What should be the ultrasound of pregnancy. Diagnostic methods

An ultrasound examination is a mandatory procedure during the bearing of a baby, so a woman should take it as seriously as possible and not skip it. When to do an ultrasound during pregnancy, the doctor usually tells the woman in the antenatal clinic, he also gives the referral.

For many years, ultrasound diagnostics has helped specialists to control the development of the embryo, as well as to diagnose and prevent various pathological processes in time. With the help of ultrasound diagnostics, you can determine:

• pregnancy, its term, as well as to calculate future births;
• diseases of the reproductive system;
• general condition of the genitals;
• the amount of amniotic fluid, the condition of the umbilical cord, placenta;
• the structure of the fetus;
• violation in the formation of the fetus;
• fetal heartbeat.

Such an examination is prescribed immediately after the woman is registered with the doctor. If the pregnancy proceeds normally, there are no violations and are not expected, an ultrasound examination is done 3 times during the entire pregnancy, if the development of pathologies is possible, the examination can be prescribed much more often. Consider what is the timing of the appointment of ultrasound during pregnancy.

The advantage of using ultrasound diagnostics is that it does not require any preparatory manipulations. If ultrasound diagnostics is carried out in a antenatal clinic, the woman will have to take a clean diaper from home, which will need to be laid on the couch.

In addition, the clinic will definitely need disposable shoe covers, otherwise they will not let you into the doctor's office, wet wipes or a towel to remove the remnants of the gel, as well as a condom, since ultrasound diagnostics in the early stages is carried out vaginally. If the study is carried out on a paid basis, then all of the above things will not be needed, they will be provided by the clinic.

In the second and third trimester, ultrasound is performed through the anterior wall of the abdomen. In this case, it is necessary to drink water half an hour before the procedure to fill the bladder. As soon as the urge to urinate appears, an examination can be carried out.

Timing

At what weeks during pregnancy ultrasound is done, patients are interested in registering for the first time. The first planned ultrasound during pregnancy is scheduled for 10-14 weeks. It allows:

• confirm uterine pregnancy;
• see the position of the baby inside the mother;
• general condition of the reproductive organs;
• the presence of various neoplasms.

The doctor, using a vaginal sensor, displays the embryo on the screen, takes measurements and compares all indicators with the norms, which must necessarily correspond to the gestational age.

Sometimes, there is a need for an ultrasound in the early stages:

• confirmation of pregnancy;
• severe bleeding from the vagina;
• acute pain in the lower abdomen;
• suspected frozen pregnancy;
• if the patient has a history of miscarriages;
• pregnancy resulting from IVF;
• various defects that were identified during past pregnancies;
• with suspected multiple pregnancy.

One of the important points of conducting an ultrasound examination up to 10 weeks is the ability to timely diagnose the development of defects in the embryo. If, after an ultrasound scan, the doctor suspects a defect incompatible with life in the fetus, it becomes necessary to use invasive diagnostic techniques:

• taking amniotic fluid;
• chorion biopsy.

Early diagnosis of the detection of defects is also relevant in the case when there is a serious need to terminate a pregnancy for a short period of time without harming the health and reproductive function of a woman.

Second ultrasound

At what time do 2 ultrasounds during pregnancy? Repeated ultrasound during pregnancy should be done when the period of 20-24 weeks approaches. At this time, the formation of many organs and systems in the fetus occurs, therefore, defects not previously identified are visualized much brighter than in the first study. In addition, the specialist performs such an inspection:

• measurement of the front part and all internal organs of the unborn baby;
• determination of the sex of the fetus;
• general condition of the umbilical cord;
• detection of pathologies;
• whether the umbilical cord wraps around the embryo.

At a period of 20-24 weeks, a specialist on the screen can determine the weight of the fetus, clearly see the number of formed fingers. If an ultrasound specialist diagnosed the development of pathologies, abortion can only be done up to 24 weeks.

