Early pregnancy ultrasound

Ultrasound in early pregnancy is prescribed to everyone without exception. Many women worry that ultrasound waves can harm the body that has just begun to develop. The topic of the harmful effects of ultrasound, especially during pregnancy, is often raised, and specialists sometimes voice completely opposite opinions on this matter.

Over the past two decades, many studies have been conducted in this area in different countries. All experts have come to the same conclusion: ultrasound in moderate doses does not pose a danger to either the mother or her unborn child.

Pregnant women usually undergo abdominal ultrasound, i.e. through the surface of the abdominal cavity. The temperature at the point of contact of the sensor with the skin may increase slightly, but this does not entail any negative consequences. As a rule, the ultrasound exposure during the examination lasts about 3-5 minutes, then the doctor measures the parameters and identifies pathologies in the image recorded on the monitor.

Recently, an ultrasound of a pregnant woman can be done in a popular 3D format. In terms of risk, there is no difference between a regular and a 3D ultrasound. The advantage of this type of ultrasound is that you can get a photorealistic image of the fetus. Such an image is quite important if there is a suspicion of genetic pathologies in the child. But usually such an ultrasound is carried out at the request of parents who want to see their baby as best as possible. But despite the fact that the harm of ultrasound has not been proven, it is still recommended to do it only as prescribed by a specialist, and not at your own request.

Pregnant women are usually prescribed three ultrasound examinations, this is the minimum number if the pregnancy is proceeding normally. If there is a suspicion of various pathological processes, the doctor may prescribe additional examination. As a rule, in the early stages, if there is a risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy or death of the embryo, the gynecologist may refer the woman for a repeat ultrasound examination.

When to do an ultrasound in early pregnancy?

Ultrasound in early pregnancy is prescribed to all women without exception in order to timely detect pathologies and diseases of the embryo. Usually the first ultrasound examination is prescribed at 12-13 weeks, when it is possible to assess the condition of the fetus, taking into account the anatomical features of development, to determine the thickness of the collar zone, by which it is possible to establish the presence of Down syndrome.

Currently, ultrasound examination is performed using two types of sensors: transabdominal and transvaginal. With the first type of sensor, the doctor conducts the examination through the surface of the abdominal cavity, with the second type - through the vagina. In the early stages of pregnancy, either sensor can be used. The transvaginal sensor is more informative, as 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 it increases the risk of opening the cervix and, accordingly, miscarriage, although there is no scientific evidence for this phenomenon.

In the first weeks of pregnancy, ultrasound is performed to determine the location of the fertilized egg in the uterine cavity, diagnose the number of embryos, identify possible pregnancy complications (threat of miscarriage), malformations or diseases of the woman's internal organs that can significantly complicate pregnancy (benign tumors, bicornuate uterus, intrauterine septum, etc.).

Ultrasound indicators in early pregnancy

There are several reasons for conducting an ultrasound scan in early pregnancy. Firstly, starting from the 12th week, when a woman receives her first referral for an examination, the expected date of delivery can be determined (with an accuracy of 2-3 days). Also, at this stage, the size of the embryo can be used to judge its condition and development. The period of 12 weeks is considered optimal for identifying any pathologies, such as Down syndrome. At 12 weeks, the thickness of the collar zone can be used to assume this disease in the future child. At earlier stages, this cannot be seen, and at later stages, it is difficult to determine. During this period, the doctor can thoroughly study the child's environment (the condition of the placenta, uterus, the quality and quantity of amniotic fluid, etc.). All these indications in the first weeks of pregnancy are important in determining the correct development of the fetus and the course of pregnancy.

Usually, after an ultrasound, the doctor describes the condition of the fetus in general terms, after which he gives a filled-in form, which is quite difficult to understand, especially for a person who is not versed in medicine. However, there are several guidelines that will help determine whether the pregnancy is proceeding normally and the child is developing or whether there are some deviations. At 12-13 weeks of pregnancy, the placenta should not yet be in a mature state, and the uterus itself should not be in tone. The size of the collar zone should be within 2.5 - 3 mm, if the indicator is higher than normal, then there may be chromosomal diseases. The amount of amniotic fluid is calculated by the distance from the uterine wall to the embryo and should be 2-8 cm. At this stage, the fetus should have a heart rate (HR) 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 (CTE). The internal diameter of the egg (ID) should be within 53-60 mm.

Based on the results of the first ultrasound at 12-13 weeks, the size of the cerebellum, the weight and height of the fetus, and measurements of the head and heart are also determined. However, if there are still minor discrepancies, do not immediately despair. First of all, you need to clarify this issue with your doctor, since some indicators are only approximate, and deviation from the norm in any direction is not an indication for termination of pregnancy.

It is not recommended for a pregnant woman to have an ultrasound before 12 weeks without special indications (suspected ectopic pregnancy, frozen fetal development).

First of all, because the fertilized egg is in the process of fixation before this period, and the uterus needs maximum rest during this period. Ultrasound before 12 weeks has extremely low information content. In addition, there is a high risk of error in the study.

The decision whether to do an ultrasound in the early stages of pregnancy or not should be made by a woman together with her doctor. If the doctor recommends doing the examination before 12 weeks, then he has grounds to suspect pathology. However, you cannot do an ultrasound just to satisfy your own curiosity. Three ultrasound examinations during the entire period of pregnancy, which is proceeding without deviations, are quite enough. All additional examinations should be done only in case of extreme necessity and only on the recommendation of a specialist.