PREGNANCY ULTRASOUNDS

A test performed during pregnancy to assess the unborn baby, the placenta (the organ which nourishes the fetus) and the amniotic fluid (the liquid which surrounds the fetus).

 

Different information is gained at different times during the pregnancy; hence scans are performed at the various stages of the pregnancy.

 

 

  • First Trimester Scans ( first 3 months of pregnancy)  -
  • Transabdominal scan can be done in the very early stage(6 -8weeks) to confirm the pregnancy. Transabdominal ultrasounds cannot reliably diagnose pregnancies that are less than 6 weeks gestation.
  • It is recommended that all pregnant women have a scan in the first trimester to confirm a pregnancy, date the pregnancy , confirm number of fetuses and yo check the position of the placenta. 

 

 

 

  • Early Scan (6 - 18 weeks) - Confirmation of an intrauterine pregnancy, number of fetuses and gestational age by ultrasound. Full body fetal views with detailed anatomy and movement. As the pregnancy progresses more detail is displayed in separate views of the face, arms, gender and other organs as well as gestures like swallowing, yawning etc.
  • FA Scan (18 - 22 weeks) - A detailed scan to evaluate the organs to exclude fetal abnormalities. The size, position and location of the fetus as well as the amount of amniotic fluid and the position of the placenta are evaluated.A series of measurements are taken and with the use of a standardized formula, the gestational age and expected delivery date is calculated.
  • Fetal Growth Scan (25 - 36 weeks) - Using 2D imaging, a series of measurements are taken (as was done in the previous scans) with the focus being on the growth of the fetus as well as abnormalities which surfaces  during the later stages of pregnancy. Previous records of scans must be brought with so as to compare fetal growth. The sonographer must be informed of any concerns or clinical changes.
  • 4D Scan(26- 32 weeks) The following factors influence how well the baby is visualized :

     

    -  The amount of amniotic fluid (water)

    -  The position of the placenta (afterbirth)

    -  The position/ lie of the baby

    -  The body habitis of the mother

Does a normal ultrasound mean I will have a healthy baby?

Ultrasound can detect many but not all abnormalities. Finding an abnormality is dependent not only on the body size of the mom and the gestational age of the fetus but also the size, position of the fetus as well as the size and type of abnormality.

The clarity of the images is dependent on the ultrasound equipment and how well the ultrasound can pass through the mothers abdomen. Therefore the bigger the abdomen, the more difficult it becomes to get good images.