genetic screening ultrasound is optional.

During this ultrasound, your doctor will look for indicators of chromosomal disorders. Chromosomal disorders mean that the baby received an extra chromosome at conception and could have moderate to extreme physical or mental challenges. These disorders include:

Trisomy 21, known as Down Syndrome
Trisomy 13
Trisomy 18

Read more about carrier screening and prenatal genetic testing.

What Your Doctor is Looking for at the Genetic Screening Ultrasound

This ultrasound will be an anatomical scan. Your doctor will look to see if all four limbs are present. They will also look for basic structures in the brain, the stomach, the bladder, the nasal bone, and last but not least, something called nuchal translucency. Nuchal translucency is a fluid sack at the back of the baby’s neck that is filled with lymphatic fluid. There are correlations between the size of that sack of fluid and the likelihood that the fetus could be affected by a major chromosomal disorder.

After the ultrasound has been performed, your OBGYN will interpret the results and share the information with you. You may also meet with a genetic counselor who could recommend having additional tests done to verify the ultrasound results.

Keep in mind that ultrasound screenings for other genetic disorders or anatomic abnormalities become more accurate further into the pregnancy.

We’ll perform this ultrasound at the Madison Women’s Health clinic.

Should you Get a Genetic Screening Ultrasound?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Here are some good questions to ask yourself as you decide whether to have the genetic screening:

Is there a family history of these genetic birth disorders?
Would I terminate my pregnancy if there was a risk of Downs Syndrome, Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18, or other genetic disorder?
Would knowing about my pregnancy’s risk of genetic defect make it easier to emotionally or physically prepare for a baby with a birth defect?
Would it be easier for me to cope with and enjoy pregnancy if I focus on the more likely positive outcome rather than the chance of birth defects?

Whether you choose to have genetic screening done at this time is entirely your decision. Some women prefer to have as much information as possible as early as possible, while other women do not. If you’re still uncertain, you can discuss the pros and cons with your OBGYN.

Basic Anatomy Scan Ultrasound

This is the ultrasound that people look forward to the most! The full anatomy ultrasound is typically performed at about 20 weeks, or 5 months. As the name implies, this ultrasound will look at all the baby’s organ systems to make sure they’re present, are a normal size and shape, and are in the right location.

What to Expect at a Full Anatomy Scan Ultrasound

The full anatomy scan is a transabdominal ultrasound. It uses a transducer that looks a lot like a store checkout scanner. The ultrasound technician will put warm ultrasound gel on your stomach and then slide the transducer in the gel around your stomach. The gel helps the sound waves travel through your skin.

Tip: Come to your appointment with a relatively full bladder. This will make it easier for your ultrasound technician to get better images of your baby.

Because there are so many things to look for, this ultrasound will take at least 45 minutes—if your little one cooperates! If you’ve got an extra squirmy baby who is “camera shy,” it could take a few hours to get all the images that we need. Don’t worry, we have a lot of tricks to encourage your baby to change positions—everything from asking you to lay on one side and then the other, emptying your bladder or filling it, maybe even walking around. We’ll do whatever it takes to get the images we need to track your baby’s growth and development.

What Your OBGYN is Looking for at a Full Anatomy Scan

During the full anatomy, 20-week ultrasound, you can find out if your baby is male or female. If you want the sex to be a surprise, be sure to tell your technician know ahead of time so they don’t accidentally let it slip. When the scan is complete, Meriter will even send you a link to view some fun photos of your baby!

Your ultrasound technician will capture a large number images and measurements:

limbs: arms, legs, feet, hands
torso: chest, heart, kidneys, stomach, bladder, diaphragm, genitals
head and face
spine
umbilical cord
amount of amniotic fluid
location, size, and shape of your placenta
length of your cervix

After your ultrasound technician has captured all these images and measurements, your OBGYN will review the pictures and look for abnormalities such as congenital heart defects or cleft lip or palate. They’ll discuss their findings with you and help you understand what you’re looking at in the different images.

