Pregnancy Ultrasound

An ultrasound can be used for a variety of reasons during pregnancy. Your doctor may also order more ultrasounds if they detected a problem in a previous ultrasound or blood test. Ultrasounds may also be done for nonmedical reasons, such as to produce images for the parents or to determine the sex of the baby. While ultrasound technology is safe for both mother and child, healthcare practitioners discourage the use of ultrasounds when there is no medical reason or benefit.

在怀孕的前三个月

In the first trimester of pregnancy (weeks one to 12), ultrasounds may be done to:

• confirm pregnancy
• check the fetal heartbeat
• determine the gestational age of the baby and estimate a due date
• check for multiple pregnancies
• examine the placenta, uterus, ovaries, and cervix
• diagnose anectopic pregnancy(when the fetus does not attach to the uterus) or miscarriage
• look for any abnormal growth in the fetus

During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy

In the second trimester (12 to 24 weeks) and the third trimester (24 to 40 weeks or birth), an ultrasound may be done to:

• monitor the fetus’ growth and position (breech, transverse, cephalic, or optimal)
• determine the baby’s sex
• confirm multiple pregnancies
• look at the placenta to check for problems, such asplacenta previa(when the placenta covers the cervix) andplacental abruption(when the placenta separates from the uterus prior to delivery)
• check for characteristics ofDown syndrome(normally done between 13 and 14 weeks)
• check for congenital abnormalities or birth defects
• examine the fetus for structural abnormalities or blood flow problems
• monitor the levels of amniotic fluid
• determine if the fetus is getting enough oxygen
• 诊断卵巢或子宫的问题，例如怀孕肿瘤
• measure the length of the cervix
• guide other tests, such asamniocentesis
• 确认宫内死亡

超声波在怀孕期间,你may need to have a full bladder for the technician to get a clear image of the fetus and your reproductive organs. You should drink two to three eight-ounce glasses of water one hour before your scheduled ultrasound. You shouldn’t urinate before your ultrasound so you arrive at your appointment with a full bladder.

During an ultrasound, you lie down on an examination table or bed. An ultrasound technician applies a special gel to your abdomen and pelvic area. The gel is water-based, so it shouldn’t leave marks on your clothes or skin. The gel helps the sound waves travel properly. Next, the technician places a small wand, called a transducer, onto your belly. They move the transducer to capture black and white images onto the ultrasound screen. The technician may also take measurements of the image on the screen. They may ask you to move or hold your breath while they capture images. The technician then checks to see if the necessary images were captured and if they are clear. Then, the technician wipes off the gel and you can empty your bladder.

More advanced ultrasound techniques may be used when a more detailed image is required. These may give the doctor the information necessary to make a diagnosis if they detected problems during your traditional ultrasound.

Transvaginal ultrasound

A transvaginal ultrasound may be done to produce a clearer image. This ultrasound is more likely to be used during the early stages of pregnancy, when capturing a clear image may be more difficult. For this test, a small ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina. The probe rests against the back of your vagina while the images are captured.

3-D ultrasound

Unlike a traditional 2-D ultrasound, a 3-D ultrasound allows your doctor to see the width, height, and depth of the fetus and your organs. This ultrasound can be especially helpful in diagnosing any suspected problems during your pregnancy. A 3-D ultrasound follows the same procedure as a standard ultrasound, but it uses a special probe and software to create the 3-D image. It also requires special training for the technician, so it may not be as widely available.

4-D ultrasound

A 4-D ultrasound may also be called a dynamic 3-D ultrasound. Unlike other ultrasounds, a 4-D ultrasound creates a moving video of the fetus. It creates a better image of the baby’s face and movements. It also captures highlights and shadows better. This ultrasound is performed similarly to other ultrasounds, but with special equipment.

Fetal echocardiography

A fetal echocardiography is performed if your doctor suspects your baby may have congenital heart defects. This test may be done similarly to a traditional pregnancy ultrasound, but it might take longer to complete. It captures an in-depth image of the fetus’ heart — one that shows the heart’s size, shape, and structure. This ultrasound also gives your doctor a look at how your baby’s heart is functioning, which can be helpful in diagnosing heart problems.