Today, one of the most important tools for diagnosing the state of internal organs of a person is ultrasound. This is an inexpensive and accurate method that is very widespread. Moreover, he is constantly improving, now it is no longer a rarity of 3D ultrasound, which allows you to get three projections at once and see a three-dimensional image.
For a long time, ultrasound has been actively used by obstetrician-gynecologists when monitoring the bearing of a child. If everything is normal, planned ultrasound during pregnancy is carried out three times.
The absolute safety of this diagnostic tool for the fetus has not been proven. Nevertheless, a planned ultrasound during pregnancy has been used for more than a dozen years all over the world, and a negative effect has also not been established. But, do not abuse it. Refusing this procedure is also not recommended, since in many cases the information obtained through it can save lives and health.
To date, obstetrician-gynecologists have determined the timing of ultrasound during pregnancy, which must be adhered to. These are the most key stages in the development of the fetus. In the case of the bearing of several babies, suspected pathology and the threat of miscarriage, the procedure is performed more often.
At 11-13 weeks, a planned ultrasound during pregnancy is performed to identify the main malformations. During it, the presence of legs, arms, head is checked, and multiple pregnancy is detected. During this period, the baby already has a brain structure, internal and external organs, it took shape and grew. The doctor examines each vertebra to exclude defects, examines the contours of the neck, abdomen, and back. He examines the thickness and shape of the bones of the skull, ears, soft tissues of the face. An unusual nasal bone size may indicate chromosomal disease . The fetal heart rate and uterine condition are determined.
Another planned ultrasound during pregnancy, which is carried out for 20 weeks, allows you to find out the gender of the child in a certain position. However, its purpose is to thoroughly examine the fetus and identify abnormalities in the development, formation and anatomy of the main systems and organs of the baby. Also, the doctor must make sure that the fetus is provided with the necessary nutrients and evaluate the structure and position of the placenta. It is the most important and in some cases is limited only to it.
The final planned ultrasound during pregnancy is done at 30 weeks. During the procedure, fetal weight, height, size of body parts, previa, placental maturity, cervical condition, umbilical cord location, and how much amniotic fluid are determined. It is necessary to exclude developmental delay. If there are complications, then dopplerometry is added to it - an assessment of the blood flow of the placenta and the fetus.
According to certain indications, the study may be postponed until 35-36 weeks. For example, if there is a scar on the uterus, which must be observed. After this procedure, a final decision is made regarding the management of labor.
Sometimes, if an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, an early ultrasound is performed at about 5 weeks immediately after the delay of menstruation. At this time, the embryo has a size of about 3 mm. This procedure helps to clarify the gestational age and infertility, as well as confirm the viability of the embryo. In addition, during it determine the condition of the placenta. After all, violations in it can cause the occurrence of deviations in the development of the fetus.
Thus, during pregnancy, ultrasound can help identify problems such as: implantation of an egg in the tube, malformations, detachment of the placenta, problematic location of the fetus, entanglement of the umbilical cord, uterine hypertonicity. If you identify them in a timely manner, then you can save the life of the mother and child.