Getting an ultrasound has to become a standard aspect of pregnancy, and the present generation women might choose to undergo several scans that start from the initial weeks. Ultrasound is an offspring of advanced technology. But if you are a first-time expectant mother, numerous questions might cloud your mind. You might be confused if ultrasound scans in pregnancy are safe or not. And if it is beneficial for you.
Here are some of the common facts regarding ultrasound scans that you must know about before making a well-informed decision of undertaking it.
When Is an Ultrasound Prescribed for Pregnant Women?
An ultrasound is done on all the women who are expecting and are pregnant for around 20 weeks. During the prenatal ultrasound, the doctor determines if the placenta is healthy and if the growth of your baby in the uterus is just fine. Through an ultrasound scan, you can also witness the movement of your baby’s arms, legs, and body.
Your doctor can prescribe you an ultrasound scan if he/she wishes to determine:
- The presence of more than one baby in the uterus
- The due date
In the later weeks of pregnancy, the ultrasound can be performed to determine:
- The baby’s health
- The location of the placenta
- The quantity of amniotic fluid present around your baby
- The foetus’ position in your womb
- The expected weight of your baby.
Does Taking an Ultrasound Scan Prove Beneficial?
Ultrasound is a unique technology that allows you to take a look inside the womb and can also render you with some important information. For instance, a scan is the best possible way to check if you are undergoing a miscarriage. More so, it also helps you to measure the growth of your baby and shed light on the baby’s posture.
Scans can also check if someone is carrying more than one child. When you opt for a routine ultrasound scan during your pregnancy, you can reap the benefit of detecting the abnormalities in your baby (If any). Routine scans are also known to estimate the due date, and the scans are more accurate during the initial weeks of pregnancy.
What Happens If Ultrasound Scans Detect a Baby with Abnormality(s)?
Ultrasounds are mainly relied upon to detect the structural abnormality of the baby, though there are scans prescribed by the doctors which can detect increased chances of genetic abnormalities like for instance-Down Syndrome. If ultrasound scans diagnose an abnormality in your baby, you must seek help from your doctor before making a decision.
For minor abnormalities like club-foot or maybe cleft palate, nothing major can be done and you have to wait for the baby to take birth.
3-D and 4-D Ultrasound: All About Them
The latest ultrasounds that are presently available can now help you enjoy the foetus’ three-dimensional view. A 4-D ultrasound refers to a moving visual interpretation. Its clarity is the same as a photograph and can be used to check the abnormalities of a baby. Several diagnostic centres offer this scan at the request of the parents sans particular medical indication.
Preparing Yourself for an Ultrasound Scan and How?
There isn’t any special preparation needed for ultrasound tests. Doctors usually ask you to consume about 5-6 glasses of water before the scan, so your bladder is all filled up. This enables the doctor to monitor the baby properly. You will also be required to hold on to your urge to release your bladder unless the scan is completed.
What You Can Expect in An Ultrasound Scan?
During the scan, you will be asked to lie down on a padded examination table. The expert performing the scan on you will then apply some water-based gel all over the abdomen. Thereafter, a handy device known as a transducer will be held against the abdomen. A high-frequency sound wave is then sent to the body through this device, which helps to reflect off your internal structures that include your baby as well. The transducer receives the sound waves reflecting and turns them into an image on a screen.
You would be undergoing any discomfort or pain during the scan. However, being full bladder, you might feel some sort of discomfort when the probe moves gently over your abdomen. You might be asked to hold the breath multiple times during the scan. It takes about 30 minutes for the scan to get completed.
Once you are done with the ultrasound scan, the health-care professional would sit with you to talk about the test results. Ultrasounds have myriad benefits and don’t impose any risk on your body or your baby. To know about USG in detail, you can always talk to your doctor.
