A fetal ultrasound (sonogram) is a test done during pregnancy. It generates a picture of the baby in the womb (uterus) of the mother. It is a safe method of determining an unborn baby's health. A fetal ultrasound evaluates the baby's heart, skull, spine, and other areas of the unborn baby. The test can be performed on the mother's abdomen (transabdominal) or in the vaginal cavity (transvaginal).

About the Fetal Ultrasound Test

The first sonogram is frequently conducted during the first trimester to affirm the pregnancy and determine how long it has been. If your pregnancy is clear, the next ultrasound is usually performed during the second trimester, when anatomic details can be seen.

Fetal ultrasound exams are classified into two types:

Transvaginal ultrasound: A wand-like device, a transducer, is put in your vagina to transmit sound waves and collect the echoes.

Transabdominal ultrasound: This is done by sliding a transducer across your abdomen.

There are various kinds of fetal ultrasound:

Normal ultrasonography: This test employs sound waves to generate two-dimensional visuals on a computer screen.

Doppler ultrasound: This test depicts and evaluates blood flow via the uterus, umbilical cord, the baby's heart, and the baby's body.

3-D ultrasound: This test produces a realistic picture of an unborn baby.

To send and receive sound waves, ultrasound employs an electrical wand known as a transducer. It is then moved around the abdomen, and sound waves travel at varying speeds through the skin, muscles, bone, and fluids. The sound waves, just as an echo, rebound the infant and come back to the transducer. The transducer then turns sound waves into a digital picture on a screen.

Risk Factors Associated With the Fetal Ultrasound Test

For many years, diagnostic ultrasonography has been performed during pregnancy and is safe when done correctly. The least quantity of ultrasound energy that provides an appropriate assessment should be utilized.

Fetal ultrasonography has limits as well. Sonograms may not detect all birth problems or may inaccurately indicate the presence of a birth defect even when it is not there.

Preparing for the Fetal Ultrasound Test

Based on the type of ultrasound, you are required to drink a particular amount of fluid and refrain from urinating before the test.

Also, based on the reason for the ultrasound and the stage of your pregnancy, a sonogram can be performed through the vagina (transvaginal) or over the abdomen (transabdominal). If you are undergoing a transabdominal ultrasound, think about wearing loose-fitting clothes so that you can easily uncover your abdomen.

What to Expect

During the test

You will recline on an assessment table and bare your abdomen during a transabdominal ultrasound. Your healthcare practitioner or technician will apply a special gel to your abdomen. This will boost sound wave transmission and remove air between your skin and the transducer.

The health professional will then sweep and scan the transducer from side to side all over your abdomen. The reflected sound waves from your bones and other tissues then get transformed into visuals on a screen.

Your medical professional or radiologist will assess your baby's physiology. To document essential structures, he or she may print or save photos. You'll almost certainly be given printouts of some of the pictures.

Depending on your baby's positioning and developmental stage, you may be able to see a face, hands, fingers, or arms and legs.

Other forms of ultrasounds follow a similar process. However, if you have a transvaginal ultrasound, you must change into a gown or undress from the waist down. You'll lie down on an exam table with your feet in stirrups and knees apart. The transducer will be encased in a condom-like plastic sheath and lubricated with gel. The transducer will be put into your vagina by your health care professional or expert.

Following the test

Wipe away any remaining gel or lubricant. You may urinate following the ultrasound if you have a full bladder throughout the test.

Possible Results

This test typically provides confidence that a baby is developing and functioning normally. If your doctor wants to know more about the health of the baby, he or she may order extra tests.

When to see a doctor

Visit the doctor for pre-pregnancy checkups and undergo an ultrasound to determine your baby's health.

You may consult with expert healthcare practitioners at Apollo to perform your ultrasound.

Conclusion

Ultrasound is a non-invasive, painless technique. Many parents view ultrasounds as a chance to see their unborn child, yet they may also indicate if a fetus has abnormalities. However, additional tests are frequently necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Amritsar - Abadi Court Road. Call 1860-500-4424 to book an appointment.

1. When do you need your first prenatal ultrasound?

The first ultrasound should be performed between the sixth and ninth weeks of your pregnancy. The primary goal of this test is to validate your pregnancy and its position.

2. Can fetal ultrasound harm the baby?

The ultrasound sound waves are completely safe for your baby, in contrary to X-ray radiation.

3. When does the result of the fetal ultrasound come?

A healthcare professional can view and assess ultrasound images on a computer screen. However, the printed photographs and the results in written versions may not be available immediately.

4. Is the fetal ultrasound examination painful?

No sonography is not painful, and you will not experience any pain.