Any woman who has been waiting for the news of being pregnant and finally receives it, will have a flood of emotions going through her heart and mind. As she knows the journey of pregnancy will be full of excitement, emotional, and sometimes a little bit scary as well. One of the most assuring ways of knowing that the pregnancy is going well is through ultrasounds.
Ultrasounds during pregnancy give mothers a way to see and connect with their unborn child, while for doctors, it helps them monitor the baby’s overall well-being.
At Diva Women’s Hospital, situated in Ahmedabad, ultrasounds are done with advanced technology and expert care, making sure that each scan is meaningful and memorable.
Let’s try and understand why doctors focus so much on ultrasound, why they are important, how often they should be done, and what mothers will feel and expect during each one of these ultrasounds.
What is an Ultrasound in Pregnancy?
An ultrasound during the time of pregnancy is a safe test that uses sound waves to create images of the baby inside the womb. It does not involve any kind of radiation, making it completely safe for both mother and child. Beyond it being a medical procedure, for many mothers, an ultrasound turns into an emotional experience as it is the first time they see tiny movement, hear a heartbeat, or even watch their baby sucking on its thumb.
Why are Ultrasounds Important During Pregnancy?
Ultrasounds are essential for a healthy and safe pregnancy; it is not just that the machine is clicking pictures. Some of the main justifications of why ultrasounds are recommended: –
- Confirmation of the pregnancy and making sure the baby is inside the uterus.
- Estimation of the due date with good accuracy.
- Tracking the baby’s growth and development over time.
- Checking the amniotic fluid levels and placenta positioning.
- Early detection of any risks or structural abnormalities allows doctors to plan proper care paths.
- Determining the baby’s position in the womb as the delivery date approaches.
How Many Ultrasounds are Usually Recommended?
Every journey of pregnancy is different, but in most cases, doctors recommend three to four main ultrasounds.
Early pregnancy scan ( 6-9 weeks)
- Confirms the pregnancy
- Detects the baby’s heartbeat
- Estimating the due date of delivery
First trimester/ Nuchal Translucency(NT) scan (11-14 weeks)
- Screen for any gene disorders that the baby gets directly from the mother
- Checks the baby’s early development
Anomaly Scan (18-22 Weeks)
- A detailed check to measure baby’s organs, bones, spines, and limbs
- Detects if there are any structural abnormalities
Growth Scan ( 28-32 weeks ) (only if recommended)
- To monitor baby’s size and weight
- Evaluates the placenta and amniotic fluid
- Confirms baby’s position (Head-down or breach)
At times, additional ultrasounds may be suggested if the pregnancy is at high-risk, or if the doctors need to keep a closer look/at the baby’s growth or the mother’s health.
Are Ultrasounds Safe for the Baby?
Yes, but only when performed by trained medical professionals, ultrasounds are regarded as completely safe. They have been used for decades in pregnancy care with no negative side effects, and they use sound waves rather than radiation.
What Happens During an Ultrasound Visit?
Ultrasound sessions are mostly simple and painless. Here is what mothers-to-be can expect.
- For early scans, mothers may be asked to have a comfortably full bladder.
- A special gel is applied to the belly so that the images are captured clearly.
- A handheld device known as the probe is gently moved across the belly.
- The screen displays the baby’s image and sometimes even movement or a heartbeat.
- The doctors review the images and explain what it means.
All these movements are heavy and emotional as the family gets to connect visually with the baby for the very first time.
Quick Tips for Ultrasound Visits
- Make sure both parents are present at the time of ultrasounds as they will be special bonding moments.
- Wear comfortable clothes that make exposing your belly easier.
- Do not ever hesitate to ask questions to the doctor or the technicians to explain what you are seeing on the screen.
- If you ever feel anxious, remember every scan is a step closer to meeting your little one.
How Diva Women’s Hospital Supports Mothers
Ultrasounds at Diva Women’s Hospital in Ahmedabad are more than just medical scans. They are a part of motherhood’s emotional journey. Each ultrasound is carried out with both medical precision and compassion towards mothers, thanks to the cutting-edge equipment, skilled physicians, and a compassionate environment. Our objective is clear and straightforward: to keep the babies safe and mothers reassured.
Final Thoughts
Ultrasounds are like milestones in pregnancy. From confirming the heartbeat in early weeks to checking growth in later stages, they guide the doctors and bring joy to parents. While the number of scans that are done may vary depending on the health of the mother and the child’s health needs, each one has the same purpose, ensuring the well-being of the mother and the baby.
At Diva Women’s Hospital, Ahmedabad, every ultrasound during pregnancy is carried out with care, expertise, and a warm touch, making the journey of motherhood safe and memorable.
FAQ’s
1. Will Ultrasounds Hurt?
No, they are completely painless, though mothers may feel a little pressure on the belly.
2. Can Ultrasounds show a baby’s gender?
In many cases, yes, but revealing the baby’s gender is banned in India, so the doctor will not share it with you.
3. Why are ultrasounds done at specific times?
Because each scan is done for a different thing – confirming pregnancy, screening for conditions, detailed anatomy, and later growths.
4. What if any ultrasound shows something unusual?
The doctors will guide the mother with further tests or monitoring if needed. It does not always mean something serious.
5. Are Ultrasounds safe for babies?
Yes, they use sound waves, not radiation, and are completely safe when performed by professionals.