Ultrasound in
pregnancy is a common diagnostic tool used by healthcare providers to monitor
the development and health of the fetus during pregnancy. Here are some key
points about ultrasound in pregnancy:
Purpose: Ultrasound imaging during pregnancy serves
several purposes, including confirming pregnancy, estimating the gestational
age of the fetus, assessing fetal growth and development, detecting multiple
pregnancies, evaluating the placenta, and identifying any abnormalities or
complications.
Types of Ultrasounds: There are different types of ultrasound
examinations used during pregnancy.
- Transabdominal ultrasound: This involves applying a gel to the abdomen and using a handheld device (transducer) to transmit sound waves through the abdomen into the ureters
- Transvaginal ultrasound: In this procedure, a small ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina to obtain clearer images, especially in early pregnancy.
- Doppler ultrasound: This type of ultrasound measures blood flow and velocity in the umbilical cord, placenta, or fetal heart.
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3-D ultrasound utilizes specially designed probes and computer software
to produce a more complete picture of the baby by taking images in a series of
slices and combining them to form a three-dimensional image. It provides a
better understanding of fetal growth and may be recommended by obstetricians
when needed.
·
4D ultrasound, also known as 3D dynamic ultrasound, offers the most
lifelike images of the baby. It utilizes advanced transducers to provide a
realistic view of the baby's face and captures images of the baby in motion,
allowing parents to witness actions such as yawning or heartbeat. This
ultrasound is particularly thrilling for parents as it fosters early bonding
with the baby before delivery.
Safety: Ultrasound imaging is considered safe for both the pregnant woman and the fetus when performed by trained healthcare professionals. It uses sound waves, not radiation, to create images of the fetus.
Diagnostic Capability: Ultrasound can detect various conditions or
anomalies, such as fetal growth restriction, congenital anomalies, placental
abnormalities, ectopic pregnancy, and miscarriage.
Gender Determination: In many cases, ultrasound can also determine the sex of the fetus, although accuracy may vary depending on the gestational age and position of the fetus
Overall, ultrasound plays a crucial role in prenatal care by providing valuable information about the health and development of the fetus, enabling healthcare providers to monitor pregnancies and manage any potential complications effectively
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References
Gharekhanloo, F. (2018, January). The ultrasound identification of fetal gender at the gestational
age of 11–12 weeks. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5958571/
Indications for Doppler ultrasound at 32 weeks gestation. (n.d.). Bệnh viện Đa khoa Quốc tế Vinmec | Vinmec. https://www.vinmec.com/en/news/health-news/obstetrics-gynecology-and-assisted-reproductive-technologies-art/indications-for-doppler-ultrasound-at-32-weeks-gestation/
Team PainAssist. (2018, June 21). 7 types of ultrasounds for pregnancy. Epainassist - Useful Information for Better Health. https://www.epainassist.com/test-and-procedures/types-of-ultrasounds-for-pregnancy
Type of ultrasound in pregnancy. (2023,
March 2). inviTRA. https://www.invitra.com/en/fetal-ultrasound/transvaginal-and-abdominal-ultrasound/
Ultrasound in pregnancy: What to expect, purpose & results. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy
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