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.
Ultrasounds aren't cheap procedures; they can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on your location and provider. Most health insurance plans will cover the cost of the ultrasound at least partially if it's for medical purposes. Always ask your insurance provider if you're unsure about expenses. Pregnancy Ultrasounds Week by Week. Save Pin FB More. Comments 2. Sort by: Newest. Newest Oldest. All ultrasounds should be performed with a FULL bladder!!! Read More.
Excellent Read More. Load More Comments. Close this dialog window Add a comment. Add your comment 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. The needle is guided with the help of ultrasound. The fluid sample contains cells, which are then examined in a laboratory for chromosomal abnormalities. You can find out more about the week dating scan and the week or mid-pregnancy scan. No, not if you do not want to. Some people want to find out if their baby is more likely to have a condition, while others do not.
The week dating scan and week scan will be offered to you, but you do not have to have them. Your choice will be respected if you decide not to have the scans, and your antenatal care will continue as normal. You'll be given the chance to discuss it with your maternity team before making your decision. Most hospitals do not allow children to attend scans as childcare is not usually available.
Please ask your hospital about this before your appointment. Remember, an ultrasound scan is an important medical examination and it is treated in the same way as any other hospital investigation. Ultrasound scans can sometimes find problems with the baby. Most scans show that the baby is developing normally and no problems are found. This is because most babies are healthy. You can continue with your routine antenatal care. If the scan shows your baby is more likely to have a condition, the sonographer may ask for a second opinion from another member of staff.
You might be offered another test to find out for certain if your baby has the condition. If you're offered further tests, you will be given more information about them so you can decide whether or not you want to have them. You'll be able to discuss this with your midwife or consultant. If you want to find out the sex of your baby, you can usually do so during the week mid-pregnancy scan but this depends on the policy of your hospital. Tell the sonographer at the start of the scan that you'd like to know your baby's sex.
For example, if your baby is lying in an awkward position, it may be difficult or impossible to tell.
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