ULTRASOUND IN PREGNANCY

What to expect when an ultrasound is scheduled in pregnancy?

What is an ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a type of imaging technology which uses sound waves to create images. During pregnancy, a transducer is placed on the belly or in the vagina. The transducer emits sound waves that travel through the baby and emit echoes. The transducer picks up these echoes and forms the image of your baby on the screen.
For many women, ultrasound is exciting as they can see their baby move its hands and legs & suck its thumb or yawn! But one should also be aware that the scan may detect some serious abnormality in the baby and be prepared for that information.

What will happen during the scan?
The scan is performed by the doctor in a dimly lit room to get good images of the baby. You will be asked to lie down on the couch, expose your tummy and tissue paper is tucked around your clothing to protect it from soiling due to the gel used. Ultrasound gel is put on your tummy and the doctor moves a probe over the skin. You could watch the scan on the screen in front of you. The scan does not hurt you but slight pressure needs to be applied occasionally to get a better view of the baby. You will be asked to inform the doctor if it hurts you during the scan. In advanced centers like ours, a 3D/4D probe is used to see the parts of your baby and for detailed examination.

How long will a scan take?
A scan may take around 20 to 30 minutes. However, if the baby is not in a suitable position the doctor may not be able to get good views of your baby and the procedure remains incomplete. The scan may take longer or may be repeated after a while when the baby gets into a better position.
If you are overweight or have thick abdominal wall the quality of image comes down because the ultrasound waves has to pass through more tissue to reach the baby.

Is ultrasound scan harmful to me or my baby?
So far there is no evidence that ultrasound scan is harmful to the baby or the mother.

When are scans offered?
Hospitals in India offer at least 3 ultrasound scans to pregnant women during their pregnancy:

When will I get the results?
You will be informed about the results soon after your scan along with a printed report & a few images of your baby to take home.

What can an ultrasound scan be used for? An ultrasound scan can be used to:

Is my family or friends allowed inside the scan room with me when I have the scan?
Yes. You may have someone to accompany you for the scan appointment. Generally, one person is allowed when the baby is well & may be two in case there is an abnormality found in the baby & the pregnant lady needs additional support. Overcrowding is to be avoided to maintain hygiene especially because pregnancy lowers the immunity of the mother. During epidemics & pandemics the attendants will not be allowed to reduce the risk of spread.

If everything appears normal, what happens next?
If the mother & baby are well, the number of scans done is usually 3-4. Routine care needs to be continued with the obstetrician & return for scan only if advised for any reason.

If the scan shows that the baby may have a condition, what happens next?
If the scan shows that your baby has a condition, the doctor may ask for an additional test like amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling etc., to look for associated genetic abnormality. Depending upon the abnormality, the doctor may speak to the referring obstetrician about the need for further tests or discuss further care of the baby so you could see the referring doctor to help make appropriate decision. If you are offered additional tests, you will be given more information about them so you can decide if you wish to have them. You'll be able to discuss the test with your obstetrician too.

Is it a girl or a boy? Finding out the sex of your baby is prohibited in India under the PCPNDT act. Revealing the sex or asking the doctor for sex determination is punishable under law.

By Dr Sai Keerthana Dhanireddy, Dr. Ashwini. J.A