Scans in Pregnancy: Why Ultrasounds Matter for You and Your Baby

Overview

Scans during pregnancy are more than a happy peek at your baby; they are the critical milestones in your motherhood journey. From a peek into the healthy growth of babies to the overall development at each phase, every scan can be a turning point in your life. In this article, we explain the types, their applications, and common myths surrounding the safety of these scans. So, let us start!

Table of Contents

Introduction
Importance of Scans During Pregnancy
Types of Pregnancy Ultrasound Scans
Are Scans Safe During Pregnancy?
What to Expect During an Ultrasound Scan
When are Additional Scans Required?
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Pregnancy is a time in a woman's life that is full of emotions, such as excitement, anticipation, and nervousness. This period demands more than additional care, and that includes making informed health decisions. One such procedure is an ultrasound scan, a painless technique used to produce images of the foetus within the womb through high-frequency sound waves.

These pictures are not mere photographs of your developing baby; these are the signs of healthy development of the baby in each trimester. From verifying the existence of a heartbeat to identifying any abnormal development and predicting the due date, ultrasound scans can offer parents all they need to know.

Importance of Scans During Pregnancy

Ultrasound scans are the backbone of prenatal care for a range of important reasons. Below is how they help in keeping the mother and baby healthy:

Confirming pregnancy and determining due date: The first scan verifies if the pregnancy is genuine and provides an accurate gestational age estimation, which can forecast the estimated due date.
Tracking the baby's development and growth: Scans throughout the pregnancy monitor fetal growth measurements such as head circumference, femur length, and abdominal circumference to ensure the baby is developing properly.
Identification of multiple births: Ultrasounds can identify if you are having twins or multiples early on, allowing your doctor to tailor your care accordingly.
Early diagnosis of abnormalities or complications: All fetal structural abnormalities, placental abnormalities, and chromosomal abnormalities can be detected before birth, allowing for timely interventions
Ensuring the placenta and amniotic fluid levels are in the correct amounts: Placental well-being and the proper amount of amniotic fluid are crucial for feeding and ensuring the baby's comfort during pregnancy.

Types of Pregnancy Ultrasound Scans

Ultrasound scans during pregnancy are divided into several types based on the stage of the pregnancy:

First Trimester Scan (6 to 9 Weeks)

The first scan is done to confirm the presence of an embryo, which includes detecting its heartbeat and determining a healthy gestation.
It also confirms the position of the embryo in the correct place, eliminating the possibility of ectopic pregnancy.
In the event of unexpected pregnancies, it assists in identifying the gestational age.

Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan (11 to 14 Weeks)

This scan is carried out to identify the risk of early genetic conditions like Down syndrome or any other chromosomal risks.
This scan involves measuring fluid at the back of the baby's neck, in addition to a blood test to evaluate these conditions.

Anomaly Scan (18 to 22 Weeks)

This is performed to identify any anomaly in the baby's organs, like cleft lip, spina bifida, heart defects, etc.
Screens the position of the placenta and amniotic fluid to identify its low-lying position and fluid volume.

Growth Scan (28 to 32 Weeks)

The name says it all. The scan is performed to check the overall development of the baby, as well as its position, whether breech or not.
It also checks the placenta and amniotic fluid, as lower fluid can fetally affect the foetus.

Doppler Scan (If Recommended)

This scan is typically used in high-risk pregnancies, e.g., high blood pressure in the mother.
It measures how efficiently the blood between the foetus and the placenta passes through the umbilical cord.

Are Scans Safe During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women often wonder if ultrasound scans in pregnancy might harm the baby. The good news is that decades of scientific studies have testified to pregnancy ultrasound scanning when used as intended. Its safety depends on three major factors:

How ultrasound technology works: It uses sound waves to produce pictures; that is, unlike X-rays, these scans do not use any radiation.
Evidence on the safety of ultrasound scans: Science has determined that routine ultrasound exposure during pregnancy is not associated with any known risks.
Why routine scans are safe and non-invasive: Scans involve putting a transducer on the skin or inside (when it's early in pregnancy), and aren't painful or cause any discomfort.

What to Expect During an Ultrasound Scan

Here is what you can expect during an ultrasound scan in pregnancy:

Preparation for the actual scan: Scans early in pregnancy may require a full bladder to get a better view of the uterus. Later scans don't require any preparation.
What happens during the Scan: A cold gel is put on your abdomen. A probe (transducer) is then moved over the abdomen to capture real-time pictures of the baby.
After the Scan: The radiologist or technician at a maternity hospital can point out sections of the baby, for example, the head, spine, or arms. Your doctor will then provide a detailed report later on.

When are Additional Scans Required?

In some cases, more than the normal 2–3 scans may be advised, depending on your condition or the development of the baby. Here are some reasons why some patients require additional scans:

High-risk pregnancies: Women with diabetes, thyroid disease, or high blood pressure may need to be checked more often.
Decreased fetal movements If the baby is less active than usual in the third trimester, a scan is used to check the health of the baby.
History of complications in pregnancy: A history of a previous miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm delivery may warrant closer monitoring.
Problems with growth or abnormal test results: Abnormal test results or growth below the expected rate could trigger additional biophysical profiles or Doppler scans.

Conclusion

Scans in pregnancy are the perfect mix of pure joy and clinical reassurance. These pregnancy ultrasound scans are a kind of your baby's health diary, which records every minor detail of your baby. These detailed images are used to check for the viability of your growing baby, identify any probable complications in it, measure growth, and get you ready for a safe delivery.

Knowing the significance of scans during pregnancy gives mothers the power to make decisions and remain aware of the health of their baby. Always stick to your doctor's plan for scans and never feel shy to ask questions during your check-ups. Your prenatal care is most effective when you are informed, engaged, and supported

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Scans are Done in a Normal Pregnancy?

In most pregnancies, 2 to 3 major scans—one during each trimester—are done unless more scans are medically necessary.

Can Ultrasound Scans Harm The Baby?

No. A study shows that ultrasounds are safe and non-invasive. Ultrasound scans during pregnancy do not use radiation, making them ideal for routine prenatal checks.