During pregnancy, the fair sex is subjected to numerous studies. Almost every month, and for longer periods and more often, the expectant mother has to donate blood and urine. A mandatory examination is an ultrasound during pregnancy. It is about him that will be discussed in this article. You will find out how many times and for how long such a diagnosis is carried out. Also, find out the features that the second ultrasound has during pregnancy (for how long is it done and what can show).
Ultrasound diagnostics: general description of the procedure and features
To begin with, it is worth saying a few words about how ultrasound is performed during pregnancy or in its absence. This type of examination is carried out using special equipment, which has two sensors: transvaginal and transabdominal. During diagnosis, the device sends ultrasound waves through the skin and bones. They are completely inaudible to the ordinary ear, but can give a lot of information. Once in the human body, the waves are reflected from the organs, and an image is displayed on the screen. Also, some objects or formations can absorb ultrasound. In this case, the doctor sees the corresponding picture on the monitor.
Ultrasound examination for pregnant women
While waiting for the baby, this diagnosis is most often carried out as prescribed by the doctor. Such an examination will help determine the gestational age, fetal condition, number of embryos and other features of this condition. For expectant mothers, there are also two ways of research. A specialist can choose the most convenient depending on the duration of pregnancy. During the bearing of a child, the following procedures are normally carried out:
- The first examination (screening).
- Second ultrasound (second trimester of pregnancy).
- The third examination to determine the condition of the fetus and placenta.
Ultrasound examination during pregnancy: when and how many times to do?
In addition to a mandatory examination, additional diagnostics can be prescribed if necessary. In this case, the frequency of examinations directly depends on the condition of the pregnant woman. However, doctors do not recommend doing an ultrasound more often than twice a month. We will figure out how many times you need to do ultrasound diagnostics and for how long.
Ultrasound in early pregnancy
This examination is most often carried out by a transvaginal sensor. That is how the doctor can determine the size and location of the ovum as accurately as possible. Ultrasound in early pregnancy is carried out in the period from 5 to 10 weeks of embryo development.
This examination allows you to determine such pathologies as the threat of abortion, ectopic pregnancy. Also, by this time it is already possible to say exactly how many babies you will have. Most often, after 5 weeks of development of the fetal egg, the fetal heartbeat is already determined . It is after the discovery of this fact that we can talk about a progressive pregnancy. Most doctors prefer not to prescribe ultrasound diagnostics in the early stages of pregnancy. Thus, such a study is carried out only if necessary: for pain, bleeding and other complaints of the expectant mother.
First screening examination
This diagnosis is for a period of 12 weeks. Moreover, the indicated date can be shifted in one direction or another by an average of 10 days. This type of diagnosis is carried out using a transabdominal sensor. Also, the doctor always uses a special gel that can improve the penetration of ultrasound through the skin.
The first screening examination is aimed at identifying pathologies such as abnormal development of the embryo, missed pregnancy, Down syndrome and other genetic abnormalities. Together with ultrasound diagnostics, a blood test is performed for the same pathologies.
Second ultrasound during pregnancy: how long do they do?
This procedure is called a second screening. So, when to do an ultrasound (pregnancy, second examination)? Doctors do not give an exact unanimous answer. The duration of this study may be in the range from 20 to 24 weeks of development of the baby.
At this stage, the diagnosis is carried out using a transabdominal sensor. Be sure to use a conductive gel that is applied to the belly of the future mother. It is worth noting that ultrasound (second trimester of pregnancy) takes a little longer. If the specialist needs up to 15 minutes for the first screening, this time they will examine you for about half an hour.
The second ultrasound during pregnancy (at what period is performed, you already know) allows you to examine the embryo and placenta well. The doctor must check for the presence of all vital organs. The limbs on which the number of fingers can be counted are also determined. The term of the second ultrasound during pregnancy is set so that it is possible to well consider possible pathologies. If earlier it was very difficult to do because of the small size of the fetus, then the placenta can prevent this manipulation for a longer period.
The second ultrasound during pregnancy (at what time it is to be examined - the doctor decides) allows you to determine the condition of the placenta and amniotic fluid. Also during this diagnosis, you can find out the gender of your unborn child.
Third screening
This examination is carried out with a transabdominal sensor for a period that lies between the 30th and 34th weeks. The optimal time for diagnosis is 32 weeks of fetal development.
At this stage, the specialist evaluates the weight and height of the fetus, as well as its motor activity. Be sure to inspect the placenta, which is assigned a certain degree of maturity. Also at this time, the position of the fetus is taken into account. In the event that the child has a pelvic presentation, then an additional study may be prescribed a few weeks before birth. 3 ultrasound during pregnancy is considered the last.
Ultrasound examination of the fetus before childbirth
The last ultrasound is performed immediately before the start of labor. It is worth noting that such a diagnosis is not assigned to all expectant mothers. Most often, women who have a pathology of the development of the fetus, or if the child is in the wrong position, fall into this category.
This examination allows you to identify the readiness of the baby for the birth. This is evidenced by the amount of amniotic fluid, the height and weight of the embryo. The situation of the unborn child is also necessarily evaluated. Depending on the results of this examination, a decision may be made to have a natural birth or a cesarean section.
Additional examinations during child bearing
If you have a threat of abortion, additional tests may be prescribed. Moreover, there may be an unlimited number of them. The timing of such diagnostic procedures is chosen by the doctor.
Also, when a woman is placed in a hospital, an ultrasound examination is always performed (at least twice). The first diagnosis is carried out upon receipt of the expectant mother in a medical institution, the second - upon discharge. The examination period is completely unimportant.
If pathologies of embryo development are identified during screening studies , additional diagnostic steps may be prescribed. The term is determined by the doctor.
Survey cost
If you are prescribed an ultrasound during pregnancy, the prices of this examination should be agreed in advance. Most expectant mothers prefer to use the services of private clinics or individual specialists.
The price of the examination in the early stages practically does not differ from the usual diagnostics and ranges from 500 to 700 rubles. The first screening can cost you about 800-1000 rubles. The second ultrasound examination (screening) has a cost in the range from 1000 to 1300 rubles. How much does the last ultrasound during pregnancy cost? The prices for the third examination are from 1300 to 2000 rubles.
If you decide to undergo such a diagnosis within the walls of a antenatal clinic, in which you are registered for pregnancy, then the examination should be absolutely free. In this case, it is mandatory to have an insurance policy and a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation.
Summary and conclusion
Now you know how many times and for how long it is necessary to undergo an ultrasound examination. It is worth noting that each case is individual. One woman may have to undergo three examinations, while another expectant mother will receive, for example, seven referrals for diagnosis for the entire pregnancy.
Always listen to the advice of your lead doctor and get tested at the appointed time. Only in this case you will be calm and confident in the proper development of your future baby. Easy pregnancy and childbirth!