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Being a parent is the dream of many couples and individuals. And nothing makes this journey more pleasant than seeing the growth of your baby. Now, there are many methods to monitor your baby’s growth inside your womb. Among many methods, one of the best and most effective ways is to use ultrasound. Not only does ultrasound allow you to monitor your baby’s growth in decent quality, but it is also affordable as well. But saying this is just scratching the surface. The specifics are a bit more complicated than this. However, before we even discuss the specifics of ultrasound in pregnancy, what is it?
Well in this blog, we shall explore these exact aspects. Here, we cover what an ultrasound in pregnancy is, the types of pregnancy ultrasounds, the types of ultrasound scans offered during pregnancy, and what happens during the scan. We also cover what can be detected in a pregnancy ultrasound and why you may need an ultrasound during pregnancy. So, keeping this in mind, let’s get started!
In simple terms, an ultrasound or sonogram for short, is a test during the pregnancy designed to check the health and development of your baby. In this process, the nurse midwife, obstetrician, or sonographer performs the ultrasound during the pregnancy. Now, the specific reasons for this vary depending on your circumstances, including checking the health of the baby in general or to see if there are any problems for the baby.
In this process, the sound waves are sent through the abdomen or vagina through a device known as a transducer. The device then bounces off the structures inside your body which includes your baby and reproductive organs. The sound waves are then converted into images so that the users can see what is inside the organs. Now, unlike X-rays, ultrasound does not use radiation but rather just waves of sound. Therefore, it has minimal risk attached to it. That said, although the risks are minimal, you should only take this check when recommended and medically necessary.
If you take the ultrasound during the prenatal phase, it can be known as a fetal ultrasound or pregnancy ultrasound. You shall know the specific time for when to take the ultrasound during pregnancy based on your health industry.
Now that you know what an ultrasound is, you may wonder who is the best ultrasound expert in Nepal? Well, among many doctors out there, Venus Hospital is also home to Dr. Pravin Bahadur Basnet, who is one of the best radiologists in Nepal. He has more than a decade of experience as a radiologist, and he graduated with an MD in radiology from East Avenue Medical Center, Philippines, in 2013, and has an MBBS from Nepalgunj Medical College, Kathmandu University 2002.
If you want to seek his expertise and get the best Ultrasound in Nepal, you can visit Venus Hospital Between 09:30 AM to 03:00 PM every day. Do note Venus hospital also provides you with 3D ultrasound. So, with all of these perks, the question is not why you should choose Venus Hospital for ultrasound but why not.
So now you know the basic gist of what an ultrasound is. But do you know that there are different types of ultrasound in pregnancy? Yes, depending on the specifics of your circumstances, the doctors can use a different form of ultrasound in pregnancy. So, what are these different types of ultrasound? Some of the key types of ultrasound in pregnancy include:
This form of ultrasound essentially involves inserting a small probe into the vagina. The inserted probe then emits an ultrasound to provide a clear image of the uterus, ovaries, and developing baby. It is especially used in early pregnancy.
As its name suggests, this form of ultrasound creates three-dimensional images of the things inside the uterus. This includes the 3D images of the fetus as well and it offers a more detailed view of its development. 3D ultrasound is used to check for abnormalities inside the baby or provide you with a realistic view of the baby.
From the name of this form, you can easily guess that 4-D ultrasound is a step up from our previous entry. The 4-D ultrasound allows you to see the live and moving images of the baby. This essentially means that you can see how your baby is doing or acting inside your womb in real time, although with some limitations of the ultrasound technology.
The final form of ultrasound in pregnancy is the fetal echocardiography, and it is focused on the baby’s heart. This form of ultrasound provides detailed images that allow you to check the structure of the baby’s heart and is typically used when the experts suspect a heart condition.
Although there are many other types of ultrasound in pregnancy, the ones we mentioned here are just some of the key ones. For detailed information, do contact the associated expert.
Now, at this point, you are already aware of the different types of pregnancy ultrasounds. But what about the specific ultrasound scans offered during pregnancy? Well, the specific ultrasound offered during pregnancy depends on your individual circumstances. That said, we can provide you with a general list of specialized ultrasounds offered during pregnancy. Some of these include:
Dating ultrasound is typically performed during early pregnancy at around six to nine weeks. The primary purpose of this ultrasound is to confirm the pregnancy and calculate the estimated due date (EDD) based on the size of the baby and its development. The scan is especially useful for you if you are a woman with irregular menstrual cycles or uncertain conception dates. Additionally, the dating scan is also used to confirm whether it is a single or multiple pregnancy and check the general health of the uterus and the surrounding reproductive structures.
Following the dating scan, we have a nuchal translucency scan, which is conducted between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. The NT scan is part of the first-trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13). In this scan, the thickness of the fluid-filled space at the back of the baby’s neck is measured. This is combined with the maternal blood test and other factors such as age, and it provides risk assessment for certain conditions. It also offers the chance to observe the baby’s early development, such as heartbeat and basic anatomical features.
Also known as a mid-pregnancy or 20-week ultrasound scan, an anomaly scan is another form of detailed ultrasound scan that is performed during the pregnancy. As its name suggests, this scan is typically performed between 18 to 22 weeks of gestation. The key purpose of anomaly scans is to check for any forms of structural abnormalities within the baby. Some of the key things that anomaly scan checks within the baby include:
As you can guess, it is a routine scan which is offered for most pregnant individuals. Do note that the findings of the anomaly scan help the experts decide if they need further tests or interventions.
