All set to bring forth the bundle of joy? An ultrasound is critical. The procedure will reveal vital information about the unborn baby.
It also reveals your body’s preparedness concerning carrying the pregnancy to term. Therefore you should note the set days and prepare to visit the radiologist.
When to Have an Ultrasound
It would help if you targeted having two ultrasound scans. Generally, healthy women need two scans- one in the first trimester, and the other during the second trimester. However, there are incidents of pregnancy-related complications. Also, an expectant mother can be having underlying medical conditions. In either of these two cases, there is a need for more scans.
The First Trimester Ultrasound
The First trimester is the period between the last day of your menses up to week 12. However, you should wait until week 6 to week 9 before having an ultrasound. The first ultrasound will help to:
- Rule out the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy
- Scan for any genetic problems
- Establish whether you are carrying several babies
- Check the fetal heartbeat
- Estimate the E.D.D that is Expected Due Date
- Confirm that the cervix and uterus are okay
The Second Trimester Ultrasound
On the other hand, the second trimester falls between weeks 13 to 27. However, the scan usually happens between weeks 18 to 22. This procedure is more detailed than the first. After the scan, you will be able to tell:
- The baby’s size
- The state of the baby’s organs
- The baby’s sex
- Where the placenta is located
- The amount of amniotic fluid present
- General baby health, and also allow you to see organs such as the face, hands, feet, kidneys-exciting, isn’t it?
Types of Pregnancy Ultrasounds
i. Transvaginal Ultrasound
The transvaginal ultrasound happens in early pregnancy. An ultrasound wand is inserted 2-3 inches into the vagina. The main focus here is the cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes ovaries and the uterus.
ii. Standard Ultrasound
The second ultrasound is the most common. It entails rubbing a handheld device called the transducer on the tummy. As a result, you can see the fetus from the 2D images that are created.
iii. Advanced Ultrasound
The advanced and standard ultrasound are similar. However, the advanced one uses more sophisticated equipment. Also, the radiologist concentrates on a specific area. The advanced ultrasound is required when there is a visible abnormality during the standard ultrasound.
iv. Doppler Ultrasound
You can also have the Doppler ultrasound conducted. Similarly, a technician uses a transducer during the procedure. The focus is mainly on the flow of blood in the fetus. In this case, restricted fetal blood flow could result in abnormal fetal development.
Summing up
Finally, it is vital to note that ultrasounds are low-risk procedures. However, researchers avoid risking fetuses’ well-being and long-term effects of ultrasounds are unclear. Having the scan is essential, but there is a need to be cautious. As such, you should avoid unnecessary ultrasounds. In case the doctor recommends more than two scans, request clarification regarding the effects on the unborn baby.
