Update on Ultrasounds During Pregnancy
Ultrasound is an essential step in a pregnancy. It is a medical examination that examines the evolution of the fetus, but also allows the detection of abnormalities. This imaging method makes it possible to get images of his future child through ultrasound emitted by a probe. It is a completely painless and harmless examination, which explains its essential nature and its widespread practice. Here are some reminders about ultrasounds during pregnancy.
Why is an ultrasound essential?
The purpose of a Pregnancy Ultrasound is to obtain information essential to the proper management of pregnancy. Ultrasound is intended to accompany parents throughout pregnancy by providing them with all the information they need about their future child. They make it possible to know at what precise moment it has begun, the number of fetuses and to follow its evolution. Fetal malformations are also detectable by ultrasound. It is a mandatory exam, reimbursed at 70% (except for the last 100%) by the Social Security, made on medical prescription. This is an essential step in pregnancy because it reassures parents and offers them the first contact with their future baby.
Ultrasound is safe for the fetus
The principle of ultrasound is to apply a probe on the skin facing the organ to be observed. This probe emits ultrasound, some of which is reflected and recaptured by the probe and then converted into digital signals. Once processed by the system, these signals appear on the screen as black and white images.
Within the limits of its usual use, the ultrasound does not present any danger. The specialist moves the probe quickly, does not stay long on the same body to study, limiting the risk of exposure and temperature increase, harmful to tissues.
This is a relatively reliable technique
Ultrasound cannot be considered 100% safe. This is not a diagnostic test, but a screening. About 2 to 3 out of 10 malformations are not identifiable with this technique. And she often remains unable to highlight the malfunction of specific organs.
On the other hand, it informs about a large number of malformations and makes it possible to control the development of the baby.
The first scan must take place between the 10th and 12th week of pregnancy (12th and 14th week of gestation). It is used to determine the number of embryos, date the pregnancy and take the heartbeat of the fetus to ensure its vitality. It is possible to detect abnormalities from the first ultrasound, but they are not always visible so early, that is why it is recommended to carry out two other examinations. The second is performed between the 20th and 22nd week (22nd and 24th week of amenorrhea), and it analyzes in detail the anatomy of the fetus (diameter and perimeter of the skull, abdomen).
This thorough Ultrasound Test can detect any anomalies, but also discover the sex of the baby. It also specifies the location of the placenta. The third and last ultrasound is between the 30th and 32nd week (32nd and 34th week of gestation). It makes it possible to ensure the excellent growth of the fetus and to carry out a complete morphological examination because certain anomalies are visible only at this period.
