Purpose and Procedure of Pregnancy Ultrasounds

Prenatal ultrasounds are safe and painless. The main aim is to check the foetus health. Top doctors at India’s best children’s hospitals offer good quality care. This is done via high-end expertise, advanced technologies and accurate medical equipment. Specialized nurses are adept at handling delicate pregnancies. All screenings like ultrasound are done with dignity and compassion. Most of them are performed topically or on the skin surface. You can also expect transvaginal methods done with high precision. These help the doctor see a clear image of the amniotic sack, placenta and ovaries.

You do not have to worry about getting hurt while USG in pregnancy. Studies have found that 98 out of 100 women give birth to a healthy child. However, it is a good idea to know the different types and their purpose for an informed choice.

Why is an Ultrasound Mandatory?

Different screenings are performed in all three trimesters. Each one is done for a variety of reasons. The first ultrasound is done to confirm pregnancy between the 1st to 12th week.

First Trimester

• Foetal behaviour and heartbeat
• Embryo growth in the womb and not in the fallopian tube.
• Gestational age of the baby and the due date.
• Ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
• Abnormal growth in the foetus
• The health of the uterus, ovaries, cervix and placenta

Second and Third Trimesters

• Multiple pregnancies
• Monitor the baby’s growth and position (breech, optimal or transverse)
• Location and size of the placenta
• Congenital anomalies or defects
• If other tests like amniocentesis are required
• Healthy amniotic fluid levels
• The foetus is receiving enough oxygen
• Normal and proper blood flow

Ultrasound for pregnancy is an important diagnostic procedure. But parents must remember that testing the sex of the child is illegal. No such requests will be addressed by the top clinic.

The Procedure of the Ultrasound

There are two main types. The doctors determine which one is suitable for your pregnancy condition. High-frequency sound waves are sent through a transducer. It is used to develop images of the womb. Once the necessary photos are created, you can clear the bladder. Have a look at how they are performed.

Transabdominal Ultrasound

A gel is applied to the belly. The sonographer moves the wand in different positions. They might have to push a little firmly at times to get an ideal photo of the structures. This is not harmful to the baby. This is done till a clear picture is reflected on the monitor. Fluids are a great medium for sound waves to travel. So, you have to drink lots of water at least 2 hours before the procedure.

Transvaginal Ultrasound

This is usually recommended when there is too much air in the bowel. The procedure is done early in pregnancy. A probe is inserted into the vaginal canal. This sends out light waves and collects the reflections. It offers a clearer view of the ovaries or uterus in case a problem is suspected. The image quality is highly enhanced.

USG in pregnancy does not take more than 20 minutes. But know that they might not be 100% accurate. Blood and urine tests are suggested by doctors to confirm certain conditions.