Third ultrasound

At 32-34 weeks, the third ultrasound is done. It helps to physically and mentally prepare a woman for future childbirth. During the study, the specialist checks for any violations in the formation of the baby, determines the presentation of the fetus, as well as the level of blood flow in the vessels, uterus and umbilical cord.

Additionally

In addition to the planned mandatory ultrasound during pregnancy, the doctor may prescribe unscheduled ones. As a rule, they are carried out when several embryos are diagnosed in a fetal egg, as well as when:

• heavy bleeding;
• acute pain in the lower abdomen;
• diabetes mellitus;
• diseases of the endocrine system in the mother;
• entanglement with the umbilical cord of the fetus;
• in the age category exceeding 40 years;
• suspicion of the development of pathologies and anomalies in the process of fetal formation;
• the presence of infections;
• placental detachment.

Kinds

Ultrasound is divided into:

• Transvaginal. It is done early. A special sensor is inserted into the vaginal area, on which a condom is put on, and the uterine area is examined. At later dates, this method is not applied.
• Transabdominal. It is made at a later date. The specialist moves the sensor along the abdomen, and the resulting image is displayed on the screen.

Influence

There are many versions of the fact that ultrasound is harmful to a woman, however, experts still use it to this day. Of course, when using ultrasound, there are certain risks, which include:

• severe stress for the fetus, which, under the influence of ultrasound, begins to move actively;
• sharp uterine contraction;
• possible risks associated with a violation in the structure of DNA.

However, all of the above possibilities pale in comparison to the benefits of ultrasound. Ultrasound is not just the norm, but a necessity. It allows you to determine and prevent pathological changes in the development of the embryo at an early stage, to find out the sex and date of birth of the future baby, and also to take a photograph of him in the womb.

Every pregnant woman looks forward to seeing her baby. Thanks to the widespread use of ultrasound during pregnancy, it has become much easier for women to fulfill such a desire.

What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound (ultrasound examination) is the diagnosis of various diseases or conditions using ultrasound. In simple terms, the device consists of a sensor that also acts as a receiver that sends ultrasonic waves into the body that are not audible to the human ear. When passing through various tissues of the body, the characteristics of ultrasonic waves change, which is perceived by the receiver. The received signal is converted in the ultrasound machine into an image visible on the monitor.

It should be noted that ultrasound has been known to man longer than X-rays, but in obstetric practice it began to be used only in the second half of the 20th century. Prior to this active introduction into the practice of ultrasound research, obstetricians were guided by the condition of a pregnant woman to assess the degree of development of the baby, which, of course, was subjective. Thanks to the use of ultrasound diagnostics, it was possible to get rid of subjectivity and diagnose various congenital malformations of the fetus at the earliest stages.

Types of ultrasound and their features

The ultrasound technique can be used to diagnose diseases:

• abdominal organs;
• thyroid gland;
• kidneys;
• pelvic organs;
• prostate;
• mammary glands;
• vessels.

It is customary to distinguish the following types of ultrasound:

• dopplerography;
• echo contrast;
• standard ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound evaluates blood flow in large vessels and chambers of the heart. Dopplerography can take place in several modes: continuous (constant wave), pulsed (periodic assessment), color mapping (correcting the color of the result), energy (reflects the density of red blood cells in volume, which indicates the degree of tissue saturation with blood) dopplerography. There are also combined options and a three-dimensional Doppler study.

Echo contrast is based on the intravenous injection of gas bubbles to accurately diagnose the disease. Allocate dynamic angiography and tissue echocontrasting.

In medical practice, ultrasound is additionally used for the introduction of drugs into tissues, for crushing stones and diagnosing various serious head injuries.

At what stage of pregnancy do ultrasound?

During pregnancy, ultrasound is performed three times: at 9-11 weeks, at 16-21 weeks, at 32-36 weeks. According to certain indications, the doctor may refer the pregnant woman to ultrasound examinations even at an earlier stage of pregnancy.

How many times to do an ultrasound during pregnancy?

