PREGNANCY TESTS For most pregnant women, carrying a baby to term is largely a mysterious process. This section helps new parents answer some of the most important questions about pregnancy and childbirth.

Ultrasound in Pregnancy

Ultrasound is one of the most important, safe, easy to use and economical diagnostic modality of today. Common questions are -

• What is the type of radiations used?
• When should I go for a scan?
• Why should I go for an ultrasound?
• Does an ultrasound hurt?
• What is a 3D ultrasound?
• Early First Trimester Scan (4-9 weeks)
• • Can I know the age of my baby at this time?
• Late first trimester scan (10-14 WEEKS)
• • What are the signs that can be picked up?
  • NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY
• The second trimester scan
• • What are the chromosomal disorders that can be picked up?
• Will the scan reveal the sex of my baby?
• Assessment of growth by ultrasound
• Amniotic Fluid Assessment

What is the type of radiations used?

In ultrasound, there are High Frequency sound waves which go from the transducer placed on your abdomen, hit the mother tissues and baby and gets reflected back and are displayed on the monitor.These are then picked up and read by the sinologist. Absolutely safe to the mother and baby, its benefits outweigh any risks.

Doppler studies are used to assess the hypoxic status (oxygen delivery) of the fetus and the placental flow in post datism or medical problems like hypertension and diabetes.

When should I go for a scan?

You will be guided by your doctor but in a normal pregnancy, 3-4 scans are needed in different trimesters to avail of different information. Apart from knowing about the baby, most parents look forward to their scan because it gives them the first glimpse of their baby and nothing makes you believe about your pregnancy more than a tiny glimpse of the baby.

You will also receive a photo printout or a video in most of the places.

Why should I go for an ultrasound?

It is the only non-invasive and easy technique to know:

• The position and the number of fetus
• The placental position and maturity
• The anatomy of the uterus
• Rule out ectopic pregnancy
• Rule out any congenital anomalies in the fetus
• Rule out conditions like vesicular mole
• Know about the amniotic fluid status
• Measure the growth parameters of the fetus
• To know the sex of the baby in some countries

Does an ultrasound hurt?

An abdominal scan is painless except for the discomfort of the transducer pressing on your tummy if you have a very full bladder. In the late pregnancy however, a full bladder is not needed.

One advantage of a vaginal scan is that it is best done with an empty bladder; so many women prefer this to an abdominal one. This may be uncomfortable but not painful.

What is a 3D ultrasound?

It is a newer technique of ultrasound in which the fetus is seen in a three dimensional view. It is a beautiful experience to see your baby floating and content in his own world. This type of realistic view is possible only in 3D images. But it is not used for measurements and growth criteria. So the use is limited.

It is also very useful to pick up the congenital anomalies.

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