An ultrasound is a 20 minutes’ long test that uses sound waves to look at an unborn baby, the uterus and the placenta. Apart from a standard ultrasound, a couple of other more advanced ultrasounds are also available : 3-D or 4-D ultrasound, fetal echocardiography,etc to be advised by the doctor.

WHY IS AN ULTRASOUND IN PREGNANCY DONE? 

An ultrasound is used in the following circumstances: 

• confirmation of pregnancy
• if a problem detected in a previous ultrasound or blood test
• examining the placenta, uterus, ovaries, and cervix
• checking baby’s development in various stages
• measuring the quantity of oxygen baby is getting
• determining if there are multiple-babies
• monitoring  levels of amniotic fluid
• search for signs of congenital defects or diseases like Down’s Syndrome
• checking for causes of bleeding or other problems
• making out the baby’s position 
• diagnose problems with the ovaries,uterus etc such as pregnancy tumors
• diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy
• calculating baby’s due date

*Ultrasounds are not done to determine baby’s sex. In India, sex -selection, after or before conception is legally prohibited. 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN ULTRASOUND IN PREGNANCY? 

• patient must drink 2-3 glasses of water one hour before the scheduled ultrasound
• shouldn’t empty the bladder before the test as it requires a full bladder

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE ULTRASOUND IN PREGNANCY? 

• the patient lies down on an examination table or bed
• is applied with gel on abdomen, pelvic area to enable sound waves travel 
• transducer is placed onto the belly that is moved to capture b&w images on screen 
• the technician might take measurements of the images on screen
• patient might be asked to move or hold breath while the images captured
• if clearance from the technician on the quality of images, gel is wiped off. patient can empty bladder

AFTER THE TEST 

In majority, ultrasound shall show the baby’s growth as normal. Still make sure to take other routine  prenatal checkups in consultation with the doctor.

INTERPRETATIONS 

In some cases, results might indicate need for special medical care for both the mother & child. e.g cases of spina bifida, that can be  treated in the womb before birth. If the baby is breech (feet-down instead of head-down), doctor might try to flip its position, or the case may need to have a c-section. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

An ultrasound is not an x-ray. Hence, it is radiation free. It does not cause pain and  is usually safe for the mother and baby when done under proper medical care. While the follow-up tests mostly monitor baby’s health, false alarms can many a times cause temporary worry for parents