Ultrasound on pregnancy what terms. Ultrasound during pregnancy: how and in what time frame

For every girl, the time of waiting for the birth of her beloved child is the happiest and most exciting. I would like to know what he is, how he develops, what happens to him even at the very early stage of pregnancy. Every pregnant woman worries about her baby being healthy and developing properly. It is ultrasound that allows you to monitor the process of fetal development throughout all 9 months.

What is an ultrasound

Ultrasound has been known for its special capabilities for a long time and longer than x-rays. Their properties and capabilities are different, but in the field of obstetrics, ultrasound has become just a panacea for solving many problems and has provided answers to the most common questions. In addition, ultrasound makes it possible to diagnose a variety of congenital diseases or pathologies in the early stages with an accuracy of 95-100%. It began to be applied in the middle of the twentieth century and since then every pregnant woman has the opportunity to see her unborn child. What is the purpose of this device?

The apparatus consists of a sensor and a receiver. The sensor sends invisible ultrasonic waves, which, when they enter the body, are converted, and the receiver decodes them and creates a picture. Modern equipment makes it possible to conduct ultrasound examinations at the highest level of quality and opens up many opportunities for doctors and future parents to monitor the process of fetal development.

Today, obstetricians and gynecologists perform several ultrasound sessions during pregnancy without fail. And to be precise, three. Why is this research necessary? What is the timeframe for doing this?

Ultrasound in the first trimester

The first ultrasound examination is performed at 9-14 weeks of fetal development. Already on this to see whether the baby is growing and forming correctly and in a timely manner. It is at this time that the first deviations and pathologies can be determined (all organs have already been formed in these weeks), and timely actions can be taken to solve such problems. Ultrasound in the first trimester allows you to get answers to the following questions:

• The maximum exact gestational age is established;
• Single or multiple pregnancy;
• Ectopic pregnancy;
• Risk of miscarriage;
• Condition of the uterus and placenta;
• The size of the fetus is measured;
• It is possible to determine the gender of the child;
• The most accurate due date is calculated.

In addition, ultrasound in the first trimester is also carried out in order to determine the size of the collar zone - the correctness of chromosomal development is also very important. If this zone exceeds 2.7 mm, then doctors can talk about the presence of pathologies such as Down syndrome. If ultrasound finds this kind of deviation, then additional studies and blood tests can confirm the diagnosis. The main thing is to identify the threat in time at an early stage of development. Unfortunately, Down syndrome is not treated by modern medicine. But its timely determination enables the mother to prepare for this kind of responsibility.

Ultrasound in the first trimester is extremely important, and a pregnant woman should not miss it. Thanks to him, your doctor will be able to establish the correct and most accurate monitoring of the development of your child. Also, after the study, you can get the first photo of your baby - the ultrasound doctor can do a screening for you.

It is worth noting that it is not recommended to conduct a study at an earlier date. Ultrasound, while providing many benefits, can still have some side effects. If you are not worried about pain in the lower back or lower abdomen, then postpone the first examination until the deadline of the first trimester. An examination in the early stages can only be carried out on the recommendation of a doctor and for good reasons.

The second ultrasound examination is carried out for a period of 20-24 weeks. At this time, you can learn a lot more about the baby. The doctor measures the size of the fetus: the circumference of the abdomen, the head, and the length of the femur. These parameters will help determine developmental deviations. In addition, you can determine how well developed the blood flow inside the placenta, as well as the uterus, the level of their maturity, as well as where and how they are located. The condition of the placenta can tell a lot. If there are seals in it, then this is a harbinger of various infections, and its detachment can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent such situations.

In addition, it is on the second ultrasound that the sex of the child is determined with 100% accuracy. The genitals become larger and more pronounced. It is during these weeks that you can talk about who you will have - a boy or a girl.

At the second ultrasound, amniotic fluid and cervix are examined. This allows you to prevent a number of pathologies. Timely undertaken therapy or timely hospitalization will help normalize the process of fetal development and lead to the threat of miscarriage or premature birth.

Unlike the first trimester test, the screening this time will allow you to have a more accurate picture of your baby.