To date, in obstetric practice, it is customary to conduct ultrasound during pregnancy at least three times. If necessary, the number of studies can be increased, but there must be objective reasons for this. In addition, ultrasound can be performed immediately before childbirth, when the possibility of childbirth through the natural birth canal is determined.

The first ultrasound is done at a period of 9-11 weeks, while:

• normal pregnancy is confirmed;
• the duration of pregnancy is determined;
• the fetal heart rate is determined;
• multiple pregnancy is detected;
• an ectopic pregnancy or a threatened miscarriage is detected;
• problems of the placenta and uterus, as well as the pelvic organs, are revealed;
• the size of the collar zone is determined (an increase in size characteristically indicates the possibility of malformations);
• exact due date.

When to do a second ultrasound during pregnancy?

The second ultrasound is performed for a period of 16-21 weeks, while:

• the fetus is measured;
• an assessment of the condition of the fetus;
• an estimate of the amount of water is given;
• malformations are revealed;
• the gender of the baby is known;
• problems of the placenta, uterus are revealed;
• the comparative characteristic of the received results at the first and second research is carried out.

When is the third ultrasound done?

The third ultrasound is performed at a period of 32-36 weeks, while:

• the fetus is measured;
• malformations are revealed;
• problems of the placenta and uterus are revealed;
• the normal development of organs and systems of the fetus is confirmed;
• the structure of the lungs is studied;
• the blood flow in the vessels of the baby, uterus and umbilical cord is assessed.

Ultrasound in early pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, ultrasound is not recommended, since ultrasound, like any other study, has its own indications and contraindications, as well as possible side reactions. For these reasons, ultrasound in the early stages in the absence of pain in the lower back and lower abdomen, bloody discharge from the genital tract is best ignored.

How often can an ultrasound be done during pregnancy?

On the territory of the CIS, ultrasound during pregnancy is performed at least three times, while the number of studies can be increased up to 10 times if there are good reasons for this. For example, developing placental abruption, the threat of premature birth, the threat of miscarriage, specialist advice to identify malformations, etc.

Is it safe to have an ultrasound during pregnancy?

To date, there is no objective data confirming the harmfulness of the use of ultrasound during pregnancy. But, despite this fact, the appointment of ultrasound in early pregnancy is undesirable, especially before the 10th week, when the main organs and systems of the fetus are formed. For certain reasons, the doctor has the right to prescribe an ultrasound scan at an early stage if a rough development of the fetus is expected or there is a threat of miscarriage (for example, starting placental abruption).

Determination of the sex of the child with ultrasound, a boy or a girl?

During the passage of the second ultrasound, the doctor is already very likely to tell the pregnant woman the gender of her unborn child, since by this time all the main organs and systems, in particular, the genital one, have already been formed. In some cases, it becomes difficult to determine the sex of the child. For example, during the study, the baby turns away or closes with arms and legs, as a result of which external sexual characteristics are not visible. It is for these reasons that in rare cases the sex of the child is determined after childbirth.

What is 3D ultrasound?

3D ultrasound (three-dimensional examination) refers to a type of ultrasound examination in which a three-dimensional image is created instead of the usual two-dimensional image. With this type of examination, ultrasound waves are directed at different angles, and not from top to bottom, which allows you to get a three-dimensional picture. So the baby can be viewed from all sides.

In recent years, 4D ultrasound has been used in obstetric practice, in which time is added to the three-dimensional image, that is, it becomes possible to see the baby in motion.

During pregnancy, the body of the expectant mother needs regular examinations and monitoring of the process of bearing a child, so you need to know how many weeks to do the first ultrasound during pregnancy.

uzi snapshot photography
apparatus consultation inside
planned in rest position
development snapshot preview

This examination allows you to always keep the situation under control and obtain data that can guide the gynecologist on further actions, if necessary. In addition to many indicators that are understandable only to a doctor, the expectant mother will be able to obtain visual information about her baby.

The principle of the study is based on echolocation: ultrasonic waves are reflected from the tissues into which they penetrate. At the same time, images of these tissues appear on the screen. The reflected rays are received by a sensor that perceives the received signals depending on the density of the tissues. This allows a clear image of the fetus to be displayed on the screen.

