Fetal Ultrasound

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Pregnant women generally want to be assured that the child they are carrying in their wombs are developing normally and will come out into the world strong and healthy. For years, countless parents have relied on the use of doctor-approved modern technological devices like the fetal ultrasound to see and know for certain if the fetus is in the right position or is growing the way it should be.

Fetal ultrasound during pregnancy utilizes reflected sound waves to enable an obstetrician-gynecologist to come up with a picture of a fetus along with the placenta and the amniotic fluid. Most people are familiar with the sonogram (in black-and-white or colored) or picture displaying the unborn child, a copy of which is usually given to the baby's mom for record-keeping.

The results of the fetal ultrasound may put a mother's fears to rest because it serves as proof that the baby's healthy and may be fine. Then again, there's a certain time for the device to be able to gauge certain things in the course of the pregnancy.

Combined screening tests using ultrasound may be undertaken by healthcare professionals during the first trimester to see if the baby may show the signs of a chromosome defect like Down Syndrome. Most doctors also recommend ultrasound during the first trimester to see if there will be twins and to get an age estimate. Ascertaining the positioning of the fetus, the age, and possible birth defects like heart disorder or neural tube defect may be seen through an ultrasound performed during the second trimester. Ultrasound done during the third trimester may show if the fetus is alive and well. This is especially important for mothers who have gone through an accident or a traumatic experience. Overall, an ultrasound can be a tool whose functions go beyond telling the gender of the unborn child. It must be done with a licensed health care provider's approval.