For the last 30 years or so, a great tool has emerged in the form of ultrasound in obstetric care. Now it is almost mandatory to undergo a number of ultrasounds during pregnancy. Is it justified? Yes, of course!
Ultrasound Technology in Obstetrics
How many and when?
1. Early Pregnancy (Initial Weeks)
Confirmation & Viability:
- Confirm pregnancy and check if the embryo is in the uterus (ruling out ectopic gestation).
- Check if the primitive heart is ticking indicating viability.
- Check for any underlying abnormality in the uterus.
- Date the pregnancy accurately.
2. The NT Scan (11-13 Weeks)
This is the time for serious thinking. The Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan assesses the risk of common genetic problems that can cause irreversible mental retardation and other structural malformations.
3. Anomaly Scan (17-20 Weeks)
This detailed scan examines the physical structure of the fetus to detect any Congenital Malformations (CMF). The aim is to detect serious malformations early enough to legally contemplate termination if necessary.
Growth Monitoring & Doppler
Thereafter, ultrasounds are done periodically (about 2 times) to monitor fetal growth so that medical intervention can be done if needed.
Doppler in Pregnancy
A specialized form of ultrasound to check if the fetus is getting enough nutrition and oxygen from the mother by analyzing blood circulation. This requires expertise and a good USG machine.
Common Questions
"You mean children are not born if there is no ultrasound?"
Well, they are born, and most of the time the outcome is satisfactory. But in this era, all children are premium kids for parents, and poor outcomes have to be negated as much as possible.
"Are ultrasounds safe for the child in the womb?"
It is safe, and with newer machines and better expertise, it is 'Absolutely SAFE'.
