When is an abdominal ultrasound prescribed during pregnancy: preparation and how is the study done? Why and for how long do the second ultrasound during pregnancy, how to properly prepare for it.

First trimester

A week before the examination, slightly adjust the diet - it should not contain foods that increase gas formation. Especially it concerns:

• legumes;
• muffins and black bread;
• sweet and carbonated drinks;
• any cabbage;
• dairy and dairy products;
• any sweets, including honey, are also prohibited.

If there are indications for an ultrasound of the kidneys, then half an hour before the procedure, you should drink 2-3 glasses of plain non-carbonated water and do not empty the bladder.

Conduct research strictly on an empty stomach. At least 6-8 hours before you can not eat. This is especially important when examining the gallbladder.

Second and third trimesters

Research is easier. You should also exclude gas-producing foods and do not eat 6-8 hours before the procedure. However, there is no need to drink water - the amount of amniotic fluid is quite enough for research. Bowel cleansing with an enema for ultrasound during this period is not performed.

How is it carried out

The conditions for the implementation of the procedure have both general provisions and specific ones:

1. During the study, the woman lies on the couch. She needs to dress in such a way that it is easy to open her stomach.
2. In the second and third trimesters, you will be given a special cushion that must be placed under the lower back so that the enlarged uterus does not compress the view. At the beginning a special gel will be applied to the skin, it is harmless, hypoallergenic, it has no color and smell and cleans up easily with a damp cloth. The gel is needed for better glide of the sensor.
3. The doctor will ask you to turn on your right and left side, hold your breath, and so on. If any position makes you uncomfortable, you need to tell your doctor.
4. After the study, you will be given a transcript, where the results will be indicated.

Where to do it and how much does it cost?

You can take this test at any medical center. The cost depends on how many organs are being looked at. It can be in the range from 600 to 2000 rubles.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is the most exciting period in a woman's life. Responsibility for the life of the future baby often makes you worry beyond measure. Pain in the abdomen at any time during this period is not a reason to panic. An ultrasound scan will dispel all your doubts and inspire confidence that everything will be fine, and you will soon see your child.

Ultrasound is the most popular and safe method for diagnosing pregnancy studies. With the help of ultrasonic rays, an obstetrician-gynecologist studies the development of the fetus and sees how many babies are in the womb.

This procedure helps to determine the sex of the child already in the second trimester of pregnancy. In the early stages, the study is carried out transvaginally (using a vaginal probe), this helps to most accurately examine the embryo and determine if there are any developmental complications.

Features of the first ultrasound during pregnancy

Gynecologists recommend that expectant mothers undergo screening once a trimester. This will help monitor the development of the child and protect the woman from the development of pathological processes. However, sometimes in the first trimester, a girl is prescribed not one ultrasound, but two.

What is it connected with? The very first diagnosis is made when a woman is registered in a hospital. After fertilization has been detected, the gynecologist prescribes the first planned ultrasound for the girl at 10–12 weeks of gestation. Therefore, it turns out that in the early stages a woman should undergo two ultrasound diagnostics.

When you first contact the antenatal clinic using this research method (this happens a couple of days or weeks after the delay), the doctor checks to see if the girl is pregnant. After the fact of fertilization is established, additional tests and procedures are assigned to her to check whether the development of the embryo is proceeding normally.

Diagnosis shows the presence / absence of an ectopic or missed pregnancy. With such a diagnosis, the embryo will not be able to fully develop and will die, so the doctor recommends interrupting the gestation.

At the first examination, the gynecologist examines the structure of the embryo, establishes the absence / presence of chromosomal pathologies and neural tube defects. The doctor sets the date by which the EDD (estimated date of delivery) is calculated.

When is the first ultrasound done?

Usually, the attending physician himself determines when to do the first tests. The time of events should fall on the 12-14th week of gestation. It is during this period that you can most accurately assess the condition of the fetus and see the pathological processes.