This ultrasound procedure is performed at 32-34 weeks. By this time, the intrauterine development of the fetus is coming to an end, and the fetus itself is turning upside down. Ultrasound can confirm or refute this fact. And then the obstetrician - gynecologist can plan in advance a strategy for how the birth will take place. If the baby has not rolled over by this time, the doctor can take a number of actions to correct his position. Head presentation is very important for the correct and normal course of the birth process. At this stage, thanks to ultrasound, you can find out how much the child weighs and how tall he is. The latest study will also help determine when you can give birth. This is especially important if you are having a caesarean section.

During these weeks, the position and condition of the placenta are also examined. It is this fact that can tell whether a woman can give birth herself - in the event that the placenta is attached to the very top of the uterus. If it is shifted to the cervix, then such a placenta previa is an indication for a caesarean section. The maturity of the placenta indicates the readiness of a woman for the birth process. If the placenta matures ahead of schedule, then this indicates that the birth must be carried out ahead of schedule in order to avoid the transfer of the fetus.

At the final ultrasound, you have the opportunity to see your baby as he will be born.

Is it safe to do an ultrasound?

Many women are very worried about whether the ultrasound examination will harm the baby. Medicine does not give unambiguous answers to this question, but no obvious threats to the baby have been identified. It is precisely because of this ambiguity that the number of sessions is reduced to a minimum - 3 on clearly defined dates. On the territory of our country, the maximum number of ultrasounds can reach 10. But they are carried out exclusively for good reasons and the urgent recommendation of a doctor. This will protect the development of your baby and make it as correct as possible in the presence of various kinds of threats.

Also today it is possible to conduct a 3D study. It makes it possible to get a three-dimensional picture and view the child from all sides. 3D ultrasound is a real joy for the expectant mother. Thanks to him, you can quite accurately examine the face of the child, especially in the weeks of the last trimester, to consider how he moves and breathes.

Thanks to modern equipment, we can see our baby even in the womb. Ultrasound during pregnancy at various times gives you the opportunity to take care of the baby even when you cannot touch it.

At what gestational age do ultrasound for pregnant women and fetal diagnosis? It is better to consult with your doctor about this.

To date, ultrasound or echography is considered the most common, safe and highly effective method for examining and evaluating the development of pregnancy. It is based on the principles of echolocation, when ultrasound penetrates through tissues, reflects from them and displays an image of the fetus during pregnancy.

It is preferable to conduct ultrasound in the first trimester transvaginally, using a vaginal probe. This method gives the most accurate representation, at this stage of pregnancy, about the development of the embryo than the abdominal ultrasound method.

What is the first ultrasound during pregnancy

The most important task of the first ultrasound is to consider all the processes occurring inside the uterus, and to determine whether everything is in order with the embryo and the organs and tissues necessary for its development. Ultrasound in the early stages of pregnancy is necessary to diagnose possible malformations in the embryo and various chromosomal pathologies. If ultrasound, in conjunction with genetic studies, confirms the risk of detecting pathology in the fetus, then early pregnancy can be terminated.

In the first trimester, with an accuracy of 2-3 days, you can set the gestational age of the embryo. Subsequently, the obstetrician-gynecologist will focus on this age, throughout the entire period of pregnancy.

When to do the first ultrasound during pregnancy

Usually, the doctor decides when to do the first ultrasound during pregnancy. Most often, the first ultrasound, planned, is carried out for a period of 12-13 weeks of pregnancy.

It is at this moment that it is possible to optimally assess and consider the anatomical features of the fetus and in particular the thickness of its collar zone, which is considered a marker of Down's disease. But very often, women conduct ultrasound much earlier than the time recommended by doctors.

