An ultrasound scan or pregnancy scan is an imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the baby in the mother’s womb.
The duration of ultrasound scans lasts for 15 to 45 minutes.
A sonogram helps to monitor fetal development and check for any possible complications in pregnancy.
Types of Fetal Ultrasound Scans
- Transvaginal ultrasound- A wand like device is placed in your vagina to record images. This ultrasound is helpful when a transabdominal ultrasound does not provide enough information.
- Transabdominal ultrasound – Performed by moving a transducer over your abdomen.
Sonogram a safe procedure and does not harm the baby or the mother.
Why Do You Need a Fetal Ultrasound Scan?
A fetal ultrasound scan is an essential part of your pregnancy care which helps:
- To confirm the pregnancy and its location (other than the uterus)
- To determine the number of embryos present (Twins or Triplets)
- To evaluate the growth of the baby and the amount of amniotic fluid
- To know the gestational age of a baby
- To determine the fetal position before delivery
- To detect any birth defects or complications in pregnancy
- To monitor the baby’s movement, breathing, and heart rate
What Happens During a Fetal Ultrasound?
- For a transabdominal scan, the operator will apply the clear gel on your belly and move a transducer around to capture images
- For a transvaginal scan, you will lie on your back, and a vaginal probe will capture images
Always go for a trained sonographer for fetal ultrasounds to avoid complications.
How To Prepare for Fetal Ultrasound?
- For transvaginal ultrasound, you need to have a bladder to record clear images of the fetus
- For transabdominal ultrasounds, you need to drink lots of water before the scan
- Sonographers prefer an empty bladder for all ultrasound exams during the second and third trimesters.
Does an Ultrasound Scan Hurt?
Ultrasound scan is a painless procedure. In some cases, there will be mild discomfort because of the transducer pressing on your tummy.
Facts on Ultrasound Scans:
- Ultrasound scans are safe and widely used
- They are used to check the progress of a pregnancy
- No special preparation is necessary before an ultrasound scan.
Is a Growth Scan the Same as a Sonogram?
A growth scan is a type of ultrasound or sonogram that specifically evaluates the growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy. So, a growth scan is a type of sonogram, but not all sonograms are growth scans. Other types of sonograms may be performed for different reasons during pregnancy, such as to confirm pregnancy, check for complications, or determine the baby’s position.
Conclusion
Ultrasounds during pregnancy are an important tool for monitoring fetal growth and development, and for detecting any potential problems. They are safe, painless, and non-invasive, and provide valuable information for expectant parents and healthcare providers. If you have any questions or concerns about ultrasounds during pregnancy, talk to your doctor.