Ultrasound is a diagnostic method that uses high-frequency sound waves to image internal organs. From the moment you learn you are pregnant, ultrasound will become an important part of your pregnancy checkups. By performing ultrasound examinations at specific intervals and during different stages of pregnancy, it is possible to obtain information about the baby's condition, health, and development. For example, in the first months of pregnancy, ultrasound examinations can assess the heartbeat and gestational sac size, while in the 5th month, detailed assessments of the baby's weight, the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby, the structure of its organs, and the condition of the placenta can be performed via ultrasound.
Ultrasound examinations have no known harmful effects on the baby's health. Because they use sound waves and do not contain radiation, they do not harm the baby or the expectant mother. During pregnancy, ultrasounds can be performed to answer the following questions:;
- Is there a pregnancy? Is it inside the uterus? Is it an ectopic pregnancy?
- Is the pregnancy healthy?
- How many months old? How many weeks old?
- What is the baby's estimated weight?
- Is the baby's nuchal translucency normal?
- How is the baby positioned?
- Is the placenta normal?
- Is the amniotic fluid normal?
- Does the baby have any abnormalities?
- What is the baby's gender?
- Are there any abnormalities in the uterus and ovaries?
How often are ultrasounds performed during pregnancy?
From the moment pregnancy begins, ultrasound examinations can be performed at different frequencies depending on the course of the pregnancy and any identified risk factors. Generally, ultrasounds are performed when pregnancy is first detected, then when a heartbeat is detected, followed by a first trimester screening between 11-14 weeks, a detailed ultrasound between 20-24 weeks, and again at 32 and 38 weeks by gynecologists.
Types of Ultrasound During Pregnancy
Different types of ultrasound can be performed on expectant mothers during pregnancy. The most well-known type is transabdominal ultrasound, which is performed through the abdomen. Transvaginal ultrasound (vaginal ultrasound), performed through the vagina, is also possible. Contrary to popular belief, vaginal ultrasound does not harm the pregnancy or the baby. Vaginal ultrasound does not increase the risk of miscarriage. We can use vaginal ultrasound in cases where we cannot clarify the location with abdominal ultrasound.
Obstetric ultrasound can be performed in any month of pregnancy. It is done to observe the baby's heartbeat, measure the gestational sac, and in later months to examine the baby's weight, development, internal organs, and the location of the placenta. Vaginal ultrasound is a type of ultrasound generally preferred in the first months of pregnancy to evaluate the gestational sac, possible areas of bleeding, and any threatened miscarriage. In later stages, vaginal ultrasound may be preferred for measuring the cervix and sometimes for precisely determining the location of the placenta. It shows the baby and its heartbeat in more detail than obstetric ultrasound. There is no harm in performing it in any month of pregnancy. Apart from these, detailed ultrasound is performed between 20-24 weeks of pregnancy. The purpose of detailed ultrasound is to check for any congenital anomalies (disabilities) in the baby, as well as to monitor the baby's development and possible adverse situations. Detailed ultrasound is performed abdominally and takes relatively longer to perform.
I recommend that you follow your doctor's advice and not miss any of your check-ups throughout your pregnancy.
Healthy pregnancies…
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