• Ultrasound at 1 week of pregnancy is necessary in order to exclude the risk of ectopic pregnancy, hydatidiform mole and confirm the presence of uterine pregnancy. If the pregnancy is confirmed, then an ultrasound scan at 1-3 weeks of pregnancy will accurately establish the gestational process and clarify the gestational age. If pregnancy is not confirmed, ultrasound can detect possible gynecological diseases or functional conditions in the patient that caused the delay in menstruation.
• Ultrasound at 3-4 weeks of pregnancy can already show the formed umbilical cord of the embryo, the rudiments of the upper and lower limbs and the laying of the auricles. The doctor at this stage can take a picture of the unborn child, which at this stage has very tiny dimensions, about 2-4 mm.
• By 10-11 weeks, the fetus reaches the required size to assess its main anatomical structures. Ultrasound at 10-11 weeks allows timely and fairly reliable diagnosis of possible deviations in the development of the fetus, which may be incompatible with life. During this period, it is already possible to distinguish the movements of the embryo, to view its kidneys, bladder, liver and stomach. The nasal bone is normal, also formed by this time. If the ossification process occurs later than this period, then this may be a reason to suspect the presence of chromosomal pathologies in the fetus. To assess the results of ultrasound, the doctor must be highly qualified, have technical skills and experience.
• The most reliable and accurate information about the state of the embryo and organs of a woman can be given by an ultrasound scan at 12-13 weeks of pregnancy. Before this period, in many cases, with the exception of when a woman has pulling pains in the lower abdomen, spotting or other complaints, doctors do not recommend ultrasound and consider it optional. This is explained by the fact that most accurately, with the help of this study, most organs and systems in the fetus can be seen only by this time. During this period, it is possible to suspect, but not definitively identify, abnormal development in the fetus. Most often, for this, the thickness of its collar space is measured. Normally, it should be 2-3 mm. If an ultrasound scan at 12 weeks of pregnancy is deciphered with the presence of an edematous zone in the neck, which is more than 3 mm, then the doctor may suspect the presence of chromosomal disorders in the fetus. If this sign was recorded, then an ultrasound scan is performed again at the gestational age of 14 weeks, to re-measure the thickness of the collar space in the fetus. All research data are recorded in a special protocol, which is transmitted to the woman, and then goes to her obstetrician-gynecologist. Very often, women do not understand the results of the study, recorded in the protocol, and they begin to worry unreasonably. In this case, all emerging issues can be resolved by specialists. It is also advisable to make copies of all studies and keep them with you. It is desirable to carry out all repeated ultrasounds “over the plan” on the same device and by the same doctor.

Ultrasound at 12 weeks of gestation must also be performed in order to clarify the data on the quantity and quality of amniotic fluid, the placenta attachment, as well as signs of possible abnormalities, such as placental abruption or uterine hypertonicity.

The doctor compares all indicators of the ultrasound study with a table that describes the norms of fetal development during this period. The result of an ultrasound scan performed at 12 weeks is deciphered as “normal” if all generally accepted indicators in the table coincide with the parameters of the fetus at the time of the study.

Despite the fact that a lot of time must still pass before the birth of the baby, an ultrasound scan at 12 weeks of pregnancy will be the first, a kind of acquaintance between mother and baby, and the doctor can record this event on video.

• If it so happened that the first ultrasound was pushed back to the 15th week of pregnancy, then in this case the doctor can conduct it abdominally, moving the sensor along the front wall of the woman's abdomen. At this time, you can notice a more active work of cardiac activity in the fetus and the very height of the formation of the central nervous and skeletal system. The length of the fetus is approximately 10 cm from the sacrum to the crown, and the weight is approximately 70 grams.
• In addition to the doctor's recommendations, parents can independently undergo an ultrasound scan at 16 weeks of pregnancy in order to find out the sex of the unborn child. This is not a recommended and mandatory medical examination. Also, if a woman first undergoes an ultrasound scan at 16 weeks, this allows you to identify, and in some cases confirm or refute the predisposition of the fetus to Down syndrome.
• In cases where a woman undergoes an ultrasound scan at the 17th week of pregnancy, then her fetus will have a weight of approximately 100 grams, and its length will reach 12 mm. Ultrasound at this time is carried out due to possible deviations in the structure and development of the placenta, in order to monitor it. At this stage, the placenta and fetus are developing rapidly.
• Ultrasounds at 18-19 weeks are performed if the woman is undergoing the study for the first time. At this stage, the fetus already has the ability to hear and distinguish noises, and its closed eyes react to light. At this moment, all organs and tissues are almost completely formed in him. The size of the fetus is approximately 20 cm, and the weight is 200 g.

The benefits or harms of ultrasound during pregnancy

Today, ultrasound is prescribed to all pregnant women without exception. This research method has many advantages. For example, if a woman worked in a hazardous industry, if she had miscarriages before, then it is simply necessary for her.

