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Ultrasound in pregnancyPublished by Bupa's health information team, February 2008. This factsheet is for women who are having an ultrasound scan during pregnancy. Ultrasound is used to monitor your baby's development and check for physical abnormalities. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves and their echoes to create moving three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) images of your growing baby. The images (scans) are black, white and grey and are usually displayed on a TV screen. Your care will be adapted to meet your individual needs and may differ from what is described here. So it's important that you follow your doctor's advice.
About ultrasound in pregnancyThere are several different reasons for doing ultrasound scans at different stages during pregnancy. Dating and growth scans are routinely offered to all pregnant women and others are offered only to certain pregnant women because of their age and medical or family history. Dating and growth scanUltrasound scans are usually done at 11 to 14 weeks and 20 to 22 weeks of pregnancy. They help determine your baby's gestational age, and monitor your baby's growth and development. Knowing the baby's age can help determine your due date and monitor important milestones during your pregnancy. Ultrasound can be used in early pregnancy (from six to 10 weeks) to check the location of the embryo and confirm the number of babies. From 11 weeks of pregnancy, standard ultrasound can help determine your baby's risk of Down's syndrome. Ultrasound can be used during procedures to collect amniotic fluid or tissue samples from the placenta. The amniotic fluid and placenta contain your baby's DNA and can accurately confirm if your baby has a genetic disorder. Ultrasound is also used to check the position of the placenta. If the placenta is lying unusually low in the womb it may mean that you need to have an elective caesarean delivery. Doppler ultrasound imaging of the umbilical cordDoppler ultrasound monitors flow in blood vessels and can be used to check placenta function. The placenta provides vital nutrients and oxygen-rich blood to your baby, and problems with the placenta can affect your baby's growth and development. A Doppler scan is only done if a standard dating or growth scan shows abnormalities. Fetal echocardiogramFetal echocardiogram is a type of Doppler ultrasound done by a specialist to examine your baby's heart before birth. It can be done at 14 weeks by scanning through the vagina or at 18 weeks by scanning through the abdomen. Fetal echocardiogram is only performed if a standard dating or growth scan shows abnormalities, or if your baby is at risk of having heart problems.
Preparing for your ultrasoundUltrasound scans in pregnancy are usually arranged by your GP or midwife. The scan is routinely done in the out-patient department in hospital. Please read your appointment letter for instructions on how to prepare for your scan. In early pregnancy you may be required to have a full bladder, so you will need to drink fluids about an hour before the scan. A full bladder helps to lift the large bowel out of the pelvis so that the womb can be seen more easily. Usually only one person is allowed to accompany you into the ultrasound room. If you have young children you will need to make arrangements for a relative, a friend or registered childminder to look after them. About the procedureAn ultrasound scan usually takes five to 20 minutes to perform. A Doppler scan or fetal echocardiogram may take longer depending on the investigation. The ultrasound scanner looks like a home computer system. There is a hard-drive, keyboard and a TV screen. In addition there is a sensor. The sensor sends out sound waves and picks up the returning echoes. Images from the inside of your womb are displayed on the TV screen. These images are constantly updated, so the scan can show your baby's movements. Ultrasound in pregnancy is usually performed by an obstetrician or sonographer. Obstetricians are doctors specially trained in women's health and deal mainly with the management of pregnancy and childbirth. Sonographers are technicians specially trained in taking ultrasound scans. You may have the ultrasound scan through the vagina or abdomen depending on how many weeks pregnant you are. Vaginal scanThis method is used only if the scan is being done in the first 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage the fetus is very small and a vaginal scan gives a better view compared to an abdominal scan. You will be asked to lie on your back and a lubricated sensor (the size of a tampon) is gently inserted into your vagina. The sensor is usually covered with a condom. Please tell your examiner if you suffer from a latex allergy, so that a suitable condom can be used. Abdominal scanThis method is usually used for scans after 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. You will be asked to lie down on your back. A gel is applied to your skin on your lower abdomen. The gel allows the sensor to slide easily over your skin and helps to produce clearer images. The sensor is held firmly against your skin and moved over the surface. You will be able to go home when the scan is complete. Permanent copies of the scan are stored on computer, saved on disc or printed. You will usually be given a printed copy of the scan to take home with you after having a standard three month and five month pregnancy ultrasound scan. Some hospitals will save the scans on a DVD for you to take home. You may be asked to pay a fee for the picture or DVD. ResultsThe details of your ultrasound scan are usually explained to you during or immediately after the scan. What are the risks?Ultrasound examination is painless and safe. It does not use radiation and so carries none of the associated risks. Ultrasound is not known to have any harmful effects, and is not known to harm your baby. It is considered to be safe to use during pregnancy. You may feel slight discomfort as the sensor is pressed against the area being examined. Further information
Related topicsSources
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Mr Naim Boutros, MBchB, LRCP, MRCS, MRCOG, Dip Ultrasound, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Medway Maritime Hospital NHS Trust, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: February 2008.
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