A prenatal ultrasound is an advanced technology in the medical field. This process uses high-frequency sound waves, to give an image of the abdominal cavity. Humans cannot hear these sound waves. Moreover, the process records the waves and echoes and translates them into videos and images of the baby in the uterus. Another name for prenatal ultrasound is pregnancy ultrasound. The doctor prescribes at what intervals it is supposed to be done.
One can see the images and videos that are said to reveal the amniotic sack, the fetus, the placenta and the ovaries, as well. Doctors are able to observe the same, to diagnose any birth defects or genetic abnormalities in the fetus. Most healthcare service providers are also able to specify if the pregnancy is a high-risk or a low-risk one.
Method Used For The Test
The process is simple and easy. It is a daycare process, generally conducted in a healthcare unit. The doctor applies a gel on the abdomen, before starting the procedure. It is said to be a conductive medium to aid in the projection. There is another variant of the pregnancy ultrasound. The term associated with such a procedure is called a transvaginal ultrasound. A tube is inserted inside the vaginal canal in this procedure. Moreover, a doctor uses a transducer to rotate over the abdomen. Other diagnostic tests were also conducted to get a bigger picture of the condition inside the uterus.
Frequency Of Ultrasounds
Doctors often recommend up to four pregnancy ultrasound tests, depending on the health condition of the mother. Most parents get the first glimpses of their baby, through this imaging test. The tests are only performed when there is a real need to do so. Currently, there are no reports to prove that these are harmful to the baby. However, maintaining a minimum is desirable. Most diagnostic centers run 2D ultrasounds. Healthy women go for just two such scans. The first one is ideally in the first trimester after pregnancy is established. The second one is at 22 weeks. If the doctors note any discrepancies in the first one, then only future ones are suggested. If a mother has hypertension or gestational diabetes, a doctor may suggest further scans. In high-risk pregnancies, doctors often suggest weekly ultrasounds.
Results Obtained From The Tests
The first one is held around 11 weeks. The doctor finds out if the pregnancy is real. It also assists the doctor to ascertain the due date. The doctor usually measures the fetus and guesses the gestational age. It is very important to note that one can detect ectopic pregnancy at this stage. One will be asked to go for genetic tests, as well. It helps to rule out Down’s Syndrome and Congenital Heart Disease.
In the second trimester, doctors are able to examine the anatomical features. One can see the abnormalities in the spine, heart, kidneys, and brain. Additionally, doctors can determine the sex of the baby, as well.
This is one of the medical wonders that allow pregnancies to be as smooth as possible.
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