Modern ultrasound is:

• early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy;
• accurate determination of the timing of pregnancy;
• diagnosis of possible pathologies in the development of the fetus;
• identification of pathologies that make it possible to proceed with surgical intervention immediately after the birth of the baby;
• a full assessment of the fetal circulatory systems, the diagnosis of hypoxia, which is very easily eliminated;
• determination of the location of the fetus and the presence of entanglement with the umbilical cord.

But, despite the fact that ultrasound has so many advantages, many women refuse to conduct it, considering it harmful to the fetus. This is due to the fact that many mistakenly confuse ultrasound with X-ray irradiation.

Some argue scientific studies that indicate that ultrasonic rays, in large doses, can negatively affect the genetic level.

Ultrasound diagnostics is the main type of examination of the condition of the fetus during its gestation.

Thanks to ultrasound, it is possible to monitor changes in the growth of the embryo and timely identify possible pathologies of its development. Every expectant mother worries and worries about the health of her unborn child.

Ultrasound allows you to distinguish the developing new life on the monitor screen. Since when can a tiny embryo be seen during an examination? At what time can pregnancy be determined?

Determining the fact of conception is possible starting from the 5th week of the term. But this is only possible for experienced medical professionals. The size of a fertilized egg at this stage is not more than 2 mm. At the same time, on the screen of an ultrasonic device, it will look like a small dot, from which a full-fledged organism will grow in the future.

The total number of ultrasound sessions is usually limited to 3 or 4. Each procedure is prescribed by the obstetrician-gynecologist who manages the pregnancy. For certain indications and possible risk factors for fetal loss, the study may be performed more frequently.

There is no strict schedule for the implementation of diagnostic procedures. The frequency of ultrasound depends on the age and health of the expectant mother, the number of fetuses, the course of pregnancy with or without complications. If the gestation period passes without excesses, then the doctor will set the timing of the procedures and tell you how many weeks it will be necessary to undergo examinations. Usually the date is determined and 3 procedures are done for the entire period from conception to the birth of a child.

Planned ultrasound during pregnancy is usually prescribed:

1. At 11-14 weeks.
2. At 20-23 weeks.
3. At 29-32 weeks.

Each study in a certain period has its own goals. If pregnancy is suspected, an initial diagnosis should be made. Here, future parents have a question about how long ultrasound shows pregnancy. At 3-5 weeks, the doctor will confidently determine the "interesting position" of the woman. An ultrasound examination will help make sure that the fetal egg is attached to the uterus and there is no threat of an ectopic pregnancy.

Carrying out early unscheduled ultrasound

In the early stages, you should undergo an ultrasound as prescribed by the gynecologist who is observing your pregnancy. Indications for an unscheduled inspection may be the following reasons:

1. Deviation of the size of the uterus from the norm during the current gestational age.
2. Frequent or single spotting during the period of gestation.
3. Disturbing pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen with possible fertilization of the egg.
4. To determine the "frozen" pregnancy and the possible rejection of the fetus by the woman's body.
5. During pregnancy by artificial insemination, additional procedures are performed that show the condition and level of development of the embryo.

Carrying out the first diagnostic procedure

The first ultrasound during pregnancy allows you to show how the embryo develops correctly and determine if it has a heart rhythm. The size of the unborn child at this time allows the doctor to distinguish between vital organs.

Therefore, you can see serious malformations of organs: pathologies of the brain, heart, the presence of various formations that may not be compatible with the life of a child. In case of detection of severe pathologies, it is recommended to terminate the pregnancy for medical reasons.

In addition to the negative aspects, the first ultrasound during pregnancy can bring good news for future parents about the presence of two or more fetuses in the uterine cavity. With the help of ultrasound, carried out at 11-14 weeks, it is possible to accurately determine the gestational age, which cannot be achieved with certainty during a gynecological examination. The doctor measures the length of the fetus and determines whether its size corresponds to developmental standards.

Ultrasound assesses the thickness of the collar space. This indicator allows you to exclude the presence of chromosomal abnormalities. With a TVP value of more than 2.7 mm, there is a possibility that the unborn child will develop Down syndrome and other anomalies. The presence of such a threat is not a reason to immediately panic. The doctor will definitely prescribe additional procedures, including a blood test, to make a final diagnosis.

