Fetal Ultrasound

The imaging technique using sound waves to produce images of a foetus in the uterus is called fetal ultrasound. This helps healthcare providers to evaluate your baby's development, and growth and also monitor your pregnancy.

Fetal Ultrasound: When is it Done?

Fetal ultrasound may also be done if there are clinical complications during pregnancy. Doctors may also recommend fetal ultrasound scanning if there are concerns regarding fetal growth.

Fetal Ultrasound is a low-risk procedure. It is a part of the prenatal care routine and is the most commonly used diagnostic procedure. Fetal ultrasound provides detailed information on your unborn baby's health and development. It can also identify defects or other problems in the foetus. Fetal ultrasound is painless and convenient while also providing extensive results.

How can Fetal Ultrasound Help a Mother and Baby?

Early fetal ultrasound will help in early detection in case of multiple pregnancies. This is very important concerning the nutrition care for the mother. Caution is needed when interpreting the result of the scan. As misdiagnosis can have undesirable effects.

Late fetal ultrasound is done during the third trimester. This is done if the mother has a medical condition that can affect fetal growth. And also to check the sex of the foetus.

Can Fetal Ultrasound Cause any Risk to the Foetus?

Fetal ultrasound does not pose any risk to the foetus or the pregnant mother. Still, an ultrasound should only be requested by a doctor or licensed medical healthcare provider. Ultrasound as a form of energy has bioeffects such as heat and cavitation on living tissue. These effects have not shown any harmful effect on the developing baby foetus.

Fetal Ultrasound: How is it Done?

The fetal ultrasound scan is done by placing a probe into the vagina or moving the transducer probe over your abdomen. Sound waves emitted via the transducer moves through the skin, muscle, bone, and fluids. Then it returns to the probe after bouncing off the baby. The transducer then creates an electronic image using the transmitted sound waves. There is no radiation used during this procedure.

How will Fetal Ultrasound Help during Pregnancy?

Fetal ultrasound can produce detailed data by examining various parts of the foetus such as:

• Body parts like arms, legs, back of neck, head, abdomen and stomach
• Organs like the brain, kidneys, heart chambers and valves
• Spine, umbilical cord, urinary bladder and placenta placement.

Fetal ultrasound can identify details such as:

• Internal bleeding
• Location of pregnancy
• Development of the baby
• Accurate date of pregnancy and Estimated Due Date or EDD
• Single or multiple pregnancies

Why Should Trained Medical Staff Carry Out Your Fetal Ultrasound?

Fetal ultrasound tests should be done by trained medical staff. As in some cases:

• An ultrasound may show a problem that is not there, this is called a false-positive.
• An ultrasound may miss a problem that is there, this is called a false-negative.

In these cases, additional testing is required. It is best to have a risk-benefit analysis as well as learn about the possible results of a fetal ultrasound test. It is good to consult a licensed doctor regarding the test and interpret the result.

Conclusion

Fetal ultrasound is an early pregnancy scan. It helps confirm whether the growth of the baby is normal or if is there any abnormality. This helps you see a glimpse of your unborn baby and relax your worries.

Fetal Ultrasound can detect any possible problems early on. Hence, routine ultrasound in all pregnancies is beneficial. It is best to have a licensed and trained medical staff for the fetal ultrasound.

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