If everything looks normal and there are no other issues during your pregnancy, the next time you’ll see your baby is when he or she is in your arms! In the meantime, you can enjoy those 2D or 3D photos of your baby!

This ultrasound will be performed at UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital Center for Perinatal Care.

“Extra” Ultrasounds

Sometimes, women need additional ultrasounds during pregnancy. Your OBGYN may ask you to come in for additional ultrasounds to check your:

Cervical length: if your cervix is shorter than expected, you may need to have your cervix checked regularly to be sure it stays closed so that you can maintain your pregnancy. If the cervix continues to shorten or thin, you may need a cerclage to help strengthen it until it’s time to deliver your baby. Cervical length ultrasounds occur at 16, 18, 20 and 22 weeks and are done transvaginally.
Placental location and size: if your placenta is too small, if it is in an abnormal location or if it is an abnormal shape, then we will need to monitor it and the growth of your baby with regular ultrasounds. Your placenta is responsible for passing blood and nutrients to your baby, so it’s important thrat it is growing correctly.

You may need growth ultrasounds if you have:

hypertension
diabetes
high BMI (body mass index) going into pregnancy
preeclampsia
indicators that your placenta or uterus is not growing appropriately

Sometimes, growth ultrasounds are needed to check that your baby’s growth is continuing along the growth curve. They’re done at 28, 32, and 36 weeks. One way doctors estimate whether your baby is growing as expected is by measuring your fundal height. Fundal height is the number of centimeters from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. This measurement typically increases about 1 cm each week. If your uterus has not grown appropriately in the last month, your OBGYN will surmise that your baby is also not growing and will want to perform monthly growth ultrasounds.

What to Expect at a Growth Ultrasound

These ultrasounds take less time than the full basic anatomy ultrasound because there are fewer measurements required. The ultrasound technician will measure the baby’s head circumference, bi-parietal diameter, abdominal circumference, and femur length.

What Your OBGYN is Looking for at Growth Ultrasounds

Your OBGYN is looking to see if your baby is staying on its growth curve. We will also use the measurements to estimate your baby’s weight. A large or extra large baby isn’t typically concerning. An extra-small baby or a baby who does not grow according to their growth curve could mean that the baby is not getting enough nourishment through the placenta and may need to be delivered early.

2D, 3D, and 4D Ultrasounds

2D ultrasounds are the black and white images that you’re probably used to seeing. To an untrained eye, they can look pretty fuzzy or obscure. However, they give the best definition of the structures of your growing peanut and are considered the “gold standard” of diagnostic imaging.

3D images are especially popular among parents-to-be who want to enjoy those cute baby pictures even before the baby is born! These pictures show facial features and look much more baby-like than the kind of obscure 2D images. 3D ultrasounds have usefulness beyond the cuteness factor, however! In the case of abnormalities of the spine or palate, 3D ultrasounds can help your OBGYN get a better idea of the severity.

4D images are like a 3D image, but show the baby moving around. They’re like getting to see a live action video of your little one. These are less commonly done because they don’t actually help with diagnoses. Depending on which perinatal center you go to, you might receive a link to view your ultrasound images or videos online.

While there are some stand-alone ultrasound centers offering to tell you your baby’s sex early on or to give you keepsake 3D or 4D images, these aren’t necessary and are rarely covered by insurance. You’ll find out everything you need to know during your appointments at the perinatal center — and those appointments will be covered by your insurance.

The best place to have an ultrasound performed is always at a clinic, where you will have access to a physician who has been trained in interpreting the images. At Madison Women’s Health, we’re happy to print off pictures for you to put in your baby’s scrapbook — or anywhere else you’d like to display those “coming soon” photos.

Final Thoughts

Ultrasounds during pregnancy are a fascinating way to get a glimpse of your developing baby. Don’t be afraid to ask your OBGYN for more details about genetic screening as you determine whether that is something you want done. And make sure you’ve set aside a good amount of time for your ultrasounds — especially the all-important full anatomy scan!

