What you need to know about pregnancy ultrasound scans

If you are a mother-to-be, the word 'Ultrasound Scan' is probably very familiar to you. Maybe your doctor has mentioned it, or you have heard about it from a friend. So you may be a little curious, maybe even nervous, about this scan. It is very normal. Today, we will talk about what this scan actually does, why it is important, and everything you need to know about it.

Simply put, what is an ultrasound scan?

An ultrasound scan (sometimes called a sonogram) during pregnancy is a very important medical test that checks the health and development of your baby inside your womb. Think of it this way: high-frequency sound waves (inaudible to our ears) are sent through your abdomen and the waves bounce back to create an image of your baby and organs, such as your uterus, on a computer screen.

Why is this scan so important? What can it find?

This scan allows your doctor to "see" your baby and learn a lot about him. This is often a very satisfying experience. There are several main things that doctors look for with this scan.

How many scans do you usually do?

In most cases, a normal pregnancy with no complications will require one or two scans . However, this number may vary depending on your doctor and your health. If your pregnancy is high-risk, or if your doctor suspects a problem, more frequent scans may be recommended.

First trimester scan (Dating Scan)

Your first scan is usually done at 7-8 weeks of pregnancy.It can be done as early as 10:00 a.m. We also call this a "dating scan." This is often done as a transvaginal ultrasound. It allows you to see the baby very clearly early on. It mainly confirms the baby's heartbeat and determines the exact due date.

The big scan (Anatomy Scan) done at 18-20 weeks

This is the scan that many parents eagerly await. It is called an "Anatomy Scan." In this, the doctor carefully examines almost every organ of the baby, from head to toe.

• The baby's major organs, such as the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and stomach, are examined.
• Counting hands, feet, and fingers.
• The baby's face is checked for conditions such as a cleft lip (cleft palate).
• If you want to know the baby's gender , tell the doctor about it beforehand. However, depending on the baby's position, it may not always be clear.

If there are no problems, for many people this will be the last scan they have during their pregnancy.

How do I prepare before the scan?

This doesn't require much preparation, but there are a few small things to keep in mind.

• Drink water: For some scans, especially early scans, you may be asked to drink water to fill your bladder. It is easier to see the uterus and baby clearly when your bladder is full.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose clothing. It's best to wear clothing that allows you to easily expose your belly.
• A companion: You can bring your husband or someone else to help you. However, since this is an important medical test, it is best to avoid bringing small children as they may be distracted.

What happens during the scan?

When you go into the room where the scan is being done, you will be made to lie down on a bed. The room will be made a little dark. The person doing the scan (sonographer) will have to see the computer screen clearly.

1. First, apply a gel made from water to your stomach. It will feel a little cold, but it won't harm your skin, and if it gets on your clothes, it can be easily washed off.

2. Then, a small device (we call this a ``transducer'') is placed on top of the gel and moved slowly over the abdomen.

3. You won't feel any pain at this point. You may feel a little pressure to get a good picture of the baby.

4. This entire process takes about 30 minutes.

Why do I sometimes have to scan more?

Sometimes your doctor may recommend additional scans. There can be several reasons for this.

• If the baby seems to be growing slowly, it may be due to `(Intrauterine Growth Restriction - IUGR)`.
• If there is a problem with the placenta, for example, a low-lying placenta (placenta previa).
• If you are expecting twins or more.
• If the baby is in a breech position.
• If the amount of amniotic fluid is too low (oligohydramnios) or too high (polyhydramnios) than normal.
• If you have a condition such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure (preeclampsia) during pregnancy.
• If a previous scan raised suspicions about a problem.

In a situation like this, having an additional scan is just to keep a closer eye on the baby's health. So there's no need to worry about it.