What is A Fetal Ultrasound?

• Fetal ultrasound is a test used during pregnancy. It creates an image of the baby in the mothers womb (uterus). It’s a safe way to check the health of an unborn baby. During a fetal ultrasound, the baby’s heart, head, and spine are evaluated, along with other parts of the baby. The test may be done either on the mother’s abdomen (Trans abdominal) or in the vagina (Trans vagina).
There are several types of fetal ultrasound:
• Standard ultrasound. The test uses sound waves to create two-dimensional images Trans abdominal.
• Doppler ultrasound. This test shows the movement of blood through the umbilical cord, in the baby’s heart, or between the baby and the placenta.
• Trans vaginal ultrasound. With this type of fetal ultrasound, a wand like device called a transducer is placed in your vagina to take images .Trans vaginal ultrasounds are used most often during early pregnancy. This type of ultrasound also might be done if a Trans abdominal ultrasound didnt provide enough information.
• 3D, 4D ultrasound. This test shows a lifelike image of an unborn baby.

Why do I need A Fetal Ultrasound?

• Fetal ultrasound is a routine part of prenatal care. This is because it’s a low risk procedure that gives important information.
A routine prenatal ultrasound canbe used for the following :
• Confirm viable pregnancy
• Confirm heartbeat
• Confirm molar or ectopic pregnancies
• Diagnose fetal malformation
• Confirm multiples pregnancy
• Verify dates and growth
• Confirm intrauterine death
• Identify hydramnios or oligohydramnios – excessive or reduced levels of amniotic fluid
• Evaluation of fetal well-being
• Identify placental location
• Observe fetal presentation

Any preparation needed?

• Wear loose clothing to your ultrasound appointment. You may be asked to remove jewelry during your ultrasound, so its a good idea to leave any valuables at home.
• You might be asked to drink a certain amount of fluid or avoid urinating before a fetal ultrasound, depending on the type of ultrasound.