Ultrasounds during pregnancy

      

First Trimester Ultrasound

Your first ultrasound  is also known as sonography will take place when you are 6 to 8 weeks pregnant.

What is ultrasound?

An ultrasound scan also known as sonography is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from the inside of human body.

How it is done?

During pregnancy ultrasound can be done in 2 ways first is transvaginal and other is transabdominal. If the ultrasound scan is done before 6 week then the method of transvaginal is followed where the transducer is covered with cover and it has lubricant gel applied which is inserted into the vagina. And in most cases, transabdominal ultrasound is done where a gel is applied onto your belly and rubbed by the transducer to see your baby images.

Why are ultrasounds done?

An ultrasound test is designed to check any complications that may cause a problem during or after pregnancy.

Ultrasounds are done to check fetal heartbeat, fetal growth, umbilical cord and, placenta location.

Are there any risks?

Ultrasound is low at risk. Although should not overdo exposure to these sound waves. As somewhere or the other, these can harm your baby unintentionally.

How do I prepare for my first ultrasound?

Your doctor may require you to drink 5-6 glasses of water before the ultrasound, so your bladder is full. This will make your sonographer works easy to view your baby better during an ultrasound

How many ultrasounds are done throughout pregnancy?

Usually, a woman goes through a minimum of 2 – 3 sonography/ultrasound during her pregnancy i.e. during each trimester of pregnancy. In some critical out of control situations, your sonography can exceed. The condition could be spotting, bleeding, or some time to check the movement of baby and etc.

The requirement of ultrasound during the first trimester

• To get your estimated due date
• To get the fetal heartbeat
• To determine the number of fetuses

Second Trimester ultrasound

Your second ultrasound will take place when you are 18-20 weeks pregnant. This scan is also known as an anatomy scan.

The requirement of ultrasound during the second trimester

Ultrasound during the second trimester is done to

• Check the baby’s development
• Checking all major organs
• To check the baby’s sex
• To check the baby’s body parts
• To measure the level of amniotic fluid

Third Trimester ultrasound

Your third ultrasound will take place when you are 34-36 weeks pregnant. Many mothers don’t need an ultrasound in the third trimester, but in some conditions, if your doctor wants to closely monitor your baby’s growth, you may get one or more before the baby is born.

The requirement of ultrasound during the third trimester

• To monitor the baby’s growth
• To check the levels of amniotic fluid
• Preterm contractions
• To check the umbilical cord.
• To check the baby’s position.