Pregnancy tests - ultrasound. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Uses of the ultrasound Medical issues to consider Ultrasound procedure Immediately after the ultrasound Possible complications Taking care of yourself at home Long term outlook Other types of pregnancy tests Where to get help.
Second trimester - ultrasound performed between weeks 18 and 20 is used to check the development of fetal structures such as the spine, limbs, brain and internal organs.
The size and location of the placenta is also checked. Third trimester - ultrasound performed after 30 weeks is used to check that the baby is continuing to grow at a normal rate. Medical issues to consider Ultrasound is a safe, painless and non-invasive procedure. Ultrasound procedure The procedure depends on the type of ultrasound used, but may include: Transabdominal ultrasound - sound waves pass very well through water. You lie down on an examination table or bed.
Gel is applied to your abdomen to provide better contact between your skin and the scanner and the sonographer moves the scanner in various positions. Pictures are sent instantly to a nearby monitor. The sonographer may have to push quite firmly at times in order to see the deeper structures.
The scan usually takes about 30 minutes. There may be too much air in your bowel, for instance, and air is a poor conductor of sound waves. In these cases, a slender scanner is inserted into your vagina. Immediately after the ultrasound Once the ultrasound is finished, you are given tissues to wipe away the gel, and you can go to the toilet.
Possible complications There are no known risks, complications or side effects for either the mother or her unborn baby. Taking care of yourself at home An ultrasound scan is safe, painless and non-invasive, so there is no need to take any special precautions afterward. Long term outlook What happens next depends on the results of your ultrasound. Other types of pregnancy tests Other types of pregnancy tests you may be offered could include: Amniocentesis - a small amount of amniotic fluid is taken using a slender needle inserted through the abdomen.
During the anatomy scan, the doctor will check your baby's heart rate and look for abnormalities in their brain, heart, kidneys, and liver, says Jane Chueh, M. They'll count your baby's fingers and toes, check for birth defects, examine the placenta, and measure the amniotic fluid level. And they'll probably be able to determine your baby's sex , although it's not a slam dunk; an experienced tech gets it right more than 95 percent of the time.
If you don't want to know your baby's sex, let them know ahead of time. Many parents-to-be don't need an ultrasound in the third trimester. But if your pregnancy is considered high-risk—for example, if you have high blood pressure, bleeding, low levels of amniotic fluid, preterm contractions , or are over age 35 —your doctor may perform in-office, low-resolution ultrasounds during your prenatal visits for reassurance, says Dr.
You'll also get a follow-up ultrasound if your cervix was covered by the placenta at your week scan. A regular ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images; this one bounces high-frequency sound waves off circulating red blood cells to measure blood flow and blood pressure.
The test will determine if your baby is getting enough blood. Your provider may also conduct other pregnancy tests that require ultrasounds. These might include chorionic villus sampling CVS or amniocentesis. Fetal echocardiograms, which show the baby's heart rate and detect abnormalities, also use ultrasound technology.
An ultrasound is considered safe for both you and your baby when it's used for medical purposes. Although ultrasounds require no radiation, only a trained professional who can interpret the results with accuracy should perform them.
Your technician should be schooled in obstetrical ultrasound, preferably at a center accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. Some medical practices now offer 3D high quality and lifelike and 4D moving picture ultrasounds, which may help doctors detect certain fetal abnormalities and birth defects. However, these types of exams are also available at fetal portrait studios in places like shopping malls. Experts discourage these "keepsake" ultrasounds since untrained personnel may give out inaccurate information, says Michele Hakakha, M.
Plus, although ultrasounds are safe in medical settings, they might heat tissues or produce bubbles cavitation during use. Experts aren't sure about the long-term effects of heated tissues or cavitation when ultrasounds are conducted outside of a medical need with non-trained professionals. Ultrasound scans use high-frequency soundwaves to create moving images.
Read more on myDr website. During your pregnancy, you'll be offered a range of tests, including blood tests and ultrasound scans. Pregnancy tests identify health concerns for you and your baby. Read more on raisingchildren. A nuchal translucency scan is part of the ultrasound scan that may give an indication of chromosomal abnormality.
Learn more about how and when it is performed. A dating scan is an ultrasound scan to determine how many weeks pregnant you are and your due date. Learn more about how the procedure is performed. InsideRadiology provides free and easily accessible, accurate, up to date and credible information about medical imaging tests and procedures. Read more on InsideRadiology website. In this pregnancy week by week guide, find out how your baby is growing, how your body is changing and how to look after yourself.
Neural tube defect affects less than one in pregnancies. There are a number of factors that will increase this risk especially a close family history. Read more on HealthEngine website. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering. Video call. This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.
The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care.
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