Today, such a study is the safest and most effective. It has been used for 40 years, but so far no negative impact on the unborn baby has been noticed. Let's figure out when is the best time to do the first ultrasound during pregnancy.

Time of first examination

Every expectant mother needs to know when the first ultrasound can be done to confirm pregnancy. It is carried out for a period of 3-5 weeks after the start of the last menstruation. Today in obstetrics two diagnostic methods are used:

• through the abdominal wall;
• transvaginal using a vaginal sensor, on which a special condom is put on.

It is worth knowing that no matter how long you do the first ultrasound during pregnancy, it is the vaginal examination that increases the reliability and accuracy of the information received, since the sensor is in contact with the internal organs. In this case, there is no need to fill the bladder before diagnosis. Already at 4-5 days of delay, you can confirm the fact of the lesson. It turns out that embryological pregnancy is determined for a period of 2 weeks.

Vaginal examination

At the moment when you can already do your first ultrasound in the presence of pregnancy, the diameter of the fetal egg is only about 5 mm. To determine the exact date, it is necessary to measure the size of the embryo from the head to the coccyx. The probability of error in this case is no more than three days. If there is no need to confirm the fact of conception, and the absence or presence of uterine pathology was established in another way, the first planned ultrasound visit is carried out during pregnancy for up to 12 weeks.

We figured out when you can go for the first ultrasound during uterine pregnancy, and now let's understand what it shows:

• 7 weeks - the head of the embryo;
• 8 weeks - fetal limbs;
• 9-11 weeks - bones of the limbs and ossification points;
• 11-14 weeks - the presence or absence of the stomach, kidneys, bladder, all fingers of the fetus.

When the first ultrasound examination is done during pregnancy, the “collar space” must be measured. The normal size is a maximum of 3 mm. At 3 mm or more, the fetal neck begins to swell, which indicates a chromosomal disorder and a risk of Down's symptom.

"Collar space" is important to measure when carrying twins. The sooner you detect it, the more accurate the result of the examination for the presence of Down syndrome will be, since it is with a large pregnancy that errors are possible in detecting this symptom.

Collar space

Carrying out ahead of schedule

Sometimes the doctor decides to prescribe an ultrasound diagnosis earlier than it is usually done. This happens when there is a risk of developing any pathology.

There are several cases when the first ultrasound examination when pregnancy occurs is done ahead of schedule.

1. The risk of anomalies in the development of the genital organs.
2. Differential diagnosis of a woman with a uterine tumor or fibroma.
3. Suspicion of hydatidiform mole, incomplete pregnancy.
4. Suspicion of the development of tubal and other ectopic pregnancy.
5. Possible miscarriage.

In these cases, the woman has certain symptoms, which is why the doctor changes the period at which he makes the first ultrasound of the pregnant woman. The most serious symptom is bleeding after a missed period and a positive test. Pro .

Bleeding may indicate any of the conditions that were listed above. With an ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage in women, the lower abdomen hurts a lot.

If a cystic drift is observed, then the fetus does not develop, and the fetal membranes begin to grow in the form of blisters that grow into the uterus, can enter the brain and lungs. This condition can be determined by the size of the uterus, which begins to grow faster than expected. The woman's health worsens and, if no action is taken, a fatal outcome is possible.

Examination in the first trimester

The first screening ultrasound is done at 10 to 14 weeks of gestation. It is prescribed to detect fetal abnormalities, genetic abnormalities, and also helps diagnose possible problems with placental blood flow and fetal position. Screening can be done vaginally and through the abdomen.

First planned trip

In the first case, you will have to undress below the waist and lie down with your legs bent, after which the doctor inserts a thin probe into the vagina. The procedure does not bring discomfort, however, a little bleeding may appear the next day. When examining through the abdomen, you need to undress to the waist or lift your clothes. The specialist applies a special liquid to the abdomen and moves the sensor over it.

