Ultrasound in early pregnancy

Ultrasound in early pregnancy is prescribed for all without exception. Many women experience that ultrasonic waves can harm, only the organism that has begun to develop. The topic of harmful effects of ultrasound, especially during pregnancy, often rises, experts sometimes voicing absolutely opposite opinions on this matter.

Over the past two decades, many studies have been carried out in this field in different countries. All experts came to the same conclusion that ultrasound in moderate doses does not pose a threat to either the mother or her future child.

Pregnant women usually have abdominal ultrasound, i.e. Through the surface of the abdominal cavity. At the place where the sensor contacts the skin, the temperature may slightly increase, but this does not entail any negative consequences. As a rule, ultrasound exposure during the study takes about 3-5 minutes, then the doctor performs a measurement of the parameters and reveals pathologies on the image fixed on the monitor.

Recently, the ultrasound of a pregnant woman can be done in a popular 3D format. In terms of risk, there is no difference between conventional and three-dimensional ultrasound. The advantage of this type of ultrasound is that it is possible to obtain a photorealistic image of the fetus. This image is important enough if there is a suspicion of genetic pathologies in the child. But usually such ultrasound is carried out at the request of parents who want to see as best as possible their baby. But despite the fact that the damage to ultrasound is not proven, yet it is recommended that it be done only for the purpose of a specialist, and not at will.

Usually, pregnant women are assigned three ultrasound examinations, this is the minimum amount if the pregnancy is normal. If there are suspicions of various pathological processes, the doctor may prescribe an additional examination. As a rule, in the early stages, if there is a risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy or death of an embryo, a gynecologist can direct a woman to repeat ultrasound.

When to do ultrasound in the early stages of pregnancy?

Ultrasound in early pregnancy is prescribed for all women without exception, with the purpose of timely detection of pathologies and diseases of the embryo. Usually the first ultrasound is scheduled for 12-13 weeks, when it is possible to assess the fetal condition, taking into account the anatomical features of development, to establish the thickness of the collar zone, on which it is possible to establish the presence of Down's syndrome.

Currently, ultrasound is carried out by two types of sensors: transabdominal and transvaginal. At the first type of sensor the doctor conducts the examination through the surface of the abdominal cavity, the second type - through the vagina. In the early stages of pregnancy, you can use any of the sensors. The transvaginal sensor is more informative, so it is brought closer to the uterus and allows you to get a clear image on the monitor. However, the use of such a sensor is considered dangerous for a pregnant woman, as the risk of cervical dilatation and, consequently, miscarriage, increases, although there is no scientific evidence for this phenomenon.

In the first weeks of pregnancy, ultrasound is performed in order to determine the location of the fetal egg in the uterine cavity, to diagnose the number of embryos, to identify possible complications of pregnancy (threatening miscarriage), malformations or diseases of the internal organs of a woman that can significantly complicate pregnancy (benign tumors, bicornylum , intrauterine partition, etc.).

Indicators of ultrasound in early pregnancy

Ultrasound for early pregnancy is carried out for several reasons. First, from the 12th week, when the woman receives the first direction for the examination, it is possible to determine the expected date of birth (to within 2-3 days). Also at this time in terms of the size of the embryo, one can judge about its condition and development. A period of 12 weeks is considered optimal for the detection of any pathologies, for example Down's Syndrome. At 12 weeks the thickness of the collar zone can be assumed to be a disease in a future child. On earlier terms, it is impossible to see, and on the later ones it is difficult to determine. During this period, the doctor can well study the environment surrounding the child (placenta condition, uterus, quality and amount of amniotic fluid, etc.). All these indications in the first weeks of pregnancy are important in determining the correctness of fetal development and the course of pregnancy.

Usually the doctor after ultrasound describes the condition of the fetus with general phrases, after that gives out a completed form, which is difficult to disassemble, especially for a person who does not understand medicine. But nevertheless there are some reference points which will help to define, normally there is a pregnancy and the child develops or all the same there are any deviations or rejections. At 12-13 weeks of pregnancy, the placenta should not be in a mature state, and the uterus itself should not be in a tonus. The size of the collar zone should be within 2.5 - 3 mm, if the index is higher than the norm, then there may be chromosomal diseases. Amount of amniotic fluid is calculated by the distance from the uterine wall to the embryo and should be 2-8 cm. At this time the fetus should have a heart rate of about 11-180 beats per minute, its size, which is measured at this stage from the coccyx to the crown , is 4.7 - 5.9 cm (KTP). The internal diameter of the egg (DV) should be between 53-60mm.

Based on the results of the first ultrasound in 12 - 13 weeks, the size of the cerebellum, weight and height of the embryo, measurements of the head and heart are also determined. However, if there are minor inconsistencies, then one should not immediately fall into despair. First of all, you need to clarify this question with your doctor, because some indicators are only approximate, and the deviation from the norm in any direction is not an indication for abortion.

To a pregnant woman, without special evidence (suspicion of ectopic pregnancy, fetal development fading), it is not recommended to do ultrasound before 12 weeks.

First of all, because the fetal egg before this period is in the process of fixation, and the uterus needs maximum rest during this period. Ultrasound up to 12 weeks is extremely low informative. In addition, there is a large risk of error in the study.

The decision on whether to do ultrasound in early pregnancy or not, a woman should take along with her doctor. If the doctor recommends a study up to 12 weeks, then he has reason to assume a pathology. However, to do ultrasound only in order to satisfy your own curiosity is impossible. Three ultrasound examinations for the entire period of pregnancy, which occurs without deviations, is enough. All additional examinations need to be done only in case of emergency and only on the recommendation of a specialist.