Not a single pregnancy passes without a planned ultrasound examination. Thanks to him, the risk of unfavorable pregnancy decreases due to the early diagnosis of various pathologies and abnormalities in the development of the fetus. This allows you to quickly respond to information received from the conclusion of an ultrasound during pregnancy, to prescribe treatment or surgery that will preserve the fetus.
In addition to the most important diagnostic data, the ultrasound procedure is special from the point of view of psychology. Every future mom is looking forward to this procedure, she dreams of seeing her baby as soon as possible. This further enhances the emotional bond between mother and child. Practice shows that even those women who planned to have an abortion refuse it after they see their baby on the monitor of the device.
Ultrasound is an almost absolute way to determine pregnancy at the very beginning. When can an ultrasound show pregnancy? Usually already from a three-week period, and at four weeks you can even listen to the baby's heartbeat. An early study will help diagnose an ectopic pregnancy in time, which is very important for a woman’s health.
The ultrasound procedure during pregnancy is prescribed by a female gynecologist observing a woman at 12, 24 and 32 weeks. These are planned examinations, but if there is a threat of interruption or other diagnoses requiring regular monitoring, then the procedure is prescribed by the doctor as necessary.
What is an ultrasound scan for 12 weeks pregnant? At this time, the baby is already formed and is a little man, although its length is only 5 cm and its weight does not exceed 10 grams. He is already twirling his head, moving his arms and legs. The specialist examines the structure of the internal organs and the anatomical structure of the baby’s body for pathology, it is necessary to exclude the chromosomal abnormality (Down syndrome). Why is the study conducted at exactly 12 weeks? Unfortunately, pregnancy is not always good, sometimes it happens that fetal abnormalities are found that are incompatible with the further development or birth of a healthy baby. In this case, the parents face the issue of terminating a pregnancy for medical reasons.
Ultrasound during pregnancy 24 weeks. The most long-awaited for parents, at this time the baby's gender is already clearly visible. Again, they look at the anatomical structure, take measurements of the circumference of the head, hips, shoulders. At 24 weeks, all organs work stably, so they carefully scan the kidneys, brain, and liver. Particular attention is paid to the heart, its structure and heart rate. An important point in the study is the condition of the placenta, its thickness and maturity. The baby's weight is already about 600 grams, and about 30 cm tall.
Ultrasound in 32 weeks. Last ultrasound before delivery. Particular attention is paid to the presentation of the baby and the presence of entwining with the umbilical cord, is the placenta located correctly, is the baby too big relative to the size of the mother's pelvis . This information is very important for the upcoming birth. Based on this ultrasound, a gynecologist can decide on the exclusion of natural birth and the appointment of a cesarean section. Also, the work of the internal organs is viewed and the fetal oxygen deficiency is diagnosed.
Recently, a procedure in 3D image, when pregnancy is seen on an ultrasound scan, not in black and white, but in a color three-dimensional image, is quite popular. This is a relatively new procedure, the harm of which is a lot of controversy, but so far there are no reasonable facts of harm to the fetus. The same applies to the frequency of examinations, they do not bring any harm to the baby. The main condition is that they should not be long.