Ultrasound scans have been used by medical professionals and doctors for generations. Physicians and doctors recommend an ultrasound scan for a range of different situations, the prime purpose being during pregnancy.
If you are someone who has been recommended to undergo an ultrasound scan for health purposes, simply google “ultrasound near me” and click on the results that follow.
The following post explores some of the commonly asked questions related to pregnancy ultrasounds, the benefits of pregnancy ultrasounds, the side effects, and ultrasound prices in Delhi.
What Is a Pregnancy Ultrasound?
A pregnancy ultrasound is a test that involves using high-frequency waves to produce an image of a developing baby inside the womb. It also helps in imaging the mother’s reproductive organs, to help monitor her health of the mother. The average number of ultrasound tests that doctors recommend varies with each pregnancy.
A sonogram, also known as an ultrasound, helps in monitoring fetal development to make sure that everything is under control and to screen for any kinds of abnormalities. Along with standard ultrasound, there are several other advanced ultrasound tests including 3-D ultrasounds and 4-D ultrasounds. Fetal echocardiography involves an ultrasound that looks in detail at the baby’s heart.
When is an Ultrasound Done during Pregnancy?
Most women are recommended to undergo an ultrasound in their second trimester of pregnancy, which is at about 18 to 20 weeks. Some women also prefer going through an ultrasound scan during their first trimester before 14 weeks of pregnancy. This is known as an early ultrasound.
The number of ultrasounds each woman has to go through depends from woman to woman when factors like asthma and obesity come into play.
Cost of a Pregnancy Ultrasound
The cost of ultrasound scans depends upon a range of factors, depending upon the type of ultrasound scan, the location and reputation of the hospital, and other such factors. Generally, ultrasound prices in Delhi can cost you anywhere between Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000.
Reasons For a Pregnancy Ultrasound in India
A sonogram can be used for a range of different reasons during pregnancy. Your doctor may suggest going through a greater number of ultrasound scans if they detect a problem in the previous blood or ultrasound test.
Ultrasounds can also be done for non-medical reasons. For instance, a lot of families want an ultrasound to produce images for the parents. While ultrasound scans are usually safe for both the mother and the child, healthcare specialists discourage the use of frequent ultrasounds when there is no essential use or benefit.
1. During The First Trimester (Less Than 14 Weeks of Pregnancy)
During the first to 12 weeks of pregnancy, an ultrasound may be done for a variety of specific reasons. Ultrasound scans can be done to confirm pregnancy, check the heartbeat of the fetus, check for multiple pregnancies, or to determine the gestational age of the baby and estimate a due delivery date.
Many doctors also suggest an ultrasound scan to examine the placenta, ovaries, uterus and cervix. Additionally, ultrasound scans done in the first trimester also help to look for any abdominal growth in the fetus, if any.
2. During The Second and Third Trimester (12-40 Weeks of Pregnancy)
During the second or third trimester, an ultrasound scan may be done to monitor the fetus’ growth and position.
It can help check for congenital abnormalities or birth defects such as down syndrome, and to determine if the fetus is receiving enough oxygen. Additionally, ultrasound tests will also help monitor the levels of amniotic fluid, or to diagnose problems with the ovaries or the uterus.
Will Ultrasound Show Early Pregnancy?
Pregnancy care providers and healthcare specialists can detect an embryo from an ultrasound scan as early as six weeks into the pregnancy. An embryo can usually completely develop into a fetus at around eight weeks of pregnancy.
However, if your last menstrual period was not accurate, there is a high possibility that it is too early to detect the heart rate of the fetus.
Which Ultrasound Scan Is Done During Pregnancy?
Advanced ultrasound techniques are used during pregnancy scans when detailed images are required. This will give the doctor the necessary information in case they detect some abnormality during the regular ultrasound test.
1. Transvaginal Ultrasound
Transvaginal ultrasounds are done to obtain a clearer image than regular ultrasound scans. This scan is mostly used during the first trimester of pregnancy when capturing a clear image is tough. During this test, a small ultrasound probe is inserted inside the vagina. The probe then rests against the back of the vagina throughout the scan.
2. 3D Ultrasound
Unlike traditional 2D ultrasounds, a 3D/4D ultrasound allows your doctor to examine the height, width and depth of the organs of your baby. This ultrasound is extremely helpful in diagnosing any abnormalities during your pregnancy.
3. Fetal Echocardiography
Fetal echocardiography is performed by doctors in case they notice any signs of congenital heart defects in your baby.
This test is done in a similar way to that of traditional ultrasound, but it can sometimes take longer to complete. It can capture in-depth images of the child’s heart, demonstrating the heart’s shape, size and structure. This type of ultrasound is very useful in diagnosing heart problems.
How Many Times is An Ultrasound Safe During Pregnancy?
Most healthy women are prescribed for two ultrasound scans throughout their pregnancy. The two happening during the first and the second trimester respectively. While it is completely safe to have multiple ultrasounds, it is generally not advised.
Ultrasound scans are best done from a reputed place. If you live anywhere in Delhi NCR, google “ultrasound near me” and you will find that city x-rays are the most professional diagnostic lab centers in Delhi. They offer a range of services including MRIs, PET scans, CT scans, Ultrasounds, Mammograms, blood tests, etc.