Ultrasound in Pregnancy: What to Expect, Purpose, Procedure & Results

Pregnancy is a lovely experience which is full of hopes and joys, and one of the very comforting instances for the future parents is to get a glimpse of their child through an ultrasound in pregnancy. 

Ultrasound, generally termed as sonogram, employs sound waves to produce images of the growing baby, placenta as well as the uterus. It is a non-invasive and very necessary means that is used by the medical practitioners to make sure of the baby’s healthy growth and to identify any potential problems at an early stage.
In this article, we are going to cover the various aspects of the ultrasound process in pregnancy including its usefulness, the experience during the scan, the way it happens, the meaning of the results, and its contribution to a healthy pregnant woman.

What Is the Purpose of Ultrasound in Pregnancy?

The foremost intention of ultrasound in pregnancy is to monitor the progress of the baby and affirm that the mother and the infant are in good health. It assists the physicians in:

• Giving a positive pregnancy test and calculating the date of childbirth.
• Tracking fetal size changes and heartbeats.
• Determining the number of babies (for instance, if they are twins or triplets).
• Spotting any birth defects or complications.
• Checking the placenta's site and the volume of amniotic fluid.
• Determining the baby’s head-down position prior to the delivery.

The first ultrasounds usually performed at 6 to 10 weeks of pregnancy will not only confirm that you are pregnant but also show the heartbeat. Scans performed mid-pregnancy (around 18-22 weeks) will be very detailed and will evaluate the baby’s organs and growth. Gradually, the doctor will be monitoring the baby more frequently, positioning, growth, and health as the delivery date gets closer.

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Things to expect at the ultrasound appointment

The majority of prospective moms and dads are curious and anxious to some extent about the very first ultrasound being done. So, here’s what to expect during your ultrasound in pregnancy:

• Arrival and Preparation: Women going for early pregnancy ultrasounds will most likely be requested to drink water beforehand so that their bladder is full. A full bladder is helpful in getting clearer images of the baby.
• The Procedure: The sonographer is going to put some jelly on your tummy and you will lie down comfortably. The purpose of the jelly is to help the sound waves get through.
• Image Viewing: A small device that looks like a microphone (called a transducer) will be gently moved across your abdomen. While it is being moved, the baby’s images are being generated on the monitor. You might even hear your baby’s heartbeat!
• Duration: The whole thing usually lasts for about 15-30 minutes but it depends on the scanning type and how active your baby is.

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What Is the Procedure of Ultrasound in Pregnancy?

Ultrasound has been considered one of the safest and most reliable means of prenatal examination during worldwide pregnancy. The sound wave technology used in ultrasound helps doctors see the embryo or fetus without any risk of abortion or disturbance. The first two scans are made through different techniques as per the pregnancy stage: 

1. Transvaginal Ultrasound (Early Pregnancy):

• This method is used when the embryo is just a dot and is not detectable through the abdominal wall in the first trimester. 
• The transducer which is very small in size is inserted into the vagina in a very gentle way to obtain uterus and embryo images with great clarity. 

2.  Transabdominal Ultrasound (Later Pregnancy):

• This is the method which gets the widest application during the second and the third trimesters.
• The transducer is very gently moved over the woman's abdomen with ultrasound gel applied.

Understanding Your Ultrasound Results

After the scan, your doctor will evaluate the pregnancy ultrasound results and explain them to you. The report usually consists of the following points:

• Gestational Age: It shows the duration of pregnancy so far.
• Fetal Heartbeat: It gives the baby's heart rate and rhythm.
• Fetal Growth: It involves measuring the head, torso, and arms to check if growth is within the normal range.
• Placental Position: It gives information that may cause concern, such as placenta previa.
• Amniotic Fluid Levels: It shows if there is an excess or deficiency of fluid.
• Anatomy Check: It confirms that all major organs and body parts are developing properly.

Why Ultrasounds Are Important During Pregnancy

• Pregnancy ultrasound has been recognised as one of the most powerful diagnostic tools to assess the fetus's health and the mother's pregnancy care effectively. 
• Additionally, the ultrasound can help in early detection by identifying potential problems. 
• The ultrasound can also track the baby's growth and determine if the baby is growing at the expected rate. 
• During prenatal surgery such as amniocentesis, ultrasound plays a vital role in directing the procedure. 

In the case of a hospital delivery, late pregnancy ultrasound informs the position of the baby (head-down or breech) and assists the medical team in planning a safe delivery.

Pregnancy Ultrasound Scans Types

A variety of pregnancy ultrasound types exists, and each of them is very special: 

• Dating Scan: It is performed in the very first weeks of pregnancy to confirm the gestational age.
• NT (Nuchal Translucency) Scan: Usually performed between the 11th and the 14th week of pregnancy to determine the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome and similar disorders.
• Anomaly Scan (Mid-Pregnancy): Around 18-22 weeks, this scan is performed to have a detailed view of the baby's anatomy.
• Growth Scan: It is done in the third trimester to observe the baby's growth and the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby.
• Doppler Ultrasound: Evaluates the blood circulation that occurs between the placenta and the baby.
• 3D/4D Ultrasound: Offers a highly detailed or live video-like visual of the baby's face and movements, which is frequently asked for by parents as a memento.

Pregnancy Ultrasound Preparation Tips

These suggestions will facilitate your ultrasound during your pregnancy and make it effective:

• You need to drink a lot of water prior to the morning scans so that your bladder will be filled.
• Choose to wear comfortable clothes that can be easily undressed or modified in size.
• Come in a little bit earlier than your scheduled time so you can be calm and fill the forms out.
• Don't hesitate to ask if you need clarification on something—the sonographer or the doctor will be more than happy to tell you.
• If it is permitted, invite your spouse or a relative along—it could be an unforgettable experience to witness together.

Pregnancy Ultrasound FAQs

1. Ultrasound is safe during pregnancy, is it?
 Ans.Of course, ultrasound is absolutely safe. It employs sound waves instead of radiation and has been a standard practice for monitoring pregnancies with no risks known for over a decade now.

2. How many ultrasounds does a pregnant woman have?
 Ans.Generally, two main ultrasounds—one in the early stage of pregnancy and one in the middle of pregnancy—are performed on most women. If necessary, the doctor may recommend additional scans.

3. Will the baby’s gender be visible in the ultrasound images?
 Ans.Very often, it can be determined whether the baby is a boy or a girl at about 18-20 weeks, but it still depends on the position of the baby and how well the area is visible during the scan. (Note: In India, it is illegal to disclose the gender of the unborn child.)

Conclusion

Pregnancy is a very special time for you and it is priceless in every way at Rishab Hospital, Jaipur. Ultrasound scans not only help to monitor the baby’s condition but also provide an opportunity for the parents to bond emotionally with the baby as they see and feel the baby’s movement. 
Our radiologists and obstetricians work together with other healthcare professionals to make sure that each ultrasound during pregnancy is done with the utmost care, precision, and gentleness.
Even if it is the first scan or the second one, trust Rishabh Hospital to provide you with a pregnancy that is safe and less stressful.