In this blog, you will read about what is USG, what happens during an ultrasound, and the reasons for having USG in pregnancy.
Pregnant women usually look forward to the USG (Ultrasonogram) more than any other prenatal appointment. It’s easy to see why! It’s exciting to get a sneak peek of your little one while your sonographer looks for specific growth and development markers.
What is USG (Ultrasonogram)?
An ultrasound during pregnancy is a test that uses high-frequency sound waves to image the developing baby as well as the mother’s reproductive organs. Ultrasounds during pregnancy, assist doctors in diagnosing a wide range of diseases and conditions, including those unrelated to pregnancy. An ultrasound, also known as a sonogram, is usually performed by an ultrasound technician or, on rare occasions, by an OBGYN. The average number of ultrasounds vary depending on the pregnancy.
What Happens During an Ultrasound?
During an ultrasound, you will be asked to lie down on an examination table or bed, and a special gel will be applied to your abdomen and pelvic area by the sonographer. The gel helps the sound waves to travel with ease. The sonographer then uses a small wand called a transducer, which is passed over the skin’s surface.
During the procedure, high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) produce an echo, which is translated into a series of detailed images displayed on a screen. These are used by the specialist to examine the internal environment and to help with symptom diagnosis. You will be able to see your baby during a pregnancy scan, and the sonographer will examine a variety of images to observe anatomical details and how the internal organs are functioning. You may be asked to move, hold your breath, or perform very simple breathing exercises while they capture images during the scan. The sonographer then examines the captured images to ensure that they are clear.
Reasons for Having USG in Pregnancy
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To Confirm The Pregnancy
One of the main reasons for having USG in pregnancy is to confirm the news and the location of the foetus. Some foetuses form outside the uterus, in the fallopian tube. A foetal ultrasound can assist your doctor in detecting a pregnancy outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy).
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Confirm the Number of Babies & Determine Your Baby’s Gestational Age
If your doctor suspects multiple pregnancy, an ultrasound may be performed to confirm the number of babies. Besides that, knowing the baby’s age can assist your doctor in determining your due date and tracking various milestones throughout your pregnancy.
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Evaluate Your Baby’s Growth
Ultrasound can be used by your doctor to determine whether your baby is growing at a normal rate. Your baby’s movement, breathing, and heart rate can all be monitored using ultrasound. USG in pregnancy can also assist your doctor in screening for certain birth defects. Also you can go with prenatal screening test through Apollo hospitals.
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Investigate Complications
If you’re bleeding or experiencing other complications, an ultrasound may be able to help your doctor figure out what’s causing it.
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Study the Placenta and Amniotic Fluid Levels
Your baby receives vital nutrients and oxygen-rich blood from the placenta. Too much or too little amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby in the uterus during pregnancy) or placental complications require special attention. An ultrasound can be used to assess the placenta and amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.
An ultrasound is critical for determining the health of the foetus at various stages of development. With the proper diagnosis, parents can make decisions that will aid in the delivery of a healthy baby. You can visit Apollo’s best maternity hospitals in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and more to get your ultrasound check-up done. These above mentions are the main reasons for having USG in pregnancy.
