Planned ultrasound in pregnancy: why do you need to do this?

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 has received very wide distribution. And he is constantly improving, now it is not uncommon for 3D ultrasound, which allows you to get three projections at once and see a three-dimensional image.

For a long time already, ultrasound has been actively used by obstetrician-gynecologists in observing the bearing of a child. If everything is normal, planned ultrasound during pregnancy is carried out three times.

Absolute safety of this diagnostic tool for the fetus is not proven. Nevertheless, planned ultrasound during pregnancy has been used for several decades all over the world, and no negative impact has been established. But, do not abuse them. Refusing the same procedure is also not recommended, because in many cases the information obtained with it can save lives and health.

To date, obstetrician-gynecologists have determined the timing of ultrasound in pregnancy, which should be adhered to. These are the most important stages in the development of the fetus. In the case of a few babies, suspicion of pathology and the threat of miscarriage, the procedure is performed more often.

At 11-13 weeks, a planned ultrasound in pregnancy to identify the main malformations. During it, the presence of the legs, arms, head is checked, and also multiplicity is revealed. During this period, the baby has already formed a brain structure, internal and external organs, it took shape and grew. The doctor examines each vertebra to eliminate defects, examines the contours of the neck, abdomen, back. He examines the thickness and shape of the bones of the skull, ears, soft facial tissues. On chromosomal diseases , the unusual size of the nasal bone may indicate. The palpitation of the fetus and the condition of the uterus are determined.

Another planned ultrasound in pregnancy, which is carried out for 20 weeks, allows you to know the sex of the child at a certain position. However, its goal is a thorough examination of the fetus and identification of abnormalities in the development, formation and anatomy of the basic systems and organs of the baby. Also, the doctor must ensure that the fetus is provided with the necessary nutrients and assess the structure and position of the placenta. It is the most important and in some cases limited only to them.

The final planned ultrasound in pregnancy is done at 30 weeks. During the procedure, determine the weight of the fetus, the growth, the size of body parts, presentation, maturity of the placenta, the condition of the cervix, the location of the umbilical cord, and how many amniotic fluid. It is necessary to exclude the delay in development. If there are complications, then add to it dopplerometry - an assessment of the blood flow of the placenta and fetus.

According to certain indications, the study can be postponed until 35-36 weeks. For example, if there is a scar on the uterus, for which it is necessary to observe. After this procedure, a final decision is made regarding the process of giving birth.

Sometimes, when an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, an early ultrasound is performed at about 5 weeks after the delay in menstruation. At this time, the embryo has a size of about 3 mm. This procedure helps to clarify the duration of pregnancy and the multi-diplodity, 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 lead to the appearance of abnormalities in the development of the fetus.

Thus, in pregnancy, ultrasound can help identify problems such as: implantation of the egg in the tube, malformations, placental abruption, problematic fetal location, umbilical cord entanglement, uterine hypertension. If they are identified in a timely manner, then it is possible to save the life of the mother and child.