Having a pregnancy ultrasound examination can be a joyful moment for couples. Find out the benefits of pregnancy ultrasound below!
Ultrasound examinations use sound waves to provide images of the baby in the womb. This examination is generally not painful and has no side effects on the mother or the fetus.
Pregnancy ultrasound examination can be performed at any stage of pregnancy. However, the decision to undergo this examination depends on the mother’s preference and the doctor’s recommendation. Find out the benefits of having a pregnancy ultrasound below.
The Right Time for Pregnancy Ultrasound
Most pregnant women undergo one or two ultrasound examinations during their pregnancy. However, the number and timing of the examinations can vary depending on whether the mother has specific health conditions or not.
If the pregnancy is considered high-risk or if the doctor suspects any health conditions in the mother or fetus, more frequent ultrasound examinations may be recommended.
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The timing of the first ultrasound examination also varies, with some people having an early ultrasound examination in the first trimester or at 7 to 8 weeks of pregnancy.
According to the National Health Service UK, some experts suggest the appropriate timing for pregnancy ultrasound examinations:
At 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy
During this first examination, the doctor can estimate the baby’s expected due date (estimated due date or EDD) based on the baby’s measurements.
During the first pregnancy examination at this stage, translucency screening may be included, which is part of a combined test for down syndrome if the mother chooses to undergo this examination.
Between 18 to 21 weeks of pregnancy
The second examination offered during pregnancy is the 20-week screening examination. It is usually done between 18 to 21 weeks of pregnancy. This examination checks the baby’s physical condition.
Benefits of Having a Pregnancy Ultrasound
Ultrasound is commonly referred to as ultrasonography or sonography. The ultrasound image is called a sonogram. Ultrasound can be used to diagnose various medical conditions, but it is mostly used to monitor the progress of pregnancy.
Here are some benefits of pregnancy ultrasound:
Monitoring the Health and Development of the Baby
Pregnancy ultrasound can help determine whether the fetus is normal or not. It can provide information about specific conditions, such as birth defects or abnormal fetal conditions.
Pregnancy ultrasound can also check pregnancy-related issues, such as the position of the placenta (the organ that provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby). This allows for early intervention and necessary preparations to address these conditions after birth.
Checking the Placenta’s Condition
Pregnancy ultrasound can assess the position of the placenta, the organ that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the baby. Knowing the placenta’s position is crucial to ensure that the baby receives an adequate supply of blood and nutrients required for its growth and development in the womb.
Screening Pregnancy Problems
Additionally, pregnancy ultrasound can also be used to perform screening for other pregnancy-related issues, such as bleeding or structural abnormalities in the reproductive organs.
Checking the Size, Position, Heartbeat, and Age of the Fetus
Pregnancy ultrasound plays a crucial role in assessing the health and development of the fetus. This procedure allows for accurate measurement of the fetus’s size, monitoring the proper position for delivery, observing the heartbeat for early detection of circulation problems, and estimating the fetus’s age based on visible development.
Determining if there are Multiple Babies
Through ultrasound, doctors can detect whether the pregnancy involves more than one baby or twins. This examination provides crucial information about the number and position of these babies, allowing for more effective planning and management of a twin pregnancy.
Through a pregnancy ultrasound, mothers can gain a better understanding of the health and development of the fetus in the womb, ensuring appropriate care for a healthy pregnancy.
This examination can also reassure fathers about the condition of the future baby. With prenatal ultrasounds, fathers can better understand and care for the pregnancy.
Keep your health in check for a healthy pregnancy! Find information about pregnancy, pregnancy programs, and fertility-related issues at Bocah Indonesia.
This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Chitra Fatimah.
Source:
Panzone, J., et al. (2022). Transrectal Ultrasound in Prostate Cancer: Current Utilization, Integration with mpMRI, HIFU and Other Emerging Applications. Cancer Management and Research, 14, pp. 1209–1228. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35345605/
Drukker, L., Noble, J., & Papageorghiou, A. (2020). Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in Ultrasound Imaging in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 56(4), 498-505. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32530098/
National Health Service UK (2021). Health A to Z. Ultrasound Scan.
National Health Service UK (2020). Pregnancy. Ultrasound Scans in Pregnancy.
National Institutes of Health (2020). MedlinePlus. Ultrasound.
