An ultrasound scan is conducted during prenatal screening to monitor and evaluate fetal development and detect potential risks during pregnancy. From confirming pregnancy to the delivery of a newborn baby Ultrasound scan is essential to ensure the health and well-being of the mother and the baby. This blog article highlights the benefits of an ultrasound scan during pregnancy while discussing the potential risk factors briefly.
What is an ultrasound scan during pregnancy?
An ultrasound scan during pregnancy is a prenatal test performed by a specialist to check the growth of the baby in the womb. In this test, sound waves are sent through the abdomen or vagina by a transducer. With the help of the sound waves, an image of the baby can be seen on a monitor, and the doctor checks the image to ensure the condition of the baby.
Benefits of an ultrasound scan during pregnancy
The Fetal ultrasound provides important details about the growing fetus as well as the health condition of the mother and helps to detect complications in pregnancy. The benefits of ultrasound are as follows :
Confirm pregnancy
Through an ultrasound scan, pregnancy is confirmed and the foetal heartbeat, position of the embryo are detected.
Assessment of growth
An ultrasound scan is conducted to monitor the development of the fetus. A prenatal ultrasound helps to check the organs of the fetus. The position of the fetus in the uterus can be ensured by this test.
Detect complications
Early detection of complications during pregnancy is beneficial to take necessary action by the healthcare provider. Through the fetal ultrasound, the issues during pregnancy can be identified, such as multiple pregnancies, placental abnormalities, etc.
Check maternal health
Ultrasound helps to evaluate the health condition of the mother by assessing the placenta’s size, location, and blood flow. The ovarian cysts, uterine abnormalities, and fibroids can be checked through ultrasound.
Medical interventions
Ultrasound scan helps to check several prenatal procedures such as CVS, Amniocentesis, fetal blood transfusion, and Chorionic Villus Sampling. The level of amniotic fluid can also be checked by the prenatal test.
Anatomical assessment
Through the ultrasound scan during pregnancy, any issues in the anatomical structure of the baby can be detected at an early stage. The issues related to the organs, such as the liver, heart, or kidney, can be assessed properly by the doctor.
Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Fetal Ultrasound
Analyse placenta
The position of the placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid can be monitored through an ultrasound scan.
Emotional connection
The parents can have the chance to see the image of their baby in the womb with this fetal ultrasound. An emotional bonding among them can be built up by this test.
Safety
In ultrasound, no radiation is involved; rather, sound waves are used to check the condition of the fetus. The procedure is done by trained professionals in a clinic.
Ultrasound scan during pregnancy
1. First-trimester ultrasound
The first-trimester ultrasound is suggested during 11 to 13 weeks of pregnancy for the following reasons:
- Confirm pregnancy
- Measures the size of the fetus
- Ensure multiple pregnancies
- Confirm the gestational age
2. Second-trimester ultrasound or Anomaly scan
An anomaly scan is performed during the 18 to 23 weeks of pregnancy to check issues related to several organs, such as the kidney, liver, heart, and palate. This scan is also called an Anatomy scan, is done to
- Detect congenital disabilities such as a cleft palate.
- Assess the baby’s growth and anatomy
- Detecting chromosomal abnormalities.
- Check the amount of Amniotic fluid.
Also Read: Understanding the Role of Anomaly Scan in High-Risk Pregnancies
3. Third-trimester ultrasound
Third-trimester ultrasound is usually suggested during 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy to check:
- Growth of the fetus
- Detect any abnormalities related to growth, such as Macrosomia
- Ensure the position of the unborn baby in the fetus
- Assess the condition of the placenta
- Assess the blood flow between the baby and the placenta
Risk of an ultrasound scan during pregnancy
In an ultrasound scan the radiation is not sent like an X-ray; it uses sound waves to check the condition of the growing fetus. Ultrasound is safe and has no side effects for the mother and the baby. It is recommended by healthcare providers when necessary. An ultrasound scan may have several risk factors that need to be considered, and those are discussed in the following points:
- Sense of discomfort
In a transvaginal ultrasound scan, little discomfort may be felt during the procedure.
- Heating effect
Some can experience a sense of tissue heating during the prolonged procedure. High-intensity waves of ultrasound may cause fetal tissue heating.
- Risk of cavitation
Cavitation is the condition in which microbubbles are formed in the tissues due to the wave of ultrasound. It may affect the cellular structure as well as fetal development.
- Biological impact
According to some studies ultrasound scan may affect cell division, neuronal migration, and general expression of the unborn baby.
- Duration of scan
The timing or duration of the ultrasound scan may lead to several issues. It may cause a risk of cumulative effect on the development of the fetus.
- Limitations
In ultrasound, every minor defect or complication may not be detected. Some genetic conditions and sensory issues may not be assessed properly through ultrasound.
If you have conceived and want to consult with experienced and efficient doctors to have a safe pregnancy, then you can contact us at Fetal Imaging Institute, one of the most trusted fetal medicine clinics in Belghoria, Kolkata. We are renowned for advanced equipment, standard test reports, and cordial hospitality. Our team of doctors and specialists is well-experienced to handle high-risk pregnancies. They not only provide complete care and the best services but also help to keep you strong mentally through counseling.
Conclusion
Ultrasound scan during pregnancy is one of the safest and most effective ways to monitor and evaluate the health condition of the unborn baby and the mother. Through the fetal ultrasound scan, the health care providers assess the position, growth, and development of the fetus. First-trimester ultrasound and the Anomaly scan help to evaluate the potential risk of congenital disabilities during pregnancy. Early detection of the risks is essential to take necessary actions to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
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