Is It Time For Your Ultrasound?
Ultrasound scans are a type of radiology that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal organs. This diagnostic imaging procedure is used to visualise fetuses during pregnancy. Ultrasound scans can also detect abnormalities and problems with the baby.
Despite ultrasound scans being an essential part of modern obstetric care, some risks are associated with baby scans. Doctors advise that women receive less than four baby scans during pregnancy to reduce any potential health problems for their baby.
Here at Ultrasound Plus our team of sonographers have been providing ultrasound scans for expecting mothers for several years, if you would like to speak to one of our team regarding the services we offer give us a call today, or alternatively, book an appointment using our easy online system.
What are ultrasound scans, and what do they do?
An ultrasound is a baby scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images. The sound waves bounce off the baby’s bones and tissue. The reflected sound waves are converted into electrical signals displayed on sonogram images, which are detected by a transducer.
How often should you have a scan during your pregnancy?
Most doctors recommend having at least two ultrasound scans during pregnancy – one in the first trimester and one in the second trimester. However, some women may have baby scans at different times, depending on their health conditions and baby’s development.
Where can baby scans be taken?
Baby scans during pregnancy are typically carried out at a hospital or ultrasound department of a medical centre that specialises in diagnosing pregnancies.
The baby is often viewed as still pictures that show the baby’s size, location, shape, position and even gender should you wish to be told. However, baby scans are also recorded on videos that can be shared with family members.
What types of baby scans are there?
There are two significant types of baby scans during pregnancy – transabdominal ultrasound and transvaginal ultrasound.
A transabdominal baby scan is where a baby scan probe is placed on the mother’s abdomen to create baby images. A transvaginal baby scan is where a baby scan probe is inserted inside the vagina so that baby images can be made from a closer range.
What types of problems will an ultrasound scan detect?
Ultrasound scans are very effective at detecting significant abnormalities in a baby’s brain, spine, heart and abdominal organs. The baby scans also notice many other less common problems with a baby’s development before birth.
What are the benefits of baby scans during pregnancy?
Ultrasound baby scans provide accurate information about how the baby develops in the uterus. Baby pictures can be captured that show baby’s position in the uterus, the baby’s facial features and the baby’s size. In addition, ultrasound baby scans are used to determine the baby’s age by entering the last menstrual period (LMP) date in an ultrasound calculator. The baby pictures provide valuable information about the baby’s health that helps you make informed decisions about your pregnancy.
How do the baby size and position during pregnancy affect baby scans?
A doctor can determine the baby’s size compared to the average pregnancy. In addition, the baby pictures captured from baby scans may show that baby is lying in an awkward position in the uterus, which makes it difficult to view the baby’s organs with ultrasound probes.
What types of conditions increase the risk of baby scans during pregnancy?
The baby scans are considered safe for all babies. However, baby scans may be less accurate in the following conditions: if the baby is small or large for the age; the baby is lying in an awkward position (transverse lie); baby has a low amniotic fluid level; and if baby blocks most of the ultrasound signals.
What happens if a problem is detected during a scan?
If a problem is detected during a baby scan, the doctor may order more tests to determine the severity of the problem. The baby scans provide a good starting point for investigating any potential issues with the baby’s development. If a significant abnormality is detected, the baby may need to be delivered early.
Do you have your ultrasound booked?
Ultrasound baby scans are fundamental during pregnancy as they provide accurate information about how the baby is developing. Baby pictures can be captured that show baby’s position in the uterus, the baby’s facial features and the baby’s size. Ultrasound baby scans are used to determine the baby’s age by entering the date of the last menstrual period (LMP) in an ultrasound calculator. The pictures of baby pictures provide valuable information about the baby’s health that helps you make informed decisions about your pregnancy.
Contact Ultrasound Plus for an ultrasound today!
