As you know, an ultrasound procedure is prescribed to all pregnant women without fail. This is the only and most reliable way to find out about the condition of the baby, about the correctness of his development. A timely diagnosis allows for prompt treatment. The procedure is especially important for women who are diagnosed with a risk of miscarriage and if the possibility of the appearance of various genetic diseases in a child is not ruled out.
And the women themselves are eagerly awaiting this procedure, because when they make an ultrasound pregnant, mom sees her baby. This helps to further strengthen the bond between mother and child.
If the first examination is carried out for a period of 12 weeks, then the second ultrasound during pregnancy is prescribed at the end of the second trimester, at about 22-24 weeks. At this time, the baby reaches a length of 30 centimeters and a weight of about 650 grams. Internal organs are already quite well developed and are working stably. The brain develops very quickly. During this period, the mother, for sure, already clearly feels the fetal movements, and the baby himself begins to react to touching his stomach, as if hiding or, on the contrary, sticks out a handle or leg. The baby begins to distinguish the mother’s voice, he reaches him in the form of vibrations and vibrations. If it happens that a child is born within 24 weeks, he has, although not great, but still the chances of survival. This happens quite rarely and only in ideal hospital conditions.
So, what does a specialist see if this is the second ultrasound during pregnancy? Since all internal organs are already so developed that they work independently, each of these organs is examined for correct structure, stable functionality. Particular attention is paid to the heart and brain. We can say that the second ultrasound during pregnancy is a procedure for eliminating (or vice versa) various abnormalities and pathologies of fetal development. Be sure to take measurements of all parts of the body, on the basis of which an analysis is carried out on the compliance of the baby's development with the gestation period. They look at the face of the child, at its correct structure and symmetry. And the most important thing for parents is to determine the gender of the baby. The second ultrasound during pregnancy is already very likely to determine who is expected, a boy or girl.
A thorough examination is subject not only to the baby, but also to his surroundings. The greatest attention is paid to the structure of the placenta, because it is she who is responsible for the supply of oxygen and nutrients. Measurements are made to determine the amount of amniotic fluid, diagnoses of low water or polyhydramnios can be made.
If the examination reveals any pathology of the fetus or its environment, the mother must be sent for examination and further treatment to prevent various risks, both for the baby and for herself.
At this stage, you can even very well see the baby on the screen of the ultrasound machine. It is not yet so large as not to fit in, and not so small as to be difficult to see. A good device can already see the face of a child. The second planned ultrasound during pregnancy is ideal for those parents who want to take photos with an ultrasound scan or, even better, burn the procedure to disk. Many medical centers offer to conduct a survey in 3D and even 4D. The image is very clear, voluminous, the baby is clearly visible, you can even see the features of his face and guess who he looks like. This procedure is not recommended for a short time, as the baby is still too small and difficult to see something. Well, in the third trimester it is too large and the image will turn out not so beautiful. Of course, public clinics do not provide such a service.