Fetal Ultrasound

Pregnancy is a special journey that requires proper care to ensure the health of both mother and baby. Prenatal care includes regular checkups and tests, with fetal ultrasound being one of the most important tools. This safe and simple test uses sound waves to create images of the baby inside the womb. Doctors use these images to monitor the baby’s growth, check development, and detect any potential issues. Fetal ultrasound also helps determine the pregnancy’s timeline, reveal the baby’s gender, and track progress over time. This key information supports doctors in keeping the pregnancy healthy and on track.

Let’s discuss what fetal ultrasound is all about.

What is a Fetal Ultrasound?

Fetal ultrasound (or foetal ultrasound) is a diagnostic imaging technique that allows doctors to visualise a baby inside the womb (uterus). It uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid. This non-invasive procedure is important for assessing the following:

• The baby’s growth and development

• The position of the placenta
• Any potential abnormalities or health concerns
• The fetal heart rate
• The estimated due date
• The baby’s position in the womb
• The amount of amniotic fluid
• The number of babies, in the case of a multiple pregnancy.
• The baby’s measurements, such as head size and length

While fetal scans are commonly performed between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, they may be conducted earlier or later, depending on the specific needs and circumstances of the pregnancy.

What are the Different Types of Fetal Ultrasounds?

There are three primary types of fetal ultrasounds: transabdominal, transvaginal, and Doppler ultrasound.

• Fetal Transabdominal Ultrasound:

This is the most common type of fetal ultrasound, where an external transducer (a small device that emits sound waves) is placed on the mother's abdomen to capture images of the fetus. It is typically used during routine checkups and can provide a broad view of the baby, placenta, and surrounding amniotic fluid.

• Fetal Transvaginal Ultrasound:

In this procedure, a specialised probe is gently inserted into the mother's vagina to obtain clearer, more detailed images of the fetus, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. This method allows for a closer view of the uterus and is often used when a transabdominal ultrasound might not provide enough detail.

• Fetal Doppler Ultrasound:

This type of fetal ultrasonography uses sound waves to measure blood flow, particularly through the umbilical cord and fetal blood vessels. It is important for checking the health of the placenta and making sure the baby is getting enough oxygen and nutrients.

These fetal scans offer key information about the baby’s health and development, helping doctors track the pregnancy and spot any possible problems.

How is a Fetal Ultrasound Done?

A fetal ultrasound is performed while you lie on a padded examining table in a dimly lit room, which helps improve the visibility of the screen. First, a small amount of water-soluble gel is applied to your belly. The gel, which may feel cold but is harmless, helps transmit sound waves more efficiently. The sonographer then places a transducer on your abdomen. This device sends sound waves into the uterus, which bounce off various internal structures, including your baby. The echoes from these sound waves are captured by the transducer and converted into images displayed on a monitor.

Your sonographer uses these images to take important measurements, such as the baby’s head circumference and length. The procedure is generally painless, though you may experience mild discomfort if you need to pee. The entire fetal growth scan usually takes about 30 minutes.

If you are having a transvaginal ultrasound, the process is similar, but instead of placing the transducer on your belly, it is gently inserted into the vagina.

How Do I Prepare for Fetal Ultrasound?

While usually there’s no special preparation needed for a fetal ultrasound, keep these things in mind:

• Drink water to keep your bladder full and avoid using the restroom before the test for better visibility.
• Bring a support person, but avoid bringing children.
• Wear loose clothes for easy access to your abdomen.
• Relax and try to stay calm during the fetal ultrasonography procedure.
• If you have any questions/doubts, ask your doctor for clarification.

Book Your Fetal Ultrasound at Apollo Cradle, Brookefield

Fetal ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive procedure that gives important information to both doctors and expectant parents. It helps doctors check the baby’s health and find any potential problems early in the pregnancy, allowing for quick action if needed. This procedure is an important part of modern prenatal care, offering peace of mind to parents as they look forward to the arrival of their baby. With fetal well-being ultrasound, parents can feel confident that their unborn child is receiving the best care possible.

At Apollo Cradle, Brookefield, we provide advanced, high-quality fetal ultrasound services with the latest technology. Our team of experienced sonographers, leading obstetricians, and the best gynaecologists in Bangalore ensures that every ultrasound is performed with precision and care, giving you accurate results and a clear understanding of your baby’s health.

Additionally, we have some of the best paediatricians in Bangalore, who are dedicated to ensuring your baby's health and well-being from birth onwards. With our comprehensive care, you can feel confident that you and your baby are in expert hands.

To schedule your fetal well-being scan, request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, one of the best maternity hospitals in Bangalore - Brookefield. Call 1860-500-4424 to book your appointment today.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Bengaluru - Brookefield. Call 1860-500-4424 to book an appointment.