—

Dr. Beth Wiedel has been providing healthcare to women in Madison since 2002 and is a founding partner of Madison Women’s Health. She shares the vision of all the partners of being a strong healthcare advocate for her patients, emphasizing compassion and communication throughout her practice.

Ultrasound in early pregnancy

Modern high-tech equipment provides high accuracy and informativeness of the method even with the smallest size of the ovum. Ultrasound in the early stages helps to fully control the most vulnerable period of pregnancy.

the latest Mindray DC-70 PRO device
specialists with more than 15 years of experience
detailed description of the examination and comments of the doctor during the diagnostic process

You can undergo an ultrasound scan to determine pregnancy in the early stages at the Tauras-Med Medical Center. The procedure is carried out by experienced obstetrician-gynecologists who are certified in the field of ultrasound diagnostics and understand all its intricacies. Our specialists are guided by international standards for the provision of medical care, regularly improve their professionalism and apply a personalized approach to each patient.

Indications

First trimester ultrasound screening from 11 to the end of 13 weeks. However, in special situations, the doctor may recommend an ultrasound at an earlier date, namely:

From 4-5 weeks. The study is carried out to confirm the fact of pregnancy, with negative test results or the inability to conduct laboratory diagnostics (analysis for hCG). Ultrasound in the early stages is prescribed to confirm pregnancy resulting from IVF. The procedure allows you to clarify the location of the fetal egg and exclude ectopia, which is especially important in the presence of cases of ectopic pregnancy in history.
From 6-7 weeks. Ultrasound of the fetus in the early stages may be relevant for assessing its viability. During the study, the location, size, area of attachment of the embryo, as well as the presence and speed of the heartbeat, are evaluated. The procedure is especially relevant in the presence of a history of miscarriages, in case of abdominal pain or spotting in a pregnant woman.
From the 9th week. In this period, with the help of ultrasound, it is possible to assess the anatomy of the embryo and diagnose the first signs of developmental anomalies. Early diagnosis is relevant in the presence of genetic diseases in one or both parents.

Ultrasound in early pregnancy does not replace first trimester screening. Even after conducting several studies in the first weeks of gestation, the procedure is repeated from the 11th to the 13th week, because. diagnostic capabilities of the method are different.

How early ultrasound is performed

In the first trimester, when the fetus is small, ultrasound is performed transvaginally (through the vagina). The study is carried out using a vaginal sensor using a disposable condom. It should be noted that the introduction of equipment into the pelvic cavity cannot harm the health of the mother and fetus, or provoke complications during pregnancy. The procedure is painless and takes no more than 10 minutes.

Make an appointment

Our administrator will call you back to set the time and answer your questions

Preparation for the procedure

No specific preparation is required. On the day of the study, a hygienic shower is shown. Immediately before entering the diagnostic room, you need to empty your bladder. Only with a transabdominal scan should the bladder be full. This method is used for heavy bleeding.

Early ultrasound contraindications

One of the main advantages of ultrasound diagnostics is the absolute absence of contraindications. Ultrasound has no effect on the condition of the uterus and fetus. The procedure has no restrictions regarding the multiplicity and frequency of its implementation. If necessary, ultrasound is done in dynamics until the threat of abortion disappears.

Where can I get an ultrasound to determine pregnancy? Residents of St. Petersburg can undergo an ultrasound to determine pregnancy, monitor the vital activity of the fetus and an initial assessment of its anatomy as prescribed by a doctor or on their own initiative.

The clinic also performs screenings of the first, second and third trimesters, Doppler, ultrasound in 3D and 4D. The high professionalism of doctors and the availability of expert equipment guarantee high accuracy of the results.

