Pregnancy Ultrasound
Pregnancy ultrasound is a device that utilizes sound waves in order to witness the development of a fetus inside the womb. Aside from that, ultrasound tests are also conducted to evaluate the condition of a female's pelvic organs while pregnant.
Conducting Pregnancy Ultrasound
There are several reasons why a pregnancy ultrasound is conducted, however it works around the same premises: that of monitoring the development of the fetus inside the womb and ensuring the safety of the mother. This device is also helpful in diagnosing the problems experienced during pregnancy. Therefore, you need to consult with your health care provider and what type of scanning method to use.
Ultrasound scans done during the first trimester are done due to the following reasons:
- Ensure a normal pregnancy,
- Determine the baby's age,
- To ensure no other complications arise such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy,
- Evaluate the baby's heart rate,
- Determine if there is a case of multiple pregnancy,
- Determine other types of complications on the uterus, pelvis, or placenta.
For ultrasound scans done on the second and third trimester, they are for the following reasons:
- Determining the age of the baby, its weight, position, or gender,
- Identify any existing problems that could hinder development,
- Confirm there is no multiple pregnancy,
- Ensure the condition of placenta, pelvis, and uterus.
How Are Pregnancy Ultrasound Tests Performed
In order to get the procedure done, you will be required by your doctor to lie down. Then, a water-based gel is applied on your belly until the pelvic area. A hand-held probe is done maneuvered above those particular areas in the body applied with the gel.
The presence of the gel facilitates for the transmission of sound waves by the probe. As these waves bounce off the structure of your body, it is able to produce a picture of the developing fetus on the ultrasound machine.
Other types of pregnancy ultrasound require the probe to be placed into the vagina. This type of machine is called transvaginal ultrasound.
In order to get a clearer picture of your internal structure, you will be required a full bladder. Hence, drink about 2-3 glasses of any liquid substance approximately an hour before the actual test is conducted. Make sure though that you do not urinate these liquids even before the procedure begins. No need to worry about any type of pain as you will only feel a slight discomfort due to the pressure exerted on your bladder.
Evaluating Results
Normal results will show the fetus and the structure in your pelvis in a normal appearance, as is determined by the doctor during gestational stage. The results may vary, however, but it is up to your doctor to assess the specific meaning of the result.
If you have any of these results, then it might signal an abnormal condition and further tests could be done:
- ectopic pregnancy
- multiple pregnancies
- miscarriage
- intrauterine growth retardation
- mispositioned baby inside the womb
- placental problems, such as placental abruption or placenta previa
- lack of amniotic fluid
- excessive amniotic fluid
- pregnancy tumors such as gestational trophoblastic disease
- other structure problems such as in the ovaries, pelvis, or uterus
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