Ultrasound: pregnancy

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The ultrasound during pregnancy is used to examine the unborn child. With the examination, the doctor checks, among other things, the position and development of the baby in the womb. As a rule, three sonographs are recommended during pregnancy. Read here when the ultrasound is performed during pregnancy and what the doctor checks during the individual examinations!

Ultrasound: pregnant or not?

A pregnancy from the 5th week of pregnancy can be detected by means of ultrasound, since the fruit cavity can then be identified. Before that, the gynecologist will do a blood test to identify a possible pregnancy.

Ultrasound (pregnancy): the first examination

The first ultrasound examination, after the pregnancy has already been determined, takes place between the 9th and 12th week of pregnancy, i.e. in the first trimester of pregnancy. Here the doctor checks whether the fruit has properly embedded itself in the uterus or whether there is an ectopic pregnancy.

He also uses the size (crown-rump length) and head diameter of the embryo to calculate its age and the expected due date. The doctor usually uses a vaginal transducer that is inserted through the vagina for the first ultrasound. From the 10th week of pregnancy, an ultrasound through the abdominal wall may be possible.

Ultrasound (pregnancy): the second exam

The next ultrasound examination will be carried out between the 19th and 22nd week of pregnancy. Here the doctor can already check important developmental steps of the unborn child. He calculates the growth process from the dimensions of the head, trunk and the larger bones such as the thigh bone. Using growth curves, he can then check whether the child is growing in an age-appropriate manner.

The doctor also estimates the weight of the fetus, assesses the amount of amniotic fluid and the location of the placenta. The second ultrasound is a special experience for many parents, as you can already see the child's heartbeat and movements, and in some cases even the gender.

Ultrasound (pregnancy): the third exam

The last regular sonography for follow-up checks takes place in the 29th to 32nd week of pregnancy. The doctor in turn examines the position, weight and height of the child, as well as their cardiac activity and movements, and the amount of amniotic fluid.

It is also important to re-examine the position and size of the placenta, which is well supplied with blood: If it is in front of the inner cervix, this can lead to severe bleeding during birth! In such cases, a caesarean section is recommended to avoid the risk to the mother during childbirth.

Doppler sonography (pregnancy)

Doppler sonography is particularly used in high-risk pregnancies, for example in the case of pregnancy-related high blood pressure or if the child is suspected of having a growth disorder or heart defect. So it is not a routine check-up!

With this examination method, the doctor can see the blood flow in the vessels of mother and child. All he has to do is change the settings on the ultrasound device - for the patient, the Doppler sonography runs like any other ultrasound.

Ultrasound: baby is not in danger!

Many pregnant women worry that the ultrasound waves could harm their child. According to the current state of knowledge, however, there is no indication of this. The sound waves cannot be felt by the child and are certainly not painful. Since sonography does not work with radiation either, there is no danger to mother or child.

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