Why Are Pregnancy Ultrasounds Important?

Pregnancy is an exciting time for expectant mothers. However, it can also bring uncertainty and worry. One of the most important aspects of prenatal care is having regular ultrasounds to monitor the fetus’s health and development.

In this blog, we’ll answer some common questions about ultrasounds during pregnancy, including why and when they are performed, and more.

What Is a Pregnancy Ultrasound?

A pregnancy ultrasound, or sonogram, is a procedure that uses sound waves to create a picture of your developing baby in the uterus. It helps your doctor:

• Monitor the baby’s growth and development
• Check the health of the uterus and placenta
• Detect any abnormalities or potential complications

Most women have an ultrasound in their second trimester, around 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. Some may also have an early ultrasound in the first trimester, before 14 weeks, to confirm the pregnancy, estimate the due date, and check the baby’s growth and development in the early stages. However, the exact number and timing of ultrasounds may vary depending on individual health conditions, such as asthma or obesity.

Why Is Ultrasound Important During Pregnancy?

Ultrasound is a safe and convenient test that can provide you and your doctor with essential information about your pregnancy and unborn child. Your doctor may use a pregnancy ultrasound to:

• Confirm if your pregnancy is viable, meaning everything appears to be progressing well and your baby’s heart is beating.
• Determine if you’re expecting twins, triplets, or more (also known as multiples).
• Check your baby’s age and estimate your due date.
• Examine your baby’s organs, muscle tone, movement, and overall development.
• Identify pregnancy complications, including ectopic pregnancy (growing outside the uterus), molar pregnancy (abnormal growth of pregnancy tissue), and miscarriage.
• Assess whether your baby is in the head-first position before birth.
• Examine the length of your cervix and the location of your placenta.
• Evaluate your baby’s overall health.
• Monitor your baby’s growth and size.
• Examine your pelvic organs, including the ovaries, uterus, and cervix.

Your doctor may also use a pregnancy ultrasound for screening and other testing. Screening is a test that determines if your baby is more likely to have a specific health condition than others. This type of test allows doctors to monitor and manage any potential issues early on. Ultrasound can also assist with other pregnancy tests, such as amniocentesis or CVS (chorionic villus sampling), which help doctors check for genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome, or Patau’s syndrome.

Moreover, ultrasound is an integral part of a biophysical profile (BPP), a test that combines ultrasound with a nonstress test. The BPP evaluates whether a developing baby is receiving adequate oxygen, helping the doctor identify potential concerns and take necessary steps to ensure the baby’s well-being. Therefore, ultrasound plays a crucial role in supporting the healthy development of a baby and helping doctors make informed decisions about ongoing pregnancy care.

READ:  5 Reasons for Having USG in Pregnancy

How Many Ultrasounds Are Needed During Pregnancy

Most pregnant women undergo three or four ultrasound scans during pregnancy in India. The exact number and timing of these scans may vary depending on factors such as your doctor's recommendations and any underlying health conditions. In the case of a high-risk pregnancy, or if the doctor suspects any health complications for the mother or baby, additional ultrasounds may be recommended for closer monitoring.

Here’s a look at the different types of ultrasounds in pregnancy and when they are typically performed:

6 to 14 Weeks (Dating Scan)

The ultrasound performed during the early stages of pregnancy (first trimester), usually between 6 and 14 weeks, is called the dating scan. Your doctor uses this pregnancy ultrasound to:

• Confirm your pregnancy is viable
• Estimate your baby’s due date
• Confirm if you have multiple pregnancies (carrying one or more babies in the uterus)
• Check whether your baby is developing in the uterus and rule out an ectopic pregnancy
• Identify any potential complications that might affect your and your baby’s health

 12 to 13 Weeks (Nuchal Translucency Scan)

A Nuchal Translucency Scan (NTS), also known as a 12-week scan, is usually done at 12 weeks of pregnancy. However, you can do it between the 11th and 13th week of pregnancy. During the pregnancy scan, the thickness of a small area at the back of your baby’s neck, called the nuchal translucency, is measured to assess the risk of your baby having a genetic condition called chromosomal abnormality.

Like a dating scan, the nuchal translucency scan can also assess your baby’s growth and development, estimate your due date, the number of babies in the womb, and check for any structural issues that could affect your baby’s health.

18 to 22 Weeks (Morphology Scan)

The ultrasound performed between the 18th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy is called the morphology scan or a “fetal anomaly scan.” This special ultrasound is done to:

• Examine your baby’s internal organ development
• Estimate your baby’s size and gestational age
• Check your baby’s heart rate and rhythm, as well as the position of your placenta relative to your cervix
• Measure the length of your cervix and ensure that it is closed

32 to 36 Weeks (Third-trimester Ultrasound)

The ultrasound performed during the third trimester of pregnancy, typically between weeks 32 and 36, is known as the third-trimester ultrasound. Your doctor uses this ultrasound to:

• Check the growth and position of the fetus to assess whether a normal delivery is feasible
• Examine the amount of amniotic fluid
• Confirm the location of the placenta
• Detect potential problems, such as low fetal weight, congenital disabilities, or issues with the umbilical cord

This ultrasound during pregnancy helps ensure a safe and healthy delivery for both the mother and the baby.

READ: What To Expect During Your First Ultrasound?

When Can a Baby First Be Seen on an Ultrasound?

You can usually see a baby on an ultrasound at around six weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, the scan may reveal a gestational sac and a small fetal pole. By seven to eight weeks, the baby’s heartbeat is generally visible.

What Is the Most Important Ultrasound During Pregnancy?

Every ultrasound during pregnancy is important. These scans help your doctor monitor your baby’s development and assess the overall health of your pregnancy.

Do Ultrasounds Carry Any Risks?

Ultrasound scans are generally considered safe during pregnancy and do not harm the mother or the baby. However, doctors recommend that ultrasounds be performed only for medical reasons and under their guidance.

Takeaway

Pregnancy ultrasounds are important for expectant mothers. They monitor your baby’s health and development, detect abnormalities and potential complications, and allow for prompt medical intervention.

If you want to learn more about pregnancy ultrasounds or have concerns about your baby’s development, consult an Ob-Gyn at Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital. Our team of experts provides affordable, high-quality gynaecology and obstetric services to ensure you and your baby receive the best possible care and support throughout your pregnancy and beyond.