Are you trying to figure out how many ultrasound scans you should undergo during pregnancy? The number depends on the type of pregnancy you are carrying, such as a healthy (low-risk) pregnancy or a high-risk pregnancy. The aspect of undergoing ultrasound scans during pregnancy holds tremendous significance because it is a safe, non-invasive, and effective method to obtain accurate insights into the fetus’s health and growth. This blog will act as a comprehensive guide regarding the number of ultrasound scans that are recommended during pregnancy, so that you can remain aware of the situations that demands scan for proactive safety measures.
Also Read: Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy - Symptoms, Risks, & How to Manage it Effectively.
Know How Many Ultrasounds You May Need During Pregnancy and Why?
According to healthcare experts and professionals, a minimum of 3 to 5 ultrasound scans is recommended to ensure maternal safety and promote effective fetal monitoring. Here are the highly recommended ultrasound scans during pregnancy, which are a necessity to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby:
The Early Pregnancy Dating Scan: This is conducted between 6 and 10 weeks of pregnancy. The significance of this ultrasound scan is based on the fact that it helps in detecting the heartbeat of the fetus, its position inside the uterus, and ruling out the risk of complications. In addition, the early pregnancy dating scan helps in determining the estimated due date for delivery as well. Overall, this ultrasound scan plays a vital role in terms of ensuring that the pregnancy can be clearly classified as either a healthy (low-risk) pregnancy or a high-risk pregnancy. Therefore, immediate and relevant clinical intervention can be made, which increases the chances of a successful live birth despite pregnancy complications.
The Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan: This ultrasound scan is generally performed between 11 and 14 weeks, which is an integral part of the First Trimester Scan. The main purpose of the NT scan is to detect early signs of chromosomal abnormalities by measuring the fluid level at the baby’s neck. In addition, this scan proves to be beneficial for early detection of structural developments. You should undergo this ultrasound scan to rule out the potential presence of genetic conditions, such as Patau Syndrome, Edward Syndrome, and Down Syndrome. If the NT scan results are high, then further tests are recommended for reassurance.
The Anomaly Scan: This scan is performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, which involves a detailed examination of the baby’s anatomy. This is considered the most important scan because it helps in evaluating the development of vital organs, such as the brain, heart, spine, kidneys, and limbs. In addition, the anomaly scan helps in identifying structural defects, such as a cleft palate and spine bifida. Overall, this scan takes around 30-45 minutes and, in turn, offers assurance regarding the structural integrity of the fetus. Therefore, early and necessary interventions can be ensured if abnormalities are found in the anomaly scan.
The Growth & Doppler Scan: This is generally performed as a part of the third-trimester scan (28-34 weeks). The main objective of the Growth & Doppler Scan is to monitor the baby’s growth rate, health, and development by measuring the head, femur, and abdomen of the fetus. In addition, the Doppler scan specifically assesses the placental function and the blood flow to the umbilical cord. Fetal medicine specialists suggest this scan to analyse the potential presence of diabetes, hypertension, or growth restrictions of the fetus. This analysis proves to be crucial in terms of determining the timing and method of delivery as well.
The Third Trimester Scan: This scan is the final check of the baby’s position and amniotic fluid levels, which is performed between 35 and 38 weeks of pregnancy. The significance of the Third Trimester Scan is based on the fact that it helps the doctor to determine if a normal delivery is feasible or not. In addition, this scan helps in assuring the baby’s safety in the final weeks by monitoring the placenta’s health. Overall, a doctor suggests the Third Trimester Scan to prevent complications during delivery, which promotes the safety of both the mother and the baby.
Additional Scans that are Required for High-Risk Pregnancies
Here are some of the additional scans that might be recommended during high-risk pregnancies:
Early Viability Scan: This scan is performed between 4 and 6 weeks of pregnancy for women who have a history of recurrent miscarriages. The reason behind performing this scan is that it helps in checking the fetal heartbeat.
Fetal Echocardiography: This scan is a detailed and accurate analysis of the baby’s heart that is generally performed between 20 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. Fetal echocardiography is suggested only when abnormalities are found in the anomaly scan or if there is a family history of heart conditions.
Cervical Length Scan: This scan is done between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, which is suggested when a woman has a history of premature delivery, uterine abnormalities, or previous cervical surgeries. Thus, this scan holds tremendous significance in terms of promoting the baby’s safety.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning to conceive, having relevant knowledge about relevant ultrasound scans can promote timely intervention of any risks that might be associated with your pregnancy. The five ultrasound scans mentioned in this blog are a necessity for any pregnant woman to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and baby. However, it is a doctor who determines the number of scans required as per the individual health condition. On the other hand, to undergo accurate and reliable ultrasound scans during pregnancy, you need to choose a top fetal medicine specialist, such as Dr Sweta Bothra. This is because such reputed specialists have tremendous experience and knowledge to perform critical scans related to pregnancies. Consult the best fetal medicine specialist in Siliguri or a location of your convenience to receive safe ultrasounds during pregnancy.
