If you are a mother-to-be, you have probably heard the doctor say, 'You need to have a scan.' Maybe you have heard a friend or relative talk about it. So what is this scan? Why is it done? Will it harm the baby or you? You probably have a lot of questions like these in your mind. Don't worry, let's find out all about it today.
What is an ultrasound scan?
Simply put, this is a test that uses high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to our eyes to create images of your baby, uterus, and placenta inside your womb. It's similar to how a bat uses sound waves to see what's ahead of it when it flies at night.
In this, the doctor places a small device called a ``Transducer`` on your abdomen and moves it back and forth. This device sends sound waves into the abdomen, hits the baby and organs inside, captures the echoes, and creates a beautiful picture on a computer screen. You can view these images as a video or as photos.
This scan is usually done on the abdomen. However, in some special cases, such as in the early weeks of pregnancy, if you need to get a clearer image, a method called transvaginal ultrasound is used. In this, a thin tube-like device is inserted into the vagina and examined. This allows you to see things like the uterus and ovaries very clearly. This method is also used to find out exactly how long you are pregnant (gestational age) and to see if there are conditions such as cervical shortening that can affect premature birth.
Is this scan safe? Will it harm the baby?
This is the biggest problem that many mothers have. Don't be afraid. An ultrasound examination performed by a properly trained doctor or sonographer has not been found to cause any harm to the mother or the unborn child.
The most important thing is that this scan does not use any radiation, like X-rays. It is a completely sound wave-based test, which is very safe.
So if your doctor asks you to do this test, don't be unnecessarily afraid of it. It's a very important thing to know about your and your baby's health .
When are scans done during pregnancy?
Scans may be performed throughout pregnancy for various reasons. Typically, every pregnant woman has one scan around 20 weeks. However, scans can be performed earlier or later as needed.
| Pregnancy period | Key points to check |
|---|---|
| Early (6-12 weeks) |
|
| Midterm (18-22 weeks) | |
| Later (after 28 weeks) |
What are 3D and 4D scans?
With new technology, there are now scans that can clearly see the baby as a three-dimensional (3D) image, just like a photo. If these 3D images can be viewed in motion, like a video, it is called a 4D scan.
These can be used to see the baby's face and expressions very beautifully. Sometimes, if there is a suspicion of a birth defect in the baby, these scans are used in medical centers to confirm it.
But remember, it is not recommended to get these types of 3D/4D scans done by untrained people just to see your baby without a medical reason. This is because untrained people may give incorrect information or may miss a real problem. Therefore, always get these tests done by a qualified doctor or center.
How should I prepare before going for a scan?
This usually doesn't require much preparation. However, your doctor will often tell you to drink 4-6 glasses of water an hour before the scan and have a full bladder. This is because when your bladder is full, your uterus will be slightly elevated, making it easier for the doctor to see your baby clearly. You may need to hold your urine until the scan is over.
Some doctors allow you to videotape the scan. If you're interested, ask your doctor in advance if that's possible.
What happens during the scan?
You will be made to lie down on an examination table, and a small amount of water-soluble gel will be applied to the skin of your abdomen. This gel is not harmful to the skin, and if it gets on your clothes, it can be easily washed off.
Then, the device called the ``Transducer'' that we talked about earlier is placed on your belly and moved back and forth, pressing it repeatedly. Then, the image of the baby appears on the computer screen. You can also watch it.
This test is not painful. However, you may feel a little discomfort when the instrument is pressed against your stomach when your bladder is full. Sometimes the doctor will ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds. The test usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.
After the test is over, the gel will be wiped off and the doctor will explain the results of the scan to you.
Take-Home Message
- An ultrasound scan during pregnancy is a very important and safe test to check the health of you and your baby.
- This does not cause any harm to the baby or the mother, and does not emit radioactive rays like X-rays.
- Always have this test performed only by a qualified, trained doctor or technician.
- Follow the doctor's instructions exactly, such as drinking water before the scan.
- If you have any fears, doubts, or questions about the scan, never be afraid to talk openly with the doctor about it.
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