Pregnancy is an exciting period for the expecting parents and Ultrasonography tests (USG) help doctors check on your baby’s health and development.

Ultrasonography can be a special part of pregnancy—it is the first time you get to “see” and “hear” your baby!

Depending on when it is done and your baby’s position, you may be able to see the baby’s hands, legs and other body parts.

Some of the common queries concerning pregnancies and ultrasounds are:

Is an ultrasound (USG) necessary?

Are these high-frequency waves safe for the baby?

In this blog post, we shall explore everything that is needed to know about USG (ultrasonography). From how it works to what to expect during the procedure. We also look at the different types, risks and benefits of sonography.

 

What is an ultrasonography (USG) scan?

Ultrasonography, is a non-invasive, painless diagnostic procedure that has been used in medical practice for a very long time. This imaging technique, also known as ultrasonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the developing fetus and its surrounding structures. These images provide information about the growth and development of the fetus in the mother’s womb.

 

Why is an ultrasonography necessary during pregnancy?

Ultrasound is an important tool for monitoring your baby’s health and development during pregnancy.

USG (ultrasonography test) is needed to diagnose the health of the growing baby, it also helps to detect and diagnose any potential problems such as ectopic pregnancy, multiple pregnancies, fetal anomalies and placental abnormalities that may occur during pregnancy. The procedure also monitors fetal growth and development as well as the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.

 

How is ultrasonography beneficial during pregnancy?

More than just confirming the fact that you are pregnant, an ultrasound scan offers several other benefits, such as:

 

  • Early detection of potential problems: Pregnancy is a complicated process and USG helps to detect potential problems early, allowing early intervention and treatment.
  • Ectopic pregnancy detection: USG can detect an ectopic pregnancy, a potentially life-threatening condition where a fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus.
  • Diagnosing Abnormalities: These scans can detect fetal abnormalities like neural tube defects, heart defects, etc. Along with this, the procedure also checks the nuchal translucency (NT) /NT Scan during pregnancy, it helps detect any chromosomal abnormalities associated with various developmental stages of the fetus.
  • Assessment of amniotic fluid levels: Amniotic fluid is essentially the fluid surrounding the fetus in the womb. Sonography helps detect amniotic fluid levels around the fetus, which is important for monitoring fetal well-being.
  • Detection of the number of babies in the womb: The procedure helps to detect the number of babies in the womb (twins, triplets, etc.), which requires special monitoring during pregnancy.
  • Confirmation of due date: Confirmation of due date is easier after the USG procedure.
  • Position of the baby: This technique helps to determine the position of the baby, which can help in planning the birth.
When is the first ultrasound recommended?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that the first ultrasound examination be performed between 6-8 weeks of pregnancy. This is usually done to confirm pregnancy and to check for the presence of a fetal heartbeat.

 

What types of ultrasound are performed during pregnancy?

The types of scans during pregnancy are as follows:

 

  • Trans-abdominal ultrasound: This is the most common technique, which uses a sensor placed on the mother’s abdomen to create images of the growing fetus.
  • Transvaginal ultrasound: This technique creates images of the fetus by inserting a narrow transducer into the vagina. This test is often done early in pregnancy to get a better look at the developing baby.
  • Doppler ultrasound: A Doppler scan uses sound waves to assess blood flow in the placenta, umbilical cord, and fetus. It is often used to check the health and well-being of the fetus during the second and third trimesters.
  • 3D/4D ultrasound: These specialized forms of ultrasound can produce images of the fetus that are three-dimensional or four-dimensional, giving parents a clearer view of the baby’s features.
  • Fetal echocardiography: This specialized procedure looks at the developing heart of the fetus and is usually done when there are concerns about the health of the baby’s heart.

 

Pregnancy Ultrasonography Guide

 

How often is ultrasonography recommended during pregnancy?

The frequency of ultrasounds during pregnancy varies depending on several variables, including the mother’s age, medical history, risk factors, etc. However, two ultrasounds are usually required. healthy pregnancy: the first ultrasound during pregnancy is around 11 to 14 weeks and the second around 18 to 20 weeks. If there are abnormalities or problems during any of the routine ultrasounds, you may need another one.

 

Under specific circumstances, additional ultrasounds may be recommended. For example, to check the health and development of the fetus if there are concerns about its growth or if the pregnancy is high-risk.

How to prepare for an ultrasound examination?

It is simple and easy. You may be told to drink more water before the procedure to fill your bladder and get better images. In addition, you may be asked to avoid eating for some time before the procedure.

What happens during an ultrasound?

During the procedure, you will lie on a table and the technician will apply a special gel to your abdomen or the ultrasound probe. This gel helps the sound waves produced by the ultrasound device to pass more easily through the skin or vaginal wall. However, a transvaginal (TVS) ultrasound uses a probe which is inserted in the patient’s vagina.

The sensor is placed on the skin or inserted into the vagina and moved over the examined area.

As the transducer moves, it will send sound waves into your body that will bounce off the foetus and other structures inside the uterus, creating echoes. The echoes picked up by a transducer and sent to a computer that creates images of the fetus.

The procedure is painless and usually takes 20-30 minutes.

What next after the ultrasound examination?

Your doctor will review the images and discuss the findings with you. Sometimes your doctor may recommend additional tests or follow-up based on the findings. To monitor the growth and development of the fetus, they will likely schedule your follow-up ultrasound visit for later in the pregnancy if everything looks normal.

Does ultrasonography have any risks?

Ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive medical procedure. It is safe for you and your baby.

 

Interesting facts about Ultrasonography (USG) technology. USG near me.

 

Ultrasonography test price:

The cost of an ultrasonography (ultrasound) test can vary depending on several factors, including the type of ultrasound, the quality of the Doctor conducting the USG and the equipment used. USG prices at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre are economical compared to other diagnostic centres in Kolkata.

 

If you still have questions or need to consult a Gynecologist, do not hesitate to contact Sparsh Diagnostic Centre on 9830117733.

 

#BhaloTheko

 

Disclaimer:

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

 

Sparsh Doctor List

Loading

6 Replies to “Pregnancy Ultrasonography Tests”

  1. […] Translucency (NT) scan is one of the most crucial tests conducted during the first trimester. This non-invasive ultrasound test is instrumental in assessing the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, […]

  2. […] Ultrasound: The most common and effective method for detecting gallstones. […]

  3. […] Tests: X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans to detect abnormalities in the […]

  4. […] echocardiography is a specialized ultrasound technique used to evaluate the heart of a developing fetus. This non-invasive procedure provides crucial […]

  5. […] Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to produce images of the inside of the breast. This is particularly useful for distinguishing between solid masses (like fibroadenomas) and cysts. […]

  6. […] triiodothyronine (T3) can help confirm the diagnosis. Additional imaging studies, such as thyroid ultrasound or radioactive iodine uptake scans, may be ordered to assess the structure and function of the […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required.

This field is required.