Whether you’re considering having a baby or are already expecting, a pregnancy scan can give you a wealth of information about your growing bump. The results of a pregnancy scan are a great way to determine how your baby is progressing and to help you make decisions about your baby’s care.
Transvaginal ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound is a pregnancy scan that is performed through the vagina. The ultrasound probe is similar to a wand and is inserted into the vagina about five to eight cm down. The probe is usually covered with gel or lubricating tape and can feel a little uncomfortable. The patient may be asked to lie on her side or back while the ultrasound technician inserts the probe. The procedure usually takes 15 minutes.
During the Baby scan, the sonographer will move the probe around the vagina in order to view the fetus in the best possible way. The entire process can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. The process is safe for the fetus and the mother. Some women may experience a small amount of discomfort, but this should quickly subside.
Transvaginal fetal echocardiography
Transvaginal fetal echocardiographic examinations are performed during pregnancy to obtain a detailed view of the baby’s heart. The procedure is similar to a regular ultrasound, and does not present any risks. It can also help plan treatment if abnormalities are detected.
The process is very similar to a standard ultrasound, but involves placing a small probe in your vagina. This probe is covered in a thin plastic sheath and will move across your abdomen while sending sound waves. The reflected waves are then converted into pictures on a monitor. The ultrasound results can help you determine if there are any heart defects or other problems. If they are detected early enough, the procedure can help save your baby’s life and provide a better chance for a healthy delivery.
Fetal echocardiograms are most commonly performed in the second trimester of pregnancy, usually between eighteen and twenty-four weeks. However, some pediatric cardiologists can get images of the fetal heart as early as 11-13 weeks of gestation. Regardless, the mother will likely be asked to undergo the procedure again later on to get more definitive images.
Nuchal translucency
A nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound is a screening test that shows the basic anatomical structures of a fetus. This test is usually done between 10 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. The risks are minimal and the test is not mandatory. Some women elect not to have this test because they are concerned about the risks or are unsure of the results. A NT scan is completely painless and does not pose any risks to the mother or the baby.
A nuchal translucency scan is a routine ultrasound test that can help detect chromosomal abnormalities. The test is most useful in determining if a baby is at risk for Down syndrome or other chromosomal disorders. It can also be used to determine the risk of a baby having major congenital heart defects.
Result of a pregnancy scan
A pregnancy scan helps your doctor confirm your pregnancy. It shows the position of the baby, the size of the fetus, and the location of the placenta. It also helps your doctor determine the sex of the baby. Generally, the scan takes 30 minutes. During the ultrasound, you will feel some discomfort and the ultrasound conducting gel may be cold or wet. Afterward, you will be able to go to the restroom. The gynecologist will then send you a report with the results of your scan.
Early pregnancy is detected on the ultrasound as a fluid-filled bubble. The heartbeat of the embryo is too small to be heard during the scan, but the presence of the heartbeat is a sign of a healthy pregnancy. A heartbeat means that the pregnancy is still likely to survive, and the risk of miscarriage is very low.
Opting out of a pregnancy scan
An ultrasound scan is usually recommended between the 12th and 14th week of pregnancy, when your baby is between five and eight centimeters long. It allows your doctor to see how your baby is developing and determine its due date. The scan also looks for abnormalities in your baby. During this early stage of pregnancy, you may not see any abnormalities. However, as your pregnancy progresses, you may need to have additional scans to check your baby’s growth and position. Also, if you’re carrying twins or if you’ve had a previous pregnancy, you may need more scans to ensure your baby’s health is developing properly.
Conclusion
Many women choose to forego pregnancy scans for many reasons. One reason is that not all ultrasounds are accurate. In fact, in a 2014 study, ultrasound results were misclassified in 9.2% of cases. This makes some women uncomfortable with the process. Others simply want to avoid additional stress and worries. Moreover, they don’t want any suspicious findings from an ultrasound to affect their pregnancy or health.
