A pregnancy ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your baby in your womb. This diagnostic test aims to determine your baby’s health and assess any irregularities in its development. A pregnancy ultrasound Newport Beach can detect issues such as Down syndrome or other genetic disorders before they become apparent during pregnancy. An ultrasound will show an image of the baby’s head, body, limbs, and major organs.
There are various types of pregnancy ultrasounds including:
3D ultrasound
3-D ultrasound is a pregnancy ultrasound that provides a detailed picture of your baby’s features and position in the womb. Specialists often call this type of ultrasound ‘3D’ because it gives you a 3-dimensional image of your baby. Doctors can use 3D images to confirm the sex of your unborn baby. The 3D images also show the position of your baby’s head, arms, or legs.
4-D ultrasound
The 4-D pregnancy ultrasound is the most comprehensive and detailed type available. It allows you to see your baby in 3 dimensions and hear the heartbeat. The ultrasound is typically only available during early pregnancy, but it can be beneficial for tracking your baby’s growth and development.
4-D ultrasounds are usually done between 7-11 weeks of pregnancy, although some doctors may recommend them sooner or later. A 4-D ultrasound will also provide information about amniotic fluid levels, estimated fetal weight, and gender.
Transabdominal ultrasound
Transabdominal ultrasound involves placing a probe on your abdomen and moving it around to display the image of your fetus on the screen. Doctors use transabdominal ultrasounds to determine fetal age, size, and sex. Transabdominal ultrasound also helps doctors assess fetal well-being. The physician may also use the probe to perform biophysical measurements during the examination. Your obstetrician or gynecologist may recommend this ultrasound in your first trimester, between 10 and 14 weeks after conception.
Fetal echocardiography
Fetal echocardiography, also known as fetal heart ultrasound, is a non-invasive test that allows doctors to see the heart of a fetus. It uses ultrasound to create images of the heart and surrounding blood vessels. It is a vital diagnostic tool for doctors as it can show how well your baby’s heart is developing and whether there are any problems with blood flow or other parts of the cardiovascular system. Doctors may recommend fetal echocardiography at 11 weeks of pregnancy and then again at 16-20 weeks.
Pregnancy ultrasounds are the first step to a healthy pregnancy. If you are pregnant, it is vital to see your doctor as soon as possible to determine if you should go for an ultrasound. An ultrasound in the first trimester can help confirm that you are pregnant and determine if any problems exist. If a problem is found during your early pregnancy ultrasound, your doctor will be able to treat it with medication or surgery before it causes any damage to your baby. If a problem is found during your early pregnancy ultrasound, your doctor will be able to treat it with medication or surgery before it causes any damage to your baby. Contact OC Fertility® and book an appointment with an obstetrician if you have any questions about pregnancy latestforyouth ultrasound.