After screening, the doctor draws up a protocol where he writes down the main parameters determined during the study. These include:

• heart rate;
• coccyx-parietal size;
• visualization of the embryo;
• the size of the collar space;
• chorion structure;
• the location of the chorion;
• structural features of the uterine walls;
• features of the uterine appendages.

After the ultrasound, the patient is sent for a biochemical study, which is also included in the first screening procedure. The specialist takes blood from a vein to obtain the necessary information. The last meal should be four hours before the study.

Once you have figured out when to do the first screening ultrasound during pregnancy, you should not hesitate. With the help of diagnostics, it is possible to set the period up to the day, find out how the fetus is developing, whether there are defects or features of the genital organs that can complicate the process of bearing a child or even interrupt it.

Ultrasound helps to determine the period of position

Preparation for the study

Once you have decided on when it is better to go to the doctor and do the first ultrasound during pregnancy, you should prepare for the study. If the diagnosis will be performed through the abdomen, two hours before the procedure, you will need to drink about two liters of water without gas. You should not urinate before the procedure.

If you are deciding how to prepare for the first ultrasound during a short pregnancy, you need to know what you need to take with you to the doctor:

• condom;
• towel;
• shoe covers;
• diaper.

A condom is needed to put it on the transvaginal probe. Some paid clinics provide their own consumables, which are included in the cost of admission. So you don't have to carry them with you. Please check with your administrator for this information. Use .

Also, before the examination, you need to wash the external genitalia and put on clean underwear. The day before the planned study, it is necessary to completely exclude fried and fatty foods, limit the consumption of seafood, chocolate, citrus fruits.

Once you understand what time doctors do the first ultrasound with a short pregnancy, make an appointment. You are now a future mom, so take care of your baby and do everything to protect him from various diseases.

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With this card, you will go to the first meeting with your baby - the first ultrasound during pregnancy.

How is an ultrasound performed?

This procedure will not harm you or the fetus in any way. On the contrary, exactly up to you can see problems in the course of pregnancy.

Research is being done using a special sensor connected to the device. The transducer emits ultrasonic waves that pass through the organs and are reflected from them. It is these reflected waves that, when displayed on the monitor screen, will provide complete information about the embryo.

During the procedure the baby can feel the vibration, as we feel the incoming train. Therefore, make sure that during the period of time when the image is already displayed on the screen, and the doctor is only telling you about the condition of the fetus, the sensor is not on your stomach.

First of all ultrasound specialist finds a fetal egg. If the study is carried out for a period of less, it is sometimes difficult to find it, because the size of the fetal egg is only a few millimeters.

More often prescribed in early pregnancy transvaginal examination– when the transducer is inserted into the vagina. The procedure is not very pleasant, but necessary.

After all, only with the help of this method it is possible to identify other deviations leading to artificial termination of pregnancy.

remember, that if you are registered not in a paid clinic, but in a state healthcare institution, you need to take a condom for ultrasound, a diaper for a transvaginal examination.

In many cases, a full bladder is necessary for early qualitative examination.

But usually (in the absence of complications) the first planned ultrasound during pregnancy is prescribed for a period of 10-12 weeks. This research is being carried out transabdominally- that is, the sensor moves along the surface of the abdomen.

It is during this period that gross malformations can be detected: the absence of any parts of the body, internal organs, placental abruption, and much more, which leads to termination of pregnancy.

What do we look at, what do we measure?

Ultrasound Specialist measure the enlargement of the uterus and compare them with the norm for a certain period.

If the increase is more than usual, but the size of the uterus should be normal by the last menstruation, then there are several embryos in your uterus.

Possibly multiple fertilized eggs, to each of which there is a separate umbilical cord. Or in one fetal egg, several lives were born.

Then it is necessary to identify the presence of a partition between them, the number of placentas and the condition of the umbilical cords. In case of deviations (for example, one embryo has fewer arteries in the umbilical cord than expected), you will be assigned an additional ultrasound and.

He will prompt you to go through a certain procedure − amniocentesis when some amount of amniotic fluid is taken to detect chromosomal disorders. This test is taken in the second or third trimester and is usually not very painful.