Conducting a second ultrasound examination

In the period of 20-23 weeks, a second ultrasound is performed during pregnancy. The health worker applies a gel to the growing belly of the expectant mother and drives a special device over it. Diagnostics will decide the issue of determining the sex of the unborn child. Boy or girl? This question worries, perhaps, every parent.

If the fetus did not turn its back during the examination, then the doctor will resolve all your doubts. The second ultrasound during pregnancy makes it possible for the expectant mother and father to hear the clear heartbeat of their baby, see the movements of the little man and his movements with his arms and legs on the screen.

Diagnosis during the second trimester includes examination of the condition of the cervix, the amount of amniotic fluid. The specialist carefully examines the placenta, its location, age and structure. Be sure to consider the blood flow, which is installed in the umbilical cord. With early placental abruption, drug treatment is prescribed, and to maintain pregnancy, the woman is kept under observation in stationary conditions.

At the second ultrasound during pregnancy, the doctor measures certain parameters of the fetus, which determine its possible developmental delay. The doctor takes readings of the length of the femur, the circumference of the abdomen and the size of the head.

Carrying out the third examination

The third ultrasound is done during 29-32 weeks of pregnancy. It is considered the last before childbirth. By this period, the fetus already occupies a certain position and is located in the uterus with its head or pelvic end towards the birth canal. Ultrasound examination helps to determine the approximate weight of the baby and his height. Using ultrasound, the doctor calculates the possible date of birth and determines their method (conventional or caesarean section).

Polyhydramnios and poor condition of amniotic fluid are reasons for the possible occurrence of infectious diseases in a child. At the third ultrasound, these points are necessarily considered, as well as the presence of congenital surgical pathologies in the fetus.

The location of the placenta is an important criterion for examination. Normally, it should be at the top of the uterus. When the placenta is displaced downward, it can block the cervix and block the natural path for the birth of the baby. In this case, childbirth occurs by caesarean section.

Inspection of the umbilical cord on ultrasound equipment allows you to identify the presence of entanglement, its location, determine the number of turns. Timely identification of complex cases helps to avoid troubles in the birth process. Tight or repeated entanglement may be an indication for childbirth with the help of surgical intervention.

Ultrasound for determining ectopic pregnancy

If pain and spotting occur during early gestation, a woman may be diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy. In this case, the fertilized egg, for some reason, is fixed outside the reproductive organ. An accurate diagnosis is determined by an ultrasound examination.

Usually, an ectopic pregnancy is determined in the period from 4 to 8 weeks of the term. The specialist determines the age and location of the embryo. When this pathology is detected, procedures are prescribed that will help correct the course of pregnancy or it is terminated.

The presence of a threat of termination of pregnancy and its diagnosis

The gestational age in case of threatened abortion does not matter. Pathology can occur both at 8 and 22 weeks. In this case, an ultrasound is done during pregnancy immediately.

The woman is sent under the close attention of doctors to the hospital. Here, additional procedures are carried out, the necessary tests are taken, and medication is prescribed. After correcting the course of pregnancy, a second examination is carried out.

When is an additional ultrasound needed?

How long do additional ultrasound procedures? This question can only be answered by an obstetrician-gynecologist who controls the course of a particular pregnancy.

For every woman, an “interesting position” can cause various changes in the body. It is not for nothing that some female representatives feel great at this time, while others, on the contrary, do not know how to get rid of the constant feeling of nausea.

The anamnesis may determine the indications for additional examinations:

1. Previous miscarriages and premature births. Additional diagnostics are assigned to monitor the condition of the cervix.
2. If a woman has already given birth by caesarean section, then close attention is paid to the condition of the scar.
3. With multiple pregnancies, additional examinations are mandatory in the last weeks of the term. Diagnostics determines the position of children and their parameters.
4. An unscheduled ultrasound is prescribed by a doctor if a woman has had a viral or other infection, which was accompanied by fever. The procedure shows whether the disease has affected the development and condition of the fetus.
5. If the pregnant woman has ceased to feel the movements of the embryo, then an urgent examination is mandatory. In the worst case, this condition may indicate hypoxia or fetal death.

At what frequency should ultrasound be performed?

