The mid-1800s witnessed the development of ultrasound imaging. But today, it seems to be one of the most important ways to evaluate a patient's condition during a course of treatment, especially for pregnant women.
It is routine for pregnant patients to undergo an ultrasound examination that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture the image of the developing fetus and the woman's placenta during pregnancy's second trimester. It generally occurs between 18 to 20 weeks.
Ultrasound and Its Diagnostic Uses
The USG in pregnancy is one of the safest ways to assess the developing fetus, placenta, and uterus. It ensures the right fetal & uterine or placental development. On its basic level, the imaging can assess the developing pregnancy for the given reasons:
#1 Detects pregnancy
Although you may choose the easiest way to detect pregnancy at home, no other mode is as scientifically proven as USG. Ultrasound is a useful method to detect pregnancy as it confirms the initial stage of pregnancy.
#2 Placental Issues
During any pregnancy stage, the placental position of one's uterus may be important to the health of the mother and fetus. USG helps determine a few complications like the following:
- Vasa Previa
- Placenta Previa
- Placenta Increta
- Placenta Accreta
- Placenta Percreta
- Placenta Increta
- Placenta Percreta
#3 Assesses Gestational Age
A regular pregnancy is thought of as the 40 weeks gestation period. However, in medical terms, pregnancy can be anywhere between 37 and 41 weeks. So, verifying this gestational age is imperative for a few reasons.
That way, it will help detect the baby's growth and ensure normal development. Gestational age gets verified against the dates offered by the mother concerning the last menstrual period to confirm its due date, thereby ensuring the baby is delivered too early or late.
#4 Checks whether there are Multiple Pregnancies or one (triplets, twins, or more)
A pregnancy having multiple babies can carry special risks. And it must get monitored on a regular basis. There might be complications like twin-to-twin transfusion or even cervical incompetence. These issues need prompt attention. Your doctor will recommend USG for these reasons. If you reside in Gurgaon, you can opt for the ultrasound in Gurgaon.
#5 Congenital Anomalies
Prospective parents may be eager to learn about their baby. They are also willing to know whether the fetus has any genetic issues. Thus, they prepare for difficulties concerning any issue or, worse, terminate the pregnancy.
#6 Monitor and manage Amniotic Fluid's Level
Amniotic fluid gets produced by the fetus, and too little or too much might be indicative of issues with pregnancy. It might need intervention.
#7 Checks the Fetal Growth
If the baby's growth stops unexpectedly, it might be an indication of a few problems. It might be placenta problems or something else. Early intervention might get required to deal with the issue.
Ultrasound is also used in diagnosing issues after the baby gets used during the delivery.