Pregnancy Ultrasound

Pregnancy Ultrasound: The Fundamentals and Benefits

Prenatal ultra sound is also called pregnancy ultrasound. During this test, a device called a transducer is used to transmit high frequency audio waves through the abdomen of a pregnant woman. These sound waves are not audible to the human ear. The patterns of the echoes are recorded and then transformed into photographic and video images of the baby residing in the womb.

Pregnancy ultrasound is capable of showing the amniotic sac, placenta and ovaries along with the images of the baby. Apart from these, pregnancy ultrasound can also successfully show birth defects and other anatomical abnormalities. This to you could mean a peace of mind.

Prenatal ultrasound is mostly performed on the skin (topically). A gel is commonly used as a conductive medium (as these are good conductors of sound waves). This facilitates a better quality of the image produced.

Transvaginal ultrasound is another type of pregnancy ultrasound. In this method, a tubular probe is inserted into the vaginal canal of a pregnant woman. The images produced this way seem to have an enhanced image quality; however, it is not a very common pregnancy ultrasound procedure. Transvaginal ultrasound can be used to get a clear view of the uterus or ovaries, during early pregnancy, specifically in case of any suspicions regarding the health of the foetus. This also provides information on a pregnant woman’s gestational age (how long before the baby is born).

Since pregnancy ultrasound does not make use of any kind of radiation, it is considered safe. Studies have shown that it is in no manner hazardous and is devoid of harmful side effects whatsoever, on the baby.

Pregnancy Ultrasound is usually performed on pregnant women during the 20 weeks gestation. At this stage, your doctor would be able to determine the ehalth of your placenta. The prenatal baby’s body movement, heartbeat and arms and legs can also be seen during this procedure.

This is the best time to determine the sex of the baby. At this very time you may also discover the presence of more than one fetus and its accurate location in the womb. You may also be aware of the quantity of amniotic fluid around the body, the position of the baby and the baby’s expected weight.

Nowadays, you may also be able to see a three-dimensional view of the fetus. This is clear as a photograph and may be suggested in case of a suspected birth defect. Four-dimensional ultrasound refers to a mobile picture interpretation that’s mobile.

In case you are getting ready for a pregnancy ultrasound, drink plenty of water to keep your bladder full. This is most of the times recommended by the doctor for that would yield the best results.

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