On this issue, there is still no consensus among doctors. One half considers ultrasound to be an absolutely safe procedure that does not affect the condition of the embryo and the health of the expectant mother and does not limit the number of procedures.

The other part is inclined to believe that additional examinations should be avoided. The negative or positive effect of ultrasonic waves on the human body has not yet been determined. It is not known whether ultrasound can damage the growing cells of a small embryo that develops in the womb.

Some scientists believe that ultrasound can affect the body of a tiny man and cause mutations in its development. Animal studies have shown slight developmental delay and reduced reproductive function with frequent ultrasound treatments. But no one says that you need to do an ultrasound during the period of gestation every day or week.

How to decide a pregnant woman? The main recommendation is to listen to the opinion of your doctor. If there are indications and possible threats, it is worthwhile to undergo an examination immediately. Some problems identified during ultrasound can be resolved in a timely manner.

The body and well-being of a woman during the period of bearing a child are individual. No need to believe in signs, pay attention to other pregnant women and compare yourself with them. It is necessary to undergo an ultrasound as prescribed by a doctor. Follow all the recommendations and you will give birth to a healthy and strong baby!

If the gestation proceeds with normal indicators, then the first ultrasound during pregnancy is always prescribed at the beginning of the 2nd trimester. If a pathological process is suspected, ultrasound can be used at an earlier time, in which case transvaginal ultrasound is most often used.

When and how is the first ultrasound done for pregnant women

If the doctor suspects the formation of a pathological process, then the first ultrasound during pregnancy is done at an earlier date. In this case, a transvaginal examination method is prescribed, which involves the introduction of an ultrasound probe into the vagina of a pregnant woman. The method allows you to set the date and fact of conception already in the first weeks, to see the dynamics of the development of the embryo.

Ultrasound of a pregnant woman by the transvaginal method is considered the most harmless and absolutely not dangerous for intrauterine development. If you need to determine the location of the attachment of the fetal egg, then this method will show the exact location. If an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed, appropriate therapy will be prescribed.

1 ultrasound after IVF in most cases is prescribed in the third week after embryo transfer, and the next study is already on the 5th, in order to determine the fetal heartbeat.

What does the first ultrasound during pregnancy show

• at 1-3 weeks, the first ultrasound during pregnancy shows the place of attachment of the fetal egg, the size of which is about 3-4 mm, and the risk of ectopic fetal formation is also excluded;
• at 3-4 weeks the embryo reaches 4-5 mm, you can consider the initial stage of the formation of the limbs and the umbilical cord;
• starting from 5-7 weeks, you can hear the fetal heart rate;
• period from 8-11 weeks of gestation, ossification points and bones appear.

Deciphering the first screening

Later, when deciphering, the coccygeal-parietal size (KTR - the distance from the beginning of the head to the coccyx) and the heart rate (HR) are determined. These parameters must comply with the norms, any deviation indicates a functional pathology of the formation of the baby.

Additionally, an analysis is used for the presence of chromosomal abnormalities (Down syndrome, Edwards and others), which is carried out by studying three markers. For this purpose, the thickness of the collar space is evaluated on ultrasound, and blood is taken in parallel to determine the level of hCG and protein-A.

Among other indicators, the location, condition and location of the chorion is being studied, the heterogeneous structure of which may indicate an infectious process inside the mother's womb.

During prenatal diagnosis, the state of the woman's internal organs is also assessed. The uterine cavity, appendages and the genitourinary system are subjected to a particularly thorough examination, which, with the active growth of the baby, will experience a significant load.

In the process of early screening, after studying all the parameters, the doctor will definitely show the woman her baby inside the womb. In some clinics, you can record the first ultrasound on video.

Video what is shown on the first ultrasound during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a complete examination of the female body is necessarily carried out in order to monitor the health of the expectant mother and the development of the baby. One of the most important points is an ultrasound examination, which allows you to monitor various indicators of growth and identify pathological abnormalities, if any. Every expectant mother wants to know when the first ultrasound is done during pregnancy, and what the examination shows at such an early stage.

Types of ultrasound during pregnancy

Ultrasound is a procedure that helps to examine human organs from the inside, diagnose diseases and track the course of diseases. Examination of the body using ultrasound is the most popular procedure that is prescribed to every woman during the period of bearing a baby. With the help of such a simple technology, it is possible to timely diagnose developmental disorders, refute the gynecologist's suspicions of the presence of pathological phenomena, or confirm the existing anomaly.

