When and Why a Pregnant Woman Should Get an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound scans are a crucial part of prenatal care, providing essential information about the health and development of your baby throughout pregnancy. In this blog, we will discuss the purpose and timing of various ultrasound scans during pregnancy and why they are so important for both mother and baby.

First Ultrasound – Early Pregnancy Scan

The first Ultrasound, also known as the early Pregnancy scan, is typically performed between 1.5 to 2 months into the pregnancy. This scan serves several purposes:

a) Confirming the location of the pregnancy: This ultrasound helps ensure the baby is in the uterus and not in the fallopian tubes, which is called ectopic pregnancy, a potentially life-threatening condition.

b) Determining the baby’s age: For women with irregular menstrual cycles, it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact age of the baby. The first ultrasound helps establish a more accurate due date.

c) Checking the baby’s heartbeat: A healthy heartbeat should be detectable by 6 to 7 weeks of pregnancy. If a transvaginal ultrasound shows no heartbeat, it could indicate an abnormal pregnancy. This scan is also called a dating scan.

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Second Ultrasound – NTNB or Level 1 Scan

The Second Ultrasound, known as the NTNB (Nuchal Translucency and Nasal Bone) or Level 1 scan, is usually performed after three months of pregnancy.

This scan checks for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. It is essential to ensure the baby’s neural tube is visible and that there is minimal fluid behind the neck. This scan is crucial for early detection of potential issues.

Third Ultrasound – Anatomy or Level 2 Scan

The third ultrasound, often referred to as the anatomy or Level 2 scan, is performed around the 5th month of pregnancy. This comprehensive examination checks for malformations and defects in the baby’s development. The following aspects are assessed:

a) Head, facial features, and cleft palate

b) Spine and backbone

c) Chest, lungs, and heart

d) Digestive system, including the food pipe, stomach, liver, and kidneys

e) Limbs, fingers, and toes

f) Urinary bladder and genitalia

This scan is extremely important as it identifies potential issues, allowing healthcare providers to offer appropriate treatment options or interventions.

Fourth Ultrasound – Growth Scan

The Fourth Ultrasound, known as the Growth Scan, is typically Performed around the 8th month of Pregnancy. This scan checks the Baby’s growth, ensuring the Surrounding amniotic Fluid is Sufficient and Blood Flow is Adequate.

A Doppler test is often included to assess blood flow through the Umbilical cord. Sometimes, doctors may recommend additional scans before the 8th month based on physical examination findings.

Additional Scans

 If any concerns arise during the 20-week anatomy scan, your healthcare provider may recommend additional ultrasounds to monitor specific aspects of your baby’s development more closely.

For instance, fetal echocardiography may be recommended to examine the baby’s heart in greater detail, or targeted ultrasound scans might be necessary to monitor a specific organ or body part.

Wrapping up

 

Ultrasound scans during Pregnancy are essential for monitoring the Health and Development of your baby. These scans help detect potential issues, provide Accurate information on your baby’s age, and ensure appropriate prenatal care.

 

Each ultrasound scan serves a specific purpose and plays a vital role in providing the best possible care for both mother and baby. If you have any questions or concerns about ultrasound scans during pregnancy, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and support.