However, the gynecologist may prescribe the procedure at the following stages of embryo development:

1. Diagnostic ultrasound procedure at 1 week after conception. Such an event will help to identify if a woman has an ectopic pregnancy or hydatidiform mole. And also the test confirms the fertilization of the egg;
2. Lab test at 3-4 weeks. During the study, the doctor looks at how the umbilical cord of the embryo was formed, and whether the rudiments of the limbs began to develop;
3. The following procedure is carried out 2-3 months after conception. The anatomical structure of the skeleton is assessed. During this period, a specialist can identify possible defects and pathological processes in the development of the fetus. In the middle of the first trimester, it is already possible to examine the formed organs of the unborn child (kidneys, liver, genitourinary system and stomach), hear the baby's heartbeat. And it also turns out if there are any delays in the development of the baby;
4. The most accurate results of screening ultrasound are obtained at 12–14 weeks of gestation. Usually performed if there was an embryo transfer (IVF). It is not necessary to conduct it, but if the girl has any signs of ill health, then it is better to do it. Diagnosis will help identify the exact causes of discomfort (if a woman has pain, pulls her lower abdomen, there is spotting). At this time, the girl has the opportunity to find out the sex of the child. In addition, tests at this time are needed in order to determine the amount of amniotic fluid and whether the baby's place is properly fixed.

All test results are compared with a table that shows the decoding of the indicators and their norm in a certain period of gestation.

Before poisoning a girl in a position for a laboratory examination, the doctor conducts an obstetric examination. After that, a list of procedures that need to be done is assigned. The attending doctor should advise the woman and tell in detail how to prepare for the event.

The preparation is as follows:

1. 2-3 days before the procedure, it is necessary to exclude fatty, fried, salty foods, fast food from the diet.
2. Stop drinking alcohol and cigarettes.
3. The last meal before the tests should be 8-9 hours before. If necessary, the doctor may ask you to empty your stomach before the test.
4. 15-20 minutes before visiting the doctor, it is recommended to drink 0.5 liters of pure non-carbonated water.

In addition, the gynecologist warns the woman that she will need to take a clean waffle towel or a disposable diaper with her to the appointment. If the procedure is performed transvaginally, then a condom will also be required.

How the examination is carried out

In the early stages, transabdominal diagnostics is carried out through the abdominal cavity. The girl is in a position to lie down on the couch and exposes her stomach. Before the procedure, the obstetrician-gynecologist lubricates the abdomen with a cool white or transparent gel for better penetration of the waves. After that, he drives the sensor in the lower abdomen, an image of the fetus appears on the monitor.

At the first stages of development after conception, only a qualified specialist can decipher the picture of the results. The girl will not be able to independently determine what is shown on the screen and whether there are any deviations. After that, a protocol is filled in, where all the received data are recorded. The protocol for the entire period of pregnancy is kept in the patient's medical record. The entire inspection takes an average of 7-10 minutes.

What will the first ultrasound show

1 scheduled examination is necessary in order to identify serious pathological processes and, if necessary, interrupt gestation in time. At the first stages of embryo development, the doctor checks whether the heart, head, and limbs of the unborn baby are formed correctly.

By the middle of the 1st trimester, you can already see the baby's face. The diameter of the collar zone and the size of the skull are also determined here. In addition, in the first weeks of gestation, you can accurately determine when conception occurred.

If, after an obstetric examination, any problems were identified, then an ultrasound scan is prescribed earlier than the established deadlines. And also the reason for early diagnosis can be IVF, the threat of miscarriage, the fading of pregnancy. In any case, diagnostic measures are carried out after the 5th week of gestation. Since earlier ultrasound will not give any accurate results.

The benefits or harms of ultrasound during pregnancy

Screening ultrasound is prescribed to absolutely all girls in the position when registering in a antenatal clinic. This diagnostic method has many advantages. First of all, it allows you to prevent the development of an ectopic pregnancy or arbitrary termination of pregnancy, which is important when carrying a child.

In addition, modern ultrasound is:

• the most accurate indicators of the gestational age;
• a test that helps to determine the pathological processes of fetal development even at the very first stages;
• a method that allows you to quickly identify the cause of deviations and start conservative treatment;
• determination of the diligence of the fetus in the womb;
• diagnosis of fetal hypoxia and assessment of the full blood circulation.