If the examination confirms the pathology, then doctors have the opportunity to correct the course of pregnancy, conduct competent treatment, plan the birth process and determine the treatment plan for the baby after birth.

In gynecology, several types of ultrasound are practiced:

• Ultrasound screening - has no differences from a conventional study, but has completely different goals, namely, to determine the presence of pathology in the early stages. If you are interested in how long you need to do the first ultrasound screening, contact your supervising gynecologist, who will write out a referral from 10 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. With the help of a screening test, it will be possible to determine the condition of the uterus, placenta, amniotic fluid, and assess the health of the expectant mother.
• Transvaginal ultrasound is prescribed from 11 to 14 weeks. The purpose of the procedure is to study the condition of the uterus, determine the uterine or ectopic pregnancy, study the condition of the internal organs of a woman.
• A cardiotocographic study helps to maximize the study of the organs and anatomy of the fetus, its condition, and determine the initial stages of pathologies.

All these studies are carried out without fail, even with a good health and health of a woman.

Ultrasound to determine pregnancy

Many expectant mothers are interested in how long it is possible to do an ultrasound to determine pregnancy, and what does this procedure imply? As a rule, to confirm the presence of pregnancy, diagnostics are prescribed from the third to the seventh week. The study can be a classic transabdominal or more informative - transvaginal.

The classical method of examination is prescribed from the fifth week, it is possible to fix the heartbeat of the embryo only for 7 weeks. Transvaginal technology is more accurate, it allows you to determine pregnancy as early as the third week. In this study, the correct attachment of the fetal egg and its vital activity are diagnosed.

The benefits of early ultrasound include:

• Allows you to confirm the results of a pregnancy test.
• Detect an ectopic pregnancy at an early stage and avoid the threat of infertility.
• In the early stages, determine a singleton or multiple pregnancy.
• Assess the risk of miscarriage due to uterine hypertonicity.
• Determine a more accurate gestational age.

After there was a delay in menstruation and the test showed 2 cherished stripes, the expectant mother needs to go for a consultation with a gynecologist, who will determine when to do the first ultrasound during pregnancy. This procedure is prescribed only on an individual basis if there is a suspicion of pathology or spotting. If, during a visual examination, the pregnancy proceeds normally and the woman has no complaints, then an ultrasound scan is performed at the end of the first trimester.

First planned examination

In obstetric practice, the first study is the one that is carried out for a period of 10-14 weeks and is assigned to all women without fail. Diagnosis is necessary to confirm the correct attachment of the fetal egg in order to exclude missed pregnancy, and to determine the number of embryos and possible developmental anomalies.

The study at this time is most effective, since the fetus has reached the optimal size for a full examination. And despite the fact that the weight of the crumbs does not exceed 7 grams, and the growth from the crown to the tailbone is about 40 mm, the baby already has characteristic features, well-visible knees, wrists and facial features.

With the help of an ultrasound examination, it is possible to determine whether the vital organs of the baby are correctly formed, how the placenta functions and the state of the amniotic fluid. If a woman does not know when it is better to do the first ultrasound during pregnancy, you need to contact the gynecologist leading the pregnancy. After a visual examination and genetic analysis, the pregnant woman may be referred for routine ultrasound or screening.

Screening tests include expert ultrasound and detailed blood chemistry. Screening is prescribed for pregnant women who live in an unstable epidemiological region, have chronic diseases, were vaccinated at the time of conception, do not plan to give up bad habits, or have relatives with chromosomal diseases. The examination takes place on the apparatus with higher accuracy, which allows to determine the slightest deviations from the norm.

What will the first ultrasound show

As soon as a woman has learned about her situation, she is recommended to make an appointment with a specialist as soon as possible, register and undergo the necessary studies. How many weeks do the first ultrasound during pregnancy, the gynecologist will say based on the physical condition of the woman. If a pregnant woman complains of feeling unwell, pain in the lower abdomen and specific discharge, the specialist immediately issues a referral for diagnostics to determine the condition of the fetus.