When is the next ultrasound?

But everyone is individual, so you can only have three ultrasound examinations. In case of multiple pregnancy get ready for frequent visits to the ultrasound room - at least 5 or 6 examinations await you.

Do not worry, because your special - "double" or "triple" - position requires special attention.

By the way, even with a singleton pregnancy, if deviations are detected, several unscheduled ultrasounds can be performed. And before delivery, if the doctor suspects any problems, you will also be sent to an ultrasound specialist.

In the third trimester, mostly when you are already in the maternity hospital, it is possible to have dopplerography- This is the same ultrasound, but lasts a few minutes.

It helps to identify a lack of oxygen in the blood of the fetus, to monitor the baby's heart, sometimes to notice. This procedure, done on time, often helped doctors to correctly assess the situation and decide how exactly the birth would take place.

When a representative of the weaker sex is registered with the antenatal clinic, ultrasound diagnostics constantly accompanies her pregnancy. It can accurately show the condition of the fetus, the degree of health of the internal genital organs and readiness for childbirth. Research is carried out on the most modern equipment of the latest generation. The essence of this method is that ultrasound passes through a sensor applied to the body to organs and tissues and sends a reflected signal to the monitor screen. Looking at him, the doctor is able to thoroughly study the features of what he saw and take the necessary pictures. They are available in 2D, 3D and 4D formats ranging from flat to 4D showing everything down to fetal movements.

Is it dangerous to do ultrasound during pregnancy

Ultrasound diagnostics is an absolutely safe and painless method of examination during the period of bearing a child. The woman feels quite normal, and such a procedure is not capable of harming the fetus in any way. There are usually three mandatory studies, one in each trimester.

They can accurately diagnose the condition of the patient and her unborn baby. A timely ultrasound in the early stages reveals the threat of placental abruption, the risk or the resulting uterine hypertonicity. Such results allow you to take the necessary measures to preserve the pregnancy and significantly improve the woman's well-being.

Mandatory screenings can also identify the risk of developing anomalies in the fetus. Some of them are very difficult. In this case, the doctor recommends termination of pregnancy. The results of ultrasound make it possible to carry out the required measures at the earliest possible time, when an abortion cannot yet harm the health of a woman.

With the development of an ectopic pregnancy, this diagnostic method will allow you to quickly perform a surgical intervention that will save the woman from many complications and preserve her reproductive functions.

As already mentioned, an ultrasound scan is performed any number of times as prescribed by a doctor. It is not capable of being dangerous either for the mother or for the unborn baby.

A strong source emanating from the device affects the interstitial fluid, causing it to bubble. Similar formations merge with each other, and then disintegrate. Such an effect on cells can disrupt the functioning of the body. However, the weakest signal is applied to women during the gestation period, which is simply not physically capable of causing her any harm. The investigation lasts for a very short time, during which nothing bad happens.

The only exceptions are ultrasounds made in three- or four-dimensional format. It is not worth it to conduct them once again, since during their implementation the signal is much higher than the strength of the usual impact. They should only be prescribed for medical reasons.

However, you must strictly adhere to all doctor's prescriptions. If the three mandatory screenings do not provide all the desired information, then additional studies are needed.

At what time do ultrasound during pregnancy

Mandatory ultrasound examinations are carried out according to the Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation No. 572n dated November 1, 2012. It clearly regulates the exact time frame in which the examination should be carried out.

In the first trimester, the best time for an ultrasound scan is from the eleventh to the fourteenth week. The procedure is carried out to detect abnormalities in the development of the fetus and establish the usefulness of the course of pregnancy.

In the second trimester, it is carried out from the eighteenth to the twenty-first week and is also required to establish possible genetic disorders.

In the third trimester, an ultrasound scan is done from the thirtieth to the thirty-fourth week.

In the earliest stages of gestation, ultrasound should be performed in cases where:

• There were any difficulties with establishing the exact timing of gestation;
• there was a suspicion of the development of an ectopic pregnancy;
• the gynecologist suggests that there may be several fetuses;
• a certain risk of spontaneous abortion was established, etc.