The cost of ultrasound in the early stages

Prices for medical services are indicated in the appropriate section on the center's website. The cost of ultrasound during pregnancy depends on the goals and complexity of the procedure. To clarify the price, call by phone or fill out the feedback form on the website.

If you have any questions, call us by phone: 8 (812) 564-98-27
or write to WhatsApp or Telegram

Our specialists:

Reviews

Ultrasound in early pregnancy: 3D and 4D, when to do, is it harmful, what shows

Ultrasound in early pregnancy: 3D and 4D, when to do it, is it harmful, what shows - Juno -->

home

Articles

ultrasound during pregnancy

An ultrasound is scheduled for every woman in an "interesting position". The expectant mother must undergo this procedure at least twice in 40 weeks. The study allows you to specify the gestational age, make measurements of the height and weight of the fetus. You will learn about the benefits and harms of ultrasound in our article.

Planned ultrasound during pregnancy

From 2021, the expectant mother will have to undergo at least two ultrasound examinations during pregnancy. The timing of the planned examination is determined by the Ministry of Health. These studies are called screening. Their task is to identify possible violations in the development of the fetus and the course of pregnancy and provide the woman with qualified medical care in time.

Until 2021, a pregnant woman underwent an ultrasound in trimesters - one in each specified period. But according to order N 1130n, now the expectant mother will be screened only twice - in the first and second trimester.

First trimester

The first screening ultrasound is performed at 11-14 weeks. At the same time, biochemical screening is done. The expectant mother donates blood for the determination of β-hCG and PAPP-A. The data obtained are evaluated together with the results of the first ultrasound screening. Together, these methods make it possible to identify disorders in the development of the fetus, such as Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities.

In the first trimester, ultrasound can determine:

Gestational age. If the expectant mother does not remember when her last menstruation was or she has an irregular menstrual cycle, an ultrasound examination will help. The doctor will specify the gestational age by ultrasound. But you need to remember: these calculations will not be too accurate, and therefore, if possible, gynecologists are guided by the date of the last menstruation and calculate the due date from it.
Number of fruits. In a multiple pregnancy, the doctor examines the placenta (or chorion) and membranes in detail. The tactics of managing pregnancy and childbirth depend on their location and quantity.
Fetal malformations. For example, to diagnose Down syndrome, the doctor evaluates the thickness of the collar space and visualization and the length of the nasal bone, the length of the thigh. Ultrasound in early pregnancy can also reveal malformations of the internal organs and nervous system.
An assessment of the condition of the cervix (cervicometry), uterine appendages and uterine wall is carried out.

Despite a thorough examination, it is impossible to completely exclude fetal malformations only by the results of ultrasound. If in doubt, your doctor may recommend an invasive test such as amniocentesis or cordocentesis. The second ultrasound screening also helps to clarify the diagnosis, in which it is possible to examine the organs and tissues of the fetus in more detail.

Second trimester

The second screening ultrasound is done at a period of 19-21 weeks. Here is what the doctor evaluates:

Correspondence of the size of the fetus to the gestational age. If they are less than normal, they talk about fetal growth retardation.
Structure of internal organs and nervous system. At this time, malformations of the heart, brain, digestive tract and other organs and systems can be detected.
The state of the placenta and umbilical cord, features of blood flow in them. If the blood flow is disturbed, the fetus will suffer from a lack of oxygen.
Volume of amniotic fluid. If there is too much amniotic fluid, they talk about polyhydramnios, a little - about oligohydramnios.

At the second ultrasound screening, the sex of the fetus can be determined. This is not necessary, and if the expectant mother wants a surprise, she can ask the doctor not to report the results.

The timing of the ultrasound and the interpretation of the results is done by a gynecologist observing a pregnant woman. The doctor will tell you when to do an ultrasound scan during pregnancy, and if necessary, he will prescribe an unscheduled examination.

