Pregnancy Ultrasound, Ultrasound in Pregnancy, Early Pregnancy Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a method that is used to monitor an unborn baby's development, and check for any physical abnormalities. The procedure involves directing high frequency sound waves into the abdomen, which create echoes that feed back a live three or four dimensional image of the uterus and the foetus inside. The images are called 'scans' and are displayed in white, grey and black on a monitor attached to the ultrasound equipment.

Ultrasounds are available to all pregnant women to monitor the development and growth of the baby at key stages of the pregnancy, but those women with a history of medical or genetic problems may also have ultrasound scans combined with procedures to collect DNA samples from the placenta, in order to rule out any genetic disorders early in the pregnancy.

The earliest ultrasound scans are used from 6 -10 weeks to confirm that the embryo is growing in the right place, which is especially important for those women who have a high risk of eptopic pregnancy, and also to determine the risk of genetic conditions such as Down's syndrome. This scan can also be used to confirm the number of embryos developing, and is used routinely for IVF related pregnancies as these have a high chance of multiple births.

Most standard scans for development and growth checks are done between 11 and 14th weeks into the pregnancy, and again between weeks 20-22. They can help determine the stage of the pregnancy and give a more accurate due date, as well as monitoring the baby's weight and development to ensure there are no problems.

Ultrasound can also be used to check the development of the placenta and umbilical cord. Doppler scans can monitor the flow of blood and fluids through the umbilical cord and whether or not the placenta is functioning properly to provide the right mix of oxygen, blood and nutrients to the foetus. Ultrasound can also identify if the placenta is positioned correctly, as a low placenta will indicate that a caesarean delivery may be necessary.

Ultrasounds are usually carried out in through the outpatients department in hospital by a specialist obstetrician or sonographer, and can be arranged through your doctor or midwife. Once you have an appointment the hospital will send you a letter explaining how to prepare for your scan. For example in early pregnancy is it preferably for you to have a full bladder when you have your scan as this allows the womb to be seen more easily. Usually only one other person will be allowed into the room with you when you are having the scan, so if you have young children you will need to arrange separate care for them. The standard procedure only takes around 20 minutes to perform, although if you are having a Doppler scan this could take a little longer as it require more detailed investigation.

Depending on the stage of your pregnancy you may have the scan carried out through the vagina or abdomen. The vaginal method is only used in the very early stages of pregnancy, between 12-14 weeks as the foetus is very small and difficult to see through the abdominal wall. This is a very simple, painless scan, which involves a lubricated sensor (same size as a tampon) being inserted gently into your vagina. If you have a latex allergy you will need to inform the technician before they start, so they can use alternative sensor coverings. Abdominal scans are used after the 14th week and involve a sensor being pressed firmly against the abdomen, which is well lubricated to allow it to slide easily across your skin. Once your scan has been carried out the examiner will explain the results to you and copies of the scan will be stored on a computer, and you will normally be given a printed hardcopy to take away with you. You can also request copies on disc, but you may have to pay a small cover charge for this service.

Ultrasound scans are harmless and pain free and is considered to be very safe to use during pregnancy.

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