Detecting Abnormalities: Sonography (ultrasound)

Sonography or ultrasound is one of the important tools for detecting abnormalities in the foetus during pregnancy. Let us take a look at how sonography or ultrasounds help during pregnancy.Sonography or ultrasound plays a very important role during pregnancy. Growth and development of the foetus can be monitored with the help of sonography. It is also very helpful to track if baby is coping with any abnormality or any birth defect. It helps doctor to take right decision and suggest appropriate remedies if any kind of problem is detected in the foetus. Sonography is done at different stages during the entire period of pregnancy. In this articleHow is sonography (ultrasound) helpful?When is an ultrasound recommended?How is sonography done during pregnancy?What are the different types of ultrasounds?Trans-Vaginal UltrasoundHow is sonography (ultrasound) helpful?An ultrasound scan gives a picture of the baby in the mothers womb without using X-rays. It is used to check the babys development. By using sound waves, birth defects can be identified by the 16-18th week of gestation and sometimes even earlier.When is an ultrasound recommended?Most doctors, these days, advice 3-4 routine sonography tests: first test around the 6th week of pregnancy, second test around the 19th week, third one in the 7th month; and the fourth test in the 37th week. In addition to birth defects, it also helps in identifying twins (or multiple births), and the position of the baby and placenta closer to the due date.How is sonography done during pregnancy?During the early pregnancy, sonography is done by inserting a probe which is covered by a condom in the vagina of mother. This type of sonography is known as trans-vaginal sonography. As the pregnancy is very small during the early phase it is not possible to get the clear picture of the foetus and as such trans-vaginal sonography is used in this case.The normal method of sonography is used during the subsequent sessions. In this method a transducer or a probe covered with gel is moved on the belly in order to get the image of placenta and foetus. The mother is asked to drink plenty of water before the session in order to get the clear image. What are the different types of ultrasounds?Let us take a look at the different types of ultrasounds which are used to check if the pregnancy is progressing in right manner.Trans-Vaginal UltrasoundThe following abnormalities can be determined with the help of sonography during pregnancy.MiscarriageEctopic pregnancyPlacenta PreviaAbnormal heartbeats of the foetusDefects in foetus’s heartAbnormal growth of foetus’s organsIf the cord is tangled around baby’s neckAbnormalities in the uterus of motherMultiple pregnanciesExcessive or inadequate amount of amniotic fluidAbsence of foetal movementsIntrauterine foetal deathOther birth defectsSonography or ultrasound also helps to determine the gestational age and the estimated due date. Carrying out sonography during pregnancy is very crucial. Important and life-saving decisions can be made based on the sonography reports. Therefore, it is a must to undergo a sonography when it is recommended by your doctor.