Unscheduled ultrasound during pregnancy

Outside of screenings, ultrasound is prescribed in such situations:

Confirm pregnancy. This is necessary in order to make a correct diagnosis - after all, tests are sometimes wrong, and a delay in menstruation is not always associated with an interesting situation. Such an ultrasound is done in the early stages - at 4-6 weeks.
Determine the location of the gestational sac. This is necessary in order to exclude an ectopic pregnancy.
When bloody discharge from the genital tract appears, ultrasound is done on an emergency basis at any stage of pregnancy - it is necessary to exclude the development of complications.
In the later stages - if the fetus has stopped moving or, on the contrary, has become overly active. In addition to ultrasound, CTG (cardiotocography) is done from the 33rd week to assess the fetal heartbeat.
Before childbirth - if there is a risk of complications. With ultrasound, you can clarify the weight and position and presentation of the fetus, the condition of the placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic fluid.

With multiple and complicated pregnancies, ultrasound can be done more often. The terms are set by the attending physician individually for each woman.

Features of ultrasound in early pregnancy

Many expectant mothers are wondering what week the ultrasound will show pregnancy. Modern devices allow this to be done at about 3-4 weeks if a vaginal sensor is used (transvaginal method). If a specialist conducts a study through the abdominal wall (transabdominal method), then he will be able to detect a fetal egg later, at 5-6 weeks.
Note

Knowing how long the ultrasound shows pregnancy, you can not run for an examination immediately after a missed period. For a very short time, the doctor may not see the fetal egg - and not because it is not there, but because the equipment is not perfect. There is no need to create a cause for alarm for yourself - it is better to wait until 5-6 weeks, when the fetal egg will be clearly visible.

In the early stages, ultrasound can detect serious problems such as ectopic or regressive (non-developing) pregnancy. The sooner the pathology is detected, the easier it will be to avoid complications.

Types of ultrasound during pregnancy

Modern equipment of ultrasound rooms allows for high-precision ultrasound examinations. In addition to the standard 2D ultrasound, three- and four-dimensional studies - 3D and 4D - have now become very popular. Let's consider them in detail.

2D is a study in which a black and white image is obtained in two dimensions - in height and length. This option is quite informative. The doctor can measure the growth and proportions of the fetus, as well as assess the condition of the placenta and amniotic fluid. 2d is the most common and "old" procedure among all ultrasound diagnostic formats.
3D is a more modern examination method. It gives a detailed and three-dimensional image of the object. 3D ultrasound during pregnancy allows not only to assess the condition of the fetus in detail, but also to take a photo of it. 3D ultrasound is not a mandatory procedure, it is carried out at the request of the baby's parents.
4D Pregnancy Ultrasound provides a video image of the fetus. Parents are given the opportunity to watch the child in real time: how he sleeps, eats or sucks his thumb. The video material, like the photo, is recorded on a disk and remains as a keepsake for mom and dad.

Experts say that all existing methods of ultrasound diagnostics are the same in terms of the impact on the fetus: the power of the ultrasound wave and its intensity are identical in all cases.
Many women are interested in seeing a pregnancy ultrasound photo by week. It is not necessary to do an ultrasound without indications so often, but you can find such photographs in scientific papers and see how a child develops in the mother's womb.

Is it harmful to do ultrasound for pregnant women

There is no consensus among experts: some believe that the study should be carried out without fail, others - that it is best to refuse the effect of ultrasound on the fetus. Russian and foreign specialists in the field of gynecology also do not find a compromise on this issue.

Meanwhile, according to statistics, not a single expectant mother or child in the womb suffered as a result of ultrasound diagnostics. So there are no scientific facts proving the harm of ultrasound to humans. In this regard, most experts who observe the pregnancy of their patients adhere to the principle of the "golden mean". They insist on carrying out two planned procedures, more - only according to indications.

Experts rightly believe that it is impossible to do without ultrasound. It allows you to control the development of the fetus and, if necessary, take timely measures to preserve the health of the baby.

Welcome

Find us on iTunes!

Popular Posts