In addition, during the entire period of gestation, an ultrasound examination is prescribed under the following circumstances:

• A woman has more than one fetus;
• the representative of the weaker sex suffers from diseases of the internal organs;
• there is a suspicion of the development of infection;
• the patient has an unfavorable heredity;
• the results of previous studies are questionable;
• the doctor wants to conduct a more in-depth examination;
• isthmic-cervical insufficiency is observed;
• possible spontaneous abortion;
• pregnancy in a woman proceeds with obvious complications;
• the gynecologist suggests early aging of the placenta;
• there is an excess of amniotic fluid;
• its deficiency is noticed;
• the fetus shows uncharacteristic activity;
• there are suspicions of oxygen starvation of the embryo;
• there are other suspicious factors, etc.

Such studies are necessary in order to carry out the necessary correction of the woman's condition, prescribe the required treatment for her and monitor the degree of well-being of the development of the fetus.

Procedures are carried out at any time at the request of a specialist. Not only will they not harm the patient, but they will also be of great benefit, making it possible to correct her condition in time.

In some cases, the implementation of an ultrasound examination does not depend on the timing of gestation. This happens when a woman has chronic pathologies. Ultrasound control is mandatory when monitoring a patient suffering from endocrine diseases or hematological diseases.

Much more often than the usual representatives of the weaker sex, they are carried out by those who have already had a frozen or ectopic pregnancy in the past or have had a spontaneous abortion, especially repeated. Women with unfavorable chromosomal heredity should also check their health regularly.

Early ultrasound (first trimester)

In the first trimester, the first screening is prescribed, which necessarily includes an ultrasound examination. It is carried out in the period from the tenth to the fourteenth week of pregnancy. During its passage, the data of TVP, KTR, BDP, etc. are important. If they differ significantly from the norm, then we can talk about a predisposition to Down syndrome. The final diagnosis in this case is already made by a geneticist.

Ultrasound examination is very important, since according to its results, the specialist determines how the pregnancy will proceed in the future. It is necessary to carefully monitor the formation of the embryo's body and notice the malformation that has arisen in time. It matters when observing a woman during the gestation period and the usefulness of the formation of the placenta.

In addition, on the pictures taken during the ultrasound examination, it is important to note the exact size of the uterus, the degree of succession of the increase in the embryo, and also calculate the difference between obstetric and embryonic terms. When using a 4D image, it can be seen how the fetus is moving.

Uzi in the second trimester

In the second trimester of pregnancy, a woman should definitely undergo a second screening, which also provides for the presence of an ultrasound examination. It is carried out from the twentieth to the twenty-fourth week of gestation.

At a time like this, the following comes to the fore:

• multiple pregnancy;
• oblique, transverse or longitudinal position of the embryo;
• presentation features;
• degree of fetal mobility;
• full development of the placenta;
• her presentation;
• her maturity;
• its volume;
• the presence of foreign inclusions;
• lack of early aging of the placenta;
• threats of miscarriage;
• the degree of development of the fetus;
• gender of the expected baby;
• conditions of the uterus, etc.

The doctor especially carefully examines the features of the functioning and structure of the placenta and its position. For him, it is necessary to establish the features of its blood supply, the amount of amniotic fluid and the degree of its transparency.

It is also important to find out the location of the umbilical cord, as its displacement can lead to the death of the fetus.

It is required to assess the health of the uterus to ensure the well-being of the further bearing of the fetus.

The second screening reveals the usefulness of the formation of various organs and systems of the embryo, especially the brain and gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes ECHO-Kg is performed to identify the state of the cardiovascular system of the fetus and fix the fact of its viability.

At this time, you can already see the face of the unborn child and make sure that there are no malformations in its development.

Ultrasound in the third trimester

The third screening aims to prepare for future births. It is held for a period from the thirty-second to the thirty-fifth week. During such a period, the health of the fetus, the usefulness of its development, weight and specification of the timing of gestation are revealed.