Despite all the advantages, there is an opinion that such an examination is still dangerous for the health of the mother and child. This is explained by the fact that ultrasonic waves can adversely affect the development of the fetus and worsen the course of pregnancy. In fact, this is not so, quite often women confuse ultrasound with x-rays, thinking that the two methods affect the body in the same way.

Ultrasonic radiation is designed so as not to harm the baby and mother, so it is quite safe to do it, and most importantly, it is necessary. Of course, it is not recommended to conduct an examination at the own request of the expectant mother. But if the gynecologist has prescribed the procedure, then it is best to go through it and make sure that the future baby is developing normally.

When is the best time to go for an ultrasound and what it will show, the video will tell.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is the most beautiful period in the life of every woman. After the conception has been confirmed by the doctor, tests are prescribed for the expectant mother.

One of the mandatory procedures is ultrasound. It allows you to learn about the development of the fetus maximum amount information, determine the timing of fertilization and identify pathological processes that threaten the life of the expectant mother and baby.

The examination is completely painless and takes 10-15 minutes. Therefore, you should not be afraid and refuse it, as it will help you get to know your future child better and warn against possible complications.

Preparation for ultrasound during pregnancy is necessary in all cases when it comes to early terms. If you do not carry out a number of activities, the result of the study may not be accurate enough, which will be doubly disappointing if you are doing this for a fee.

Types of ultrasound during pregnancy depend on its duration, in the early stages it is carried out, in the later stages it is transabdominal.

How many ultrasounds are done during pregnancy How many ultrasounds will be needed during your pregnancy, no one will tell at the beginning, however, there are times when ultrasounds are performed for all women. This is the so-called screening ultrasound during pregnancy.

There are three in total.

The first ultrasound during pregnancy is performed at a period of 10-11 weeks, this is the so-called genetic ultrasound. Its task is to identify congenital malformations of the fetus and severe anomalies. If too serious deviations in the development of the child are detected at this time, the pregnancy may be offered to be terminated. It is also possible to determine the gestational age by ultrasound with maximum accuracy.

The second ultrasound is performed at a period of 16-21 weeks, usually it is this study that women are most looking forward to, since it usually makes it possible to find out the sex of the unborn child. This ultrasound excludes all malformations and anomalies, up to the most insignificant ones, since the child is fully formed and now he only has to grow.

The third ultrasound during pregnancy is carried out at 32-34 weeks, it determines the condition of the placenta, the presentation of the child, its approximate body weight, and in most cases allows you to determine the tactics of the upcoming birth.

All of the above is a planned ultrasound, it is carried out free of charge, you must be given a referral at the antenatal clinic, even if you do not have an insurance policy. In our country, assistance to pregnant women is provided in full even in the absence of documents and the status of a homeless person, if this is not the case, sue, and you will win.

What ultrasound is done during pregnancy

Ultrasound at different stages of pregnancy is carried out according to different methods.

Since in the early period the uterus is almost not enlarged, an ultrasound of the small pelvis is performed. This is a transvaginal, or internal, vaginal ultrasound. In the first trimester, it is better because it is more informative.

Intravaginal ultrasound does not require special preparation. You do not need to drink water, it is enough that the intestines are free and there is no flatulence. To do this, you need to have a chair shortly before the study, independent or after an enema, candles, you can take a spoonful of espumizan.

How is an early ultrasound performed? You will need to bring a diaper and a condom with you for the ultrasound examination. This is a special thin condom that is put on the ultrasound probe. The doctor will insert the transducer into your vagina, it won't hurt.

During an ultrasound, you no longer need to drink water. Previously, a full bladder was necessary, as it served as a kind of window that allowed you to see the uterus and fetus in the early stages. The introduction of transvaginal ultrasound has increased the accuracy of the study, saving women from drinking excessive liquids.

Transabdominal ultrasound in the later stages does not require any preparation at all.

When appearing for an ultrasound, you must have your documents (passport, insurance policy, exchange card), a diaper, and in some cases a condom for ultrasound. Ultrasound examination can cause an increase in uterine tone in response to ultrasound.

Discharge after a vaginal ultrasound (mucus, watery) may be due to an allergic reaction to latex, to lubricants, but the ultrasound itself is safe and does not increase the risk of miscarriage or other problems.

