Viewing their baby on an ultrasound is among the most thrilling aspects of pregnancy for many expectant moms. Ultrasound technology utilizes high-frequency sound waves to produce images of an unborn child. Monitoring the fetus’s growth by ultrasound Lake Nona is not only thrilling for expectant parents but also crucial for the fetus’s safety. Despite its complex technological nature, the ultrasonography technique is straightforward. Continue reading to learn how ultrasound works and how you can prepare for your appointment.
Why Is Ultrasound Necessary?
There are numerous uses for prenatal ultrasounds. Based on the trimester of a pregnancy, an ultrasound can be utilized for the following purposes:
- First Trimester
An ultrasound may be performed during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy or the first trimester for various reasons. An ultrasound can identify an ectopic pregnancy, confirm a pregnancy, assess the fetal heartbeat, and inspect the uterus, cervix, placenta, ovaries, and much more.
- Second and Third Trimesters
The second trimester ranges from the 12th to the 24th week, whereas the third is from the 24th week to delivery. During this stage, an ultrasound can monitor the fetus’s development and position, determine the baby’s gender, and screen for congenital anomalies, birth defects, and Down syndrome. Furthermore, an ultrasound can measure the length of the woman’s cervix and confirm intrauterine mortality, among other things.
How To Get Ready For An Ultrasound?
Getting ready for an ultrasound is straightforward, as there are no specific limitations you need to be mindful of. During the ultrasound, your physician will attempt to obtain a clear picture of the fetus and your reproductive organs. As such, it could be advantageous to drink plenty of fluids before your visit, as a full bladder may assist in obtaining a clearer image. Most physicians suggest taking three, 8-ounce water glasses an hour before the ultrasound, so your bladder is full.
What To Expect During The Ultrasound?
You will lie flat on an exam table or bed for an ultrasound. Your ultrasound provider will apply a water-based, non-hazardous gel to the abdomen. The technician will next put a transducer on your abdomen, collecting pictures on the real-time monitor in black and white.
Transvaginal ultrasounds are sometimes conducted, particularly in the first trimester if the standard procedure cannot generate a clear image. This procedure involves inserting a tiny ultrasonic probe inside the vagina.
Are Prenatal Ultrasounds Safe?
Every medical practice involves risk. However, no evidence exists that a correctly performed prenatal ultrasound will harm the mother or the unborn baby. These ultrasounds should be done by a doctor or skilled professional, known as a sonographer. Other imaging techniques, like X-rays, employ radiation, while ultrasound does not.
What Are 3D and 4D Ultrasounds?
There are now ultrasounds that provide a three-dimensional image of the fetus. A moving visual interpretation is known as a four-dimensional ultrasound. This visual is comparable to the quality of a photograph and can be utilized to discover birth abnormalities when performed in a medical facility.
Some facilities provide this scan at the parents’ request without a particular medical indication. Nevertheless, as with other standard ultrasounds, it is important to have 3D and 4D ultrasounds performed by trained persons to avoid inaccurate information.
Prenatal ultrasounds serve to track your infant’s growth and health. Besides fetal size, these exams can check your baby’s respiration, movements, heart rate, amniotic fluid, muscle tone, and more. Occasionally, babies grow smaller or larger than anticipated, prompting physicians to order an ultrasound to guarantee a successful pregnancy.