🔅 In ultrasound scans, sound waves are used to create a close picture of your baby inside your womb.

🔅The picture will be displayed on a full screen.

🔅Most of the scans are performed by a trained healthcare professional who is called a sonographer.

🔅But please don’t worry !!! These scans are painless and there are no risks for you and your baby.

Types of ultrasound scans during pregnancy

Dating scan:- Performed to confirm your due date if you are not certain about your last menstrual date.

Nuchal translucency scan:- This indicates chromosomal abnormalities of the baby, if any.

Anomaly scan:- A comprehensive ultrasound scan that focuses on your baby’s body and notices the position of the placenta, the umbilical cord, the amniotic fluid that is around your baby, your uterus, and the cervix. This is usually done at 18-22 weeks.

Growth Scan:- This is normally done between 32 – 34 weeks of pregnancy, to assess the growth of your small one.
This is also performed if your baby is in the breech position; is not moving well or often enough; if the umbilical cord is around the neck or if you are carrying twins/ triplets, etc.
How ultrasound is done

⭕   Most of the ultrasounds are done after 10 weeks of pregnancy and are performed abdominally.

⭕   The sonographer will apply gel on your belly and will rub with a device which is hand-held across your belly in order to obtain a correct picture of your little one.

⭕   During your first trimester, when an abdominal ultrasound scan is to be performed, it is always good to drink a few glasses of water before the scan. This makes your bladder full and helps to push your uterus so that the baby can be seen distinctly in ultrasound images.

⭕   Occasionally, the sonographer may advise a vaginal ultrasound.

⭕   The probe used for this does not go far down. It fits inside the vagina with minimal discomfort.

So, If you are not confident when to have a scan or what type of scan you need to undergo, discuss it with your doctor. Make the right decisions at the right time!