Role of Ultrasound Scan in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time for every mother. However, amidst the nausea and cravings, it is also time for uncertainty. Your pregnancy doesn't feel like a reality until you have the first peek at your little one during that first prenatal ultrasound. In fact, research reports that a total of 95% of women undergo some kind of fetal ultrasound scanning before the 19th week of their pregnancy.

While you experience the joy of getting a glimpse of your growing baby through this non-invasive technique, do you know it also allows the healthcare professional to monitor the progress and well-being of the fetus? Read on to find out how ultrasound helps in pregnancy and gives you the reassurance of having a healthy little one. 

What Are the Different Types of Ultrasounds in Pregnancy?

Before discussing the importance of an ultrasoundscanduring pregnancy, you should know its types. The type of ultrasound you get depends on what your provider is checking for and how far you are in your pregnancy. Some common types include the following: 

Transabdominal Ultrasound 

During the scan, your doctor will apply a thin layer of gel on your belly. It will help the sound waves move more easily to get a clear picture of your baby. Then they will move the transducer across the belly. While the process is painless, having a full bladder throughout the scan can be uncomfortable.

Transvaginal Ultrasound

During Transvaginal ultrasound, your healthcare provider will move a transducer into your vagina. This type of ultrasound is recommended to get more information about the fetus’s condition. You need to empty your bladder for the scan. Also, you might feel some pressure from the transducer during the procedure. 

Doppler Ultrasound

Doppler Ultrasound helps to check the blood flow of your baby. The doctor will use a transducer to listen to the fetus’ heartbeat and measure the blood flow in the umbilical cord. The scan is recommended during the last trimester if you have Rh incompatibility or hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). 

3D Ultrasound

A 3D ultrasound takes plenty of 3D images of a fetus at once. Some healthcare providers use this can to ensure that the baby’s organs are developing normally. It can also predict any abnormalities in the infant’s facial features. 

Also Read: Advantages of painless Normal Delivery

What is the Role of an Ultrasound Scan in Pregnancy?

Ultrasound scan, or sonogram in pregnancy, uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the fetus in the uterus. It also visualises the placenta and amniotic fluid to provide valuable insights into the baby’s growth and development. Let us take a look at some reasons to get an ultrasound during pregnancy:

• Prenatal Assessment

Ultrasound enables your doctor to track your baby’s growth during pregnancy. A detailed fetal development ultrasound scan will examine the organs and structures to detect any potential abnormalities. 

• Early Detection of Complications

Ultrasound helps in identifying pregnancies that have a high risk of complications. It includes multiple pregnancies, placental abnormalities, or fetal growth restriction. It also helps in detecting structural abnormalities or congenital anomalies to ensure timely intervention. 

• Confirmation of Viability

An early ultrasound plays a key role in confirming a healthy pregnancy. It checks for important signs, such as the fetal heartbeat, gestational age, and the location of the embryo or fetus.

This scan also helps ease concerns by ruling out serious issues, such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, especially if you are experiencing symptoms like unexpected vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain.

• Guiding Medical Interventions

Ultrasound scan guidance ensures precision and safety for various prenatal procedures. It includes CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling), amniocentesis and fetal blood transfusions. It also helps in monitoring the amniotic fluid level and fetal positioning during the labour process.

• Assessment of Maternal Health

An ultrasound scan assesses the location, size, and blood flow to the placenta. It helps identify any abnormalities or conditions in the placenta, such as placenta previa. It can also evaluate the pelvic organs in the mother, such as identifying fibroids, ovarian cysts, or uterine abnormalities. 

• Reassurance and Bonding for Parents

Ultrasound scans offer expectant parents a first glimpse of their growing baby. Seeing the fetus on the screen helps strengthen emotional attachment and can make the experience of pregnancy feel more real. For many parents, watching the baby's movements and hearing the heartbeat provides reassurance about the baby’s well-being and can ease common worries during pregnancy.

When are Pregnancy Ultrasound Scans Done?

Most pregnant women have to undergo at least four ultrasound scans during their pregnancy. The number can vary according to each mother’s health and the fetus’s well-being. Here’s a brief overview of when the pregnancy ultrasound scans will be done:

First Trimester

The ultrasound for the first trimester is performed between 6 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will use this early ultrasound scan to, 

• Confirm the presence of an embryo
• Determine the age or due date of your pregnancy
• Assess the total number of embryos (Twins, triplets)
• Verify the location of the pregnancy
• Evaluate the condition of the uterus and ovaries
• Assess for major abnormalities

Second Trimester

NT (Nuchal Translucency) and other screening methods are performed during the second trimester to evaluate the fetus’s health. The goal is to,

• Evaluate the fetal anatomy, including the risks for chromosomal abnormalities.
• Measures the growth rate of the fetus
• Analyse the fetal movements
• Determines the position of the placenta
• Measures the level of amniotic fluid

Third-Trimester 

Ultrasound in pregnancy between weeks 25 and 36 helps to track the baby’s growth and helps expectant mothers to get ready for delivery. The purpose of the ultrasound scan is to

• Determine the position of the baby, if they are in breech or head-down position.
• Assess the likelihood of a normal delivery
• Check the amniotic fluid to ensure a safe birth process
• Evaluate the placenta's function to lower the chance of problems.

Get the Most Accurate Ultrasound at Apollo Spectra!

WHO recommends ultrasound before 24 weeks of pregnancy for a positive experience. Pregnancy ultrasounds are a standard part of your prenatal care. They provide important information about the health and development of growing fetuses to ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery. 

At Apollo Spectra, we have the latest imaging techniques to offer valuable insights about your little one. Our experts help you embrace the opportunity to interact with your baby and get peace of mind as you await the arrival of your little one.