How does ultrasound work during pregnancy, what you need to remember when preparing for routine diagnostics, what questions to ask the doctor based on the results of the examination - read in our article 10 important rules for ultrasound during pregnancy.

Ultrasound during pregnancy: important rules

Follow the deadlines

First of all, carefully monitor your pregnancy and go for an ultrasound examination exactly when it was prescribed by the doctor conducting your pregnancy. Because as a result of each of the three planned ultrasounds, the doctor excludes certain pathologies of the child's development.

Choose a clinic for ultrasound

Do not spare money and do an ultrasound in a good clinic on a modern device. To do this, do not be too lazy to find out reviews about the clinic, equipment and doctors doing ultrasound during pregnancy.

Consider timing issues for ultrasound during pregnancy

First of all, coordinate the time with your husband if he also wants to be present at the procedure. Schedule the time so that you get to the clinic 10-15 minutes before the appointed time, because most likely you will have to fill out a card or some other documents.

Think over the organizational issues of ultrasound during pregnancy

Check with the clinic for directions, as well as what things and documents you need to take with you. Get the money ready. Dress comfortably - so that you can quickly expose your tummy. Take paper handkerchiefs with you just in case - to wipe off the gel. And also a disposable diaper, if you go to an ultrasound not in a private clinic, but in a regular local clinic.

Do not forget about hygiene before going to the ultrasound

A shower, clean underwear and socks, and neat clothes are natural hygiene standards for visiting any doctor. Ultrasound during pregnancy is no exception.

Don't forget the pregnancy card

And also take with you copies of previous ultrasounds, if any. Probably, the doctor will want to read these documents, compare the results of ultrasound during pregnancy and make recommendations if the need arises.

Prepare answers to questions

During your pregnancy ultrasound, your doctor will likely ask you a few questions. Be ready to call

• first day of last period
• duration of menstruation
• what are the births
• How did previous pregnancies end?
• how much did/weigh the child/children at birth,
• whether there are any congenital pathologies in the family, for example, heart defects.

Get ready not to panic

Be calm and take care of yourself and the child under any circumstances. During ultrasound, they can (but very rarely!) reveal the pathology of the child's development. Your task is not to panic and double-check everything carefully. How to recheck?

Yes, it’s very simple: go through an ultrasound scan again with another specialist, narrower, specializing specifically on your problems. As a rule, in cases of suspicion of any pathology, the expectant mother is sent for further examination either to the PAG or to OKHMATDIT.

By law, a private clinic cannot refute a serious diagnosis. It is also necessary to find out what tests and when to pass in order to refute the diagnosis. These questions can be answered either by your local doctor or by the one who performed the ultrasound.

Find out more research

Ask what additional tests the clinic offers on your terms. In the early and middle stages of pregnancy, ultrasound is recommended to be done simultaneously with genetic blood screenings - at 14-16 weeks and at 18-20 weeks - the so-called PRISCA of the first and second trimesters.

Comparison of the data obtained by ultrasound and the data of blood biochemistry makes it possible to exclude the main genetic pathologies with almost one hundred percent probability.

In the third trimester, along with ultrasound, dopplerography is also done - they determine the speed of blood flow in the vessels of the fetus and mother, and look at the functionality of the umbilical cord. And during cardiotocography, the baby's heart rate is recorded.

Ultrasound during pregnancy: a good doctor will tell the truth

Victoria Maksimova, obstetrician-gynecologist, deputy chief physician for outpatient work at the ISIDA clinic, comments:

“The obstetrician-gynecologist has a double responsibility: both for the life of the mother and for the life of the child. This is the specificity of our profession.
Such a doctor should be a "professional in the square." And along with this, also a good psychologist - so that the patient trusts him. It means being able to listen, to be compassionate, to be merciful.
Of course, midwifery is more associated with positive emotions. However, situations are different.
I believe that a doctor should always tell the truth. But this should be done gently, tactfully, perhaps through relatives. In each case, an individual approach is important, because all people are different.
As a doctor with extensive experience, I always know how to behave with a patient - as soon as she crosses the threshold. I try to convey information in an accessible way, because it is very important that my interlocutor understands everything correctly. This result can be achieved if a woman sees that the doctor is not indifferent to her problem.