Pregnancy ultrasounds They may be one of the most anticipated and exciting moments of pregnancy. Have I written perhaps? And without the maybe! Is there anything more impressive than hearing your baby’s heartbeat? Something that matters more than knowing if what you are expecting is a girl or a boy? What is the feeling of sharing those “first photos” of the baby with everyone who asks you about pregnancy? And last but not least (quite the opposite!), knowing for sure that everything is going well.
All this and more is what is achieved thanks to ultrasounds. We dedicate a few lines to them!
Pregnancy ultrasounds: The most anticipated moment
Is there anything more exciting than having the opportunity to see the baby inside your belly? Remember that pregnancy also affects your partner and this is a special moment for both parties.
And ultrasounds have a great amount of information to offer us: from the development of the fetus in the uterus, housing the most physiological and medical level, to listening to and being aware of its heartbeat, something that affects the most emotional level. Here you can read about emotional health during pregnancy.
When we talk about ultrasounds we are referring to a diagnostic technique based on ultrasound(sounds not audible to the human ear) that verify the evolution of the fetus after colliding with its structures. After the positive result of the pregnancy test It is usually the proof that confirms that in a few months you will be one more at home.
A safe practice?
And how is all this achieved? Thanks to ultrasound, images are obtained through a transducer that sends waves. The best thing is that although it may seem complicated, it is a simple, safe and painless technique that is not harmful to either the mother or the baby since no type of radiation is emitted.
Types of ultrasounds
There are two types of fetal ultrasounds.
Transvaginal ultrasound
It is done by placing inside your vagina a transducer that emits ultrasound waves. This type of ultrasound is usually performed on the one hand in the early stages of pregnancy and on the other hand when the transabdominal ultrasound does not report much information.
Transabdominal ultrasound
This is the most common ultrasound, which is performed with a transducer on the abdomen and a gel that improves wave conduction.
2D, 3D, 4D or 5D ultrasound?
What a mess of ultrasounds! What is the difference between all of them?
- Let’s say that the 2D ultrasound It is the most common, the general, the oldest. They are obtained flat images in a gray scale.
- One step further we have the 3D ultrasound that offers us images (as its name indicates) in 3 dimensions being able to observe the volume in the space of any part that we want to study and analyze. It has an important role in prenatal diagnosis.
- On the other hand we have the 4D ultrasound which, in addition to the above, allows you to see the baby’s movement… in real time! It would be a complement to the traditional ultrasound that is performed privately since, despite being very exciting and helping with the emotional ties of the future parents, it does not provide more information – on a physiological level – than the others.
- And… 5D ultrasound! Very similar to the previous one but with greater sensation of volume and better quality and realism. Real images of the baby are obtained where you can even see the colors of their skin.
How many ultrasounds are performed throughout pregnancy?
Did you know that the number of “routine ultrasounds” performed during pregnancy depends on each country? Yes, yes… as you read it! While in Spain there are 3 routine ultrasounds that are usually performed in a pregnancy without major complications, in other countries two or even one are performed, as is the case in Sweden.
Despite there being 3 routine ultrasounds, you should know that Whenever necessary due to the type of pregnancy and/or the personal and individual characteristics of each case, all types of additional examinations can be performed.. Despite the ultrasounds are not done at any time, but they are carried out out of necessity and not for the pure pleasure or desire of seeing the little one in the house.
But don’t worry, so you can take note and establish your own calendar… we’ll tell you everything quarter by quarter!
Ultrasound of the first trimester of pregnancy
First time we see the development of the fetus in the first trimester. What nerves! With this ultrasound performed between weeks 11-13 We confirm the pregnancy. This first “photo” is also called “dating ultrasound” since it helps the future mother know exactly the gestational age to calculate PPF(expected delivery date).
At the same time we can see the placental status and number of fetuses(here you can determine if you are expecting one or more babies) along with the size and their position in the uterus. One of the objectives of the first trimester ultrasound is to determine or rule out the existence of chromosomal alterations. That is why we measure the nuchal fold (or translucency) since it is a very sensitive and specific early marker that helps rule out any suspicion of trisomy 21 (Down syndrome).
Ultrasound of the second trimester of pregnancy
In the middle of pregnancy, back in the weeks 18-22 more or less the second ultrasound is performed: the morphological ultrasound. The goal? Find out the development of the fetus in the second trimester.
This is an ideal time to check that everything is going well by observing the formation of all its organs, heart rate, amniotic fluid, movements… Here you can read more about the famous kicks.
It is also an important moment because if you want… you can find out the sex of the baby! Yes, what everyone wants is for him to come healthy and blah blah, but… is there anyone in the room who doesn’t fantasize about the idea of knowing if they are expecting a boy or a girl?
Ultrasound of the third trimester of pregnancy
For the weeks 33-34, when the last ultrasound arrives,development of the fetus in the third trimester It will be practically completed, which will mean that the baby can only be seen in parts since it will be of considerable size.
The objective of this test is to assess, above all, the fetal growth, weight and well-being while obtaining information about the delivery. As?Knowing the position it adopts inside the uterus.
In these months full of changes you will experience everything very intensely. Childbirth preparation classes will not only serve as support but will also help you take care of your baby during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.
At SingularMom we always say that information is power. And what’s better than having it in the palm of your hand! Welcome to the family!
