Fetal ultrasound

Overview:

Fetal ultrasound is a test conducted during pregnancy to check the health of the fetus in the mother’s womb. The test involves the generation of an image of the fetus and give the parents the first glimpse of their baby. Ultrasound is considered a very safe method, and various body parts of the fetus, like the heart, head, spine, etc, can be evaluated. The procedure is either carried out by placing a transducer on the mother’s stomach or inserted in the vagina. The transducer is moved at multiple speeds and captures sound waves that bounce off the baby like an echo. The waves are transformed into a picture and displayed on the computer. There is no radiation used during the fetal ultrasound.

Types Of Fetal Ultrasounds:

There are three types of fetal ultrasounds.

• Standard ultrasound: This type of ultrasound involves the use of sound waves to generate two-dimensional pictures of the fetus which can be displayed on a computer.
• Doppler ultrasound: This test can depict the movement of blood flowing through the umbilical cord into the baby’s heart or in between the baby and the placenta.
• 3-D ultrasound: This ultrasound generates almost a life-like picture of the baby and can be very exciting for the parents to get a closer look at their baby in detail.

Which Fetal Body Parts Does An Ultrasound Evaluate:

The fetal ultrasound can determine defects in the fetus and check the following body parts:

• Stomach and the abdomen of the fetus.
• The limbs- arms and legs.
• The neck region.
• The head and the brain.
• The heart- the chambers as well as the valves.
• Kidneys and bladder.
• Spinal cord and the umbilical cord.

What Does The Fetal Ultrasound Help Diagnose:

A fetal ultrasound can help detect the following conditions:

• It helps to find out if a woman is pregnant with how many babies. E.g., twins and more.
• The test helps to determine the gestational age of the baby.
• It helps to find the location where to pierce the needle to remove the amniotic fluid.
• The test helps to assess if the fetus is growing normally or not.

What Should A Person Know About The Procedure:

Some very crucial points to keep in mind are:

• It is important for the person to know the name of the test.
• The reason why the doctor has asked them to undergo the procedure.
• What will the test reveal and what do the results indicate?
• What are the risks and complications involved in the procedure?
• Does the test have any side effects, or can it affect the fetus in any way?
• Where is the person required to undergo the procedure?
• Who will carry out the test, and is the professional qualified and experienced?
• What are the implications if the person doesn’t take the test?
• Are there any alternatives to the test?
• When will the results be shared, and who is the person supposed to call if they have any concerns or doubts after the results are out?
• What is the cost of the procedure?

What Happens During A Fetal Ultrasound:

• The doctor explains the process to the person undergoing the procedure in detail and asks them to sign a consent form that allows the doctor and the professional to go ahead with the test.
• The person should read the form carefully and feel free to ask the doctor about any questions or concerns they have.
• The doctor asks about any health conditions or allergies the person has and inquires about the medications or vitamins they are taking. It is advisable to tell the doctor about any symptoms or health concerns the person may be experiencing.
• Before the procedure, the person is asked to drink a lot of water to enable the test to produce detailed and clear images of the fetus.
• The fetal ultrasound can be carried out in a clinic or at a hospital, depending on the condition of the person.
• The person is asked to raise their clothing to show the abdomen for an abdominal ultrasound. For a transvaginal fetal ultrasound, the person is asked to remove their clothing below the waist. A sheet is provided to cover the person, and they are asked to remove any metal or jewelry that can interfere with the ultrasound process.
• The person is asked to lie on a table on their back or their side.
• During an abdominal ultrasound, a gel is applied on the stomach and the transducer is moved around on the person’s stomach with a little pressure on the skin.
• The transvaginal ultrasound requires a person’s legs to be put up in stirrups with the knees kept apart. The transducer with the gel is inserted in the vagina and moved around to get images.
• Sometimes, the person may be asked to go and pass urine if too much water has been consumed.
• After the procedure, tissue is provided to the person to wipe away the extra gel, and the person can go home.
• The doctor instructs the person further after the results are out and discusses the next treatment steps if required.

What Are The Risks Involved In Fetal Ultrasound:

Fetal ultrasound is a relatively safe procedure with minimal risks, which include:

• The person may feel uncomfortable with a full bladder after being asked to drink a lot of water.
• The transducer may cause a little discomfort when pressed against the abdomen or inserted in the vagina.
• People with latex allergy may get a reaction to the latex coving on the transducer during a transvaginal ultrasound.
• The test can show a false positive by falsely detecting something that is not present or it can miss indicating a problem despite of its presence giving a false negative. Hence the doctor may advise further investigation after the ultrasound.
• In some cases inexperienced or untrained staff can misinterpret the images and provide false analysis to the person and their family. Hence it is very important to undergo testing in a professional setup with skilled and trained staff.

Conclusion:

The fetal ultrasound test can be a great experience for parents when they see their baby for the first time. The test additionally provides valuable insights into the growth process of the fetus and helps detect timely complications for further treatment. It is however very crucial that the procedure is carried out by skilled and trained professionals for accurate diagnosis.

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