Ultrasound examination is carried out at different times, but the first is the most important and informative. The main task of diagnostics is to determine the correctness of the intrauterine development of the baby and exclude pathological abnormalities. Having received a referral for examination, pregnant women experience mixed feelings of joy and anxiety. However, expectant mothers should understand that the first ultrasound during pregnancy, which shows the most informative results, must be completed, despite numerous worries and fears.

What the study will show:

• Well-formed fruit and its size. The computer for diagnostics has a special program with a table of correct indicators, which facilitates diagnostics and reduces the risk of error.
• The approximate weight of the fetus at week 12 is about 10 grams, growth is about 70 mm.
• Heart rate, the norm of which is 110-160 beats per minute.
• An analysis of the development of the fetus, the presence or absence of genetic abnormalities is carried out. It is during the first study that it is possible to determine the absence of such deviations as Down, Patau, Lange, Edwards syndromes. Assess the degree of functional state and exclude congenital malformations.
• The doctor evaluates the location of the placenta and its attachment in order to avoid premature birth and miscarriage.
• The amount of amniotic fluid and its regular renewal are determined.

From the results of development, it is possible to determine the date of the upcoming birth, with a small error of 2-3 days. Expectant mothers are always interested in what they look at at the first ultrasound during pregnancy, so do not be afraid to ask questions and be interested in the condition of the child. An attentive doctor will always answer the most important questions and give appropriate recommendations.

Rules for preparing for the examination

This procedure does not require any special preparation from a woman, except for emotional. A pregnant woman does not need to worry, worry and worry too much, since such emotions can only do harm. On average, the diagnosis takes no more than 15 minutes and does not cause any discomfort or pain.

An examination is carried out for a full bladder, so women are advised to go to the toilet 2 hours before the procedure, or drink at least 0.5 liters of fluid an hour before. Such rules exist only for the first ultrasound, since the procedure is carried out through the abdominal wall and the uterus must be clearly visible through the bladder.

You must take a diaper or towel, napkins, shoe covers and condoms with you if the examination is carried out transvaginally. For ultrasound, it is best to wear comfortable clothes, without numerous buttons, ties and elastic bands.

How is ultrasound diagnostics performed?

Most future parents look forward to the moment when they need to do the first ultrasound during pregnancy in order to make sure that the long-awaited baby is developing correctly. The examination process is quite simple and does not require any effort from the pregnant woman. In the uzist's office, a woman lies down on a special couch and exposes her abdomen. After that, the doctor applies a special gel to the stomach, which will make it easier for the sensor to slide over the skin. During a transabdominal examination, the number of embryos, their development and the condition of the fetal membrane are determined.

Also, this method allows you to determine the presence or absence of severe pathologies and the area of ​​​​attachment of the child's place. After a complete diagnosis, which takes no more than 5-7 minutes, the computer displays the results on a paper sheet.

If a transvaginal ultrasound is also prescribed during pregnancy, when it should be done will be determined by the supervising gynecologist. As a rule, diagnostics are prescribed in the early stages, since in the second half of pregnancy, the study can cause uterine hypertonicity. The procedure is carried out using an ultrasonic sensor having a length of about 12 cm and a diameter of 3 cm.

Before the study, a condom is put on the transducer sensor, lubricated with a special gel to ensure unhindered penetration. The woman does not experience any pain, since the depth of penetration is minimal. The diagnostic process takes no more than five minutes, during which the specialist manages to record all the necessary data.

How often can an ultrasound be done during pregnancy?

Almost every pregnant woman knows that 3 examinations are planned for nine months - one in each trimester. And if the gynecologist prescribes repeated examinations at the time of clarifying some parameters, the expectant mother begins to worry about how additional diagnostics will affect the baby. Many parents are wondering: what week should an ultrasound be done during pregnancy and is this procedure a threat?

It will be useful for expectant mothers to know that ultrasound is ordinary and safe sound waves, only of a high frequency, which our hearing organs do not perceive. The device used for diagnostics emits a high-frequency signal, which, echoing from the organs, returns to register a picture.

The only thing affected by this procedure is the uterus, which can tone up during an ultrasound. If the pregnancy is proceeding normally, then there is no danger in the diagnosis. If the uterus is in hypertonicity or there is a threat of miscarriage, then it is better to refuse additional studies.