The final type of ultrasound scan for pregnancy we have is the morphology scan. It is generally performed between eighteen and twenty-two weeks (18 – 22) weeks and it offers the baby’s anatomy. The scan evaluates the development of major organs and systems, which include the brain, spine, heart, kidney, and limbs. This scan can detect structural abnormalities, examine the position of the placenta, and measure the amniotic fluid levels. You can also technically find the sex of the baby during this scan, although you do have to note that finding the sex of the baby is illegal in many parts of the world. Needless to say, the morphology scan is one of the most detailed scans during the pregnancy as it offers critical insights into the baby’s health and development.
The specific activities that occur depend on the specific type of ultrasound you use. That said, we can provide you with a general outline of the events surrounding the ultrasound scan. So, keeping this in mind, the following are key events you can expect during the scan.
When you arrive at the organization, the sonographer can ask you a few questions about your pregnancy. The questions can include your last menstrual period and previous scans. You may also be asked to have a full bladder, depending on the specific types of scans, as it aids in giving clearer images, especially during early pregnancy. Once all the preparation is done, the experts then apply a small amount of gel to your abdomen. If you are going for a transvaginal scan, the experts insert a small special probe.
As the scan progresses, the experts ask you to lie comfortably in the examination bed. They then use a handheld device called a transducer. If you are going for an abdominal scan, the experts move the transducer gently over your belly as they send high-frequency sound waves into your belly. These waves are then reflected back to create detailed images of your baby and reproductive structures on a screen.
On the other hand, if you need a transvaginal scan, the experts insert a small probe into the vagina, which gives more accurate images. Although it can be a bit weird and somewhat of an uncomfortable feeling, it should not be painful. If it does feel painful, contact an expert immediately.
Depending on the type of scan you use, you can see a live image of your baby on the screen and/or specific details such as heartbeat and facial expressions.
The final phase only takes roughly 20 to 40 minutes. After you are done with the ultrasound during pregnancy, the experts provide you with an overview of the findings and can print images for you. They then send a detailed report to your healthcare provider, who then discusses the results with you during your next appointment.
If you have read till this point, you should already have a decent idea regarding what ultrasound in pregnancy is; you should already have a general idea regarding what this process can detect. But now, let’s take a specific look at the things that can be detected in a pregnancy ultrasound scan. Some of these key things include:
Also Read: How To Choose The Best IVF Doctors in Nepal: Get an Idea
Now that you know what the ultrasound can detect, you may want to know how to know what is detected in the results. Well, the specific way to understand the pregnancy ultrasound results depends on the results itself. That said, there are a few common aspects that you can check for in the pregnancy ultrasound results.
So after looking at the things to check in an ultrasound results, you might think – is this enough? Well, depending on specific circumstances, one ultrasound may not be enough. So the question here is, when are the circumstances where additional ultrasounds may be needed during pregnancy? Well, some of the circumstances when you might need additional ultrasounds during pregnancy include:
This is by far not an exhaustive list of all the circumstances where you might need additional ultrasound. Regardless, we hope you found the general gist of it all.
So, at this point, you should already have a good idea regarding what an ultrasound is, its different types, and what happens during the scan. Now, the question here is, where can you find expert guidance? Well, among many places to look, one of the best options you have is Venus Hospital. But why seek expert guidance at Venus Hospital? Well some of the key reasons include:
Along with these reasons, you should seek expert guidance at Venus Hospital because we provide you with some of the best ultrasound and radiology services in Nepal as well. Some of our key services include:
Furthermore, with expert ultrasound along with consultation from Dr. Pravin Bahadur Basnet, you can get the best ultrasound service in Nepal and more.
When it comes to examining your issues during pregnancy, there are many ways for you. One of the best methods is through the use of ultrasound. That said, not all ultrasounds in pregnancy are the same, and there are different types. Depending on the specifics of the need, the experts can use different forms of ultrasound. During this process, the specific activities depend on the specifics of the type, and the results also depend on the type.
In this blog, we provide you with a general overview of ultrasound in pregnancy. If you seek further insights into the various aspects of reproductive health, do check out some of our other blogs. And if you want the best ultrasound in pregnancy in Nepal, look no further than Venus Hospital. Thank you for reading till the end.
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The first ultrasound, called a dating scan, is usually done around 6 to 9 weeks to confirm the pregnancy and calculate your due date. Another important scan, the nuchal translucency scan, is done at 11 to 14 weeks. After that, most women have a detailed anatomy scan around 18 to 22 weeks to check the baby’s development.
Look out for severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, sudden swelling in the hands or face, reduced baby movements, or a high fever that doesn’t go away. These symptoms could indicate complications like preeclampsia, miscarriage, or infection. Always contact your healthcare provider if something feels off—it’s better to be cautious.
An ultrasound can detect a pregnancy as early as 4 to 6 weeks. At this stage, you might only see the gestational sac or a tiny embryo. By 6 to 7 weeks, the baby’s heartbeat can often be detected as well.
No, ultrasound scans are considered safe and don’t harm your baby. They use sound waves, not radiation, to create images. Doctors recommend them only when necessary to ensure your pregnancy is progressing well.
The cost of an ultrasound varies depending on where you live and the type of scan. In most cases, it ranges from NPR 2000 to NPR 10,000. Check with your healthcare provider or insurance to understand coverage and costs.
Most women have about 2 to 3 ultrasounds during a routine pregnancy: a dating scan, a nuchal translucency scan, and a detailed anatomy scan. Additional ultrasounds may be needed if there are complications or if the doctor wants to monitor the baby’s growth. Your healthcare provider will decide based on your specific needs.
For early pregnancy scans, you may be asked to drink water and keep a full bladder for clearer images. Wear comfortable clothes and be ready to expose your abdomen or, for transvaginal scans, have an empty bladder. Bring any questions or concerns you have to discuss with the sonographer or doctor.