In addition, ultrasound is performed at the thirtieth week. Only the transabdominal research method will be used, because the transvaginal one is already capable of being dangerous for the pregnant woman and the fetus.

The last screening before childbirth is carried out by the doctor very carefully. The period that remained to the woman before the onset of childbirth is of the greatest importance for him. In addition, it is very important to examine the condition of the placenta and the position of the umbilical cord.

The results of the ultrasound diagnostics performed are drawn up in the form of a protocol, where the data are entered:

• Fronto-occipital and biparietal size;
• the length of the bones of the shoulder, thigh and lower leg;
• the size of the head circumference of the fetus;
• his height and weight;
• girth of the abdomen.

If a multiple pregnancy is recorded, then it is important for the doctor to establish the most detailed data for each of the future babies. He needs to find out their presentation, the presence or absence of any anomalies, the level of usefulness of the functioning of the placenta and the degree of its maturity.

Mandatory studies are also cervicometry, checking the tone of the uterus, establishing the position of the umbilical cord and the volume of amniotic fluid. Most often, dopplerography is also performed simultaneously.

If all indicators correspond to the norm, the placenta functions as expected at this time, and the amnitic bladder does not cause alarm, then the woman begins to prepare for childbirth with the help of an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Sometimes it happens that fetal abnormalities were not detected in the first or second trimester. If their occurrence is suspected, geneticists and obstetricians are invited. The council of doctors decides whether to start treatment or to carry out any correction.

In cases of unfavorable presentation or position of the baby in the uterus, the specialist decides on the method of obstetric care.

How to prepare for ultrasound during pregnancy

The results of the ultrasound examination must be completely reliable, so it is necessary to properly prepare for it.

The gynecologist needs to fully navigate the available data. A woman needs to take a pregnant card with her and all the results of laboratory and instrumental studies. You should not leave the CHI policy and the passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation at home. It is also required to grab a clean sheet and something with which to then wipe the body after the probe gel if the study is carried out in a public institution. Medical centers usually provide disposable diapers and wipes.

If the ultrasound scan is performed transvaginally, which is more often used in the early stages, then the bladder should be full. Before visiting the doctor, it is advisable to drink about half a liter of liquid and not go to the toilet until the ultrasound.

When carrying out research in a transabdominal way, it is necessary to take care of cleansing the intestines and preventing increased gas formation in advance. A pregnant woman needs to take a herbal laxative and enzymes to suppress excessive activity of the gastrointestinal tract. Before the procedure, at least eight hours of complete fasting should pass, and already a day before it, fermented milk products, fruits, pastries, peas, cabbage, potatoes, pumpkins, tomatoes, plums, peaches, grapes, nuts and mineral water with gas.

Thus, it can be summarized that ultrasound is an indispensable part of the control over the process of bearing a child. Some studies are included in mandatory screenings, others are carried out according to special requirements.

The first of them are already recorded in advance in the pregnant woman's card with an indication of the approximate dates.

During the passage of ultrasound, congenital malformations of the unborn child, the degree of formation of all organs and systems in him, the state of the female genital area of ​​the mother, her placenta, amniotic fluid, as well as the clarification of the timing of the development of pregnancy are revealed.

Additional procedures are carried out as prescribed by the doctor in the presence of detected diseases in the patient or if there are doubts about the previous results of the screenings. With the threat of spontaneous abortion or identified pathologies during gestation, their frequency can reach two to three times a week.

In principle, the patient has the legal right to refuse to undergo mandatory ultrasound. This often happens due to religious beliefs or out of fear of exposure to equipment. However, the lack of full control over the development of gestation and the condition of the fetus can lead to the birth of a child with severe defects and even lead to his death.

Therefore, you should not worry about the safety of the mother and fetus. Modern medicine does its best to make research absolutely harmless. There is no evidence that any pregnant woman has been harmed by an ultrasound scan. Moreover, many of them receive snapshots or recordings to disk in order to keep them as a keepsake.