What week can you do the first ultrasound. At what time is ultrasound done during pregnancy. How many times do an ultrasound scan. Which ultrasound method better determines the presence of conception?

03.05.2019

For every girl, the waiting time for the birth of her beloved child is the happiest and most exciting. I would like to know what he is, how he develops, what happens to him even at the earliest stage of pregnancy. Every pregnant woman worries about her baby being healthy and developing correctly. It is ultrasound that allows you to monitor the process of fetal development throughout all 9 months.

What is ultrasound

Ultrasound has been known for its special capabilities for a long time and longer than X-ray. Their properties and capabilities are different, but in the field of obstetrics, ultrasound has become just a panacea for solving many problems and provided answers to the most common questions. In addition, ultrasound allows you to diagnose a variety of congenital diseases or pathologies in the early stages with an accuracy of 95-100%. It began to be applied in the middle of the twentieth century and since then every pregnant woman has the opportunity to see her unborn child. What is the essence of the operation of this device?

The device consists of a sensor and a receiver. The sensor sends invisible ultrasonic waves, which, when entering the body, are converted, and the receiver decodes them and creates a picture. Modern equipment allows ultrasound examination at the highest level of quality and opens up many opportunities for doctors and future parents to monitor the process of fetal development.

Today, obstetricians-gynecologists are required to perform several ultrasound sessions during pregnancy. And to be precise, three. Why do you need to do this research? How long should this be done?

Ultrasound in the first trimester

The first ultrasound examination is performed at 9-14 weeks of fetal development. Already on this to see if the baby is growing and forming correctly and in a timely manner. It is during this period that the first deviations and pathologies can be determined (all organs have already been formed in these weeks), and timely actions can be taken to solve such problems. Ultrasound in the first trimester allows you to get answers to the following questions:

The most accurate period of pregnancy is established;
Single or multiple pregnancy;
Ectopic pregnancy;
Risk of miscarriage;
The condition of the uterus and placenta;
The size of the fetus is measured;
It is possible to determine the sex of the child;
The most accurate due date is calculated.

In addition, an ultrasound scan in the first trimester is also performed in order to determine the size of the collar zone - the correctness of chromosomal development is also very important. If this zone exceeds 2.7 mm, then doctors can talk about the presence of pathologies such as Down syndrome. If the ultrasound finds such a deviation, then additional studies and blood tests can confirm the diagnosis. The main thing is to identify the threat in time already at an early stage of development. Unfortunately, modern medicine cannot treat Down syndrome. But its timely determination makes it possible for the mother to prepare for this kind of responsibility.

An ultrasound scan in the first trimester is extremely important and should not be missed by a pregnant woman. Thanks to him, your doctor will be able to establish the correct and most accurate observation of the development of your child. Also, after the study, you can get the first photo of your baby - the uzist doctor can do a screening for you.

It should be noted that it is not recommended to conduct research at an earlier date. While there are many benefits to ultrasound, it can have some side effects. If you are not concerned about lower back or lower abdominal pain, then postpone the first test until the deadline for the first trimester. Early research can only be carried out on the recommendation of a doctor and for good reasons.

The second ultrasound examination is carried out for a period of 20-24 weeks. During this period, you can learn a lot more about the baby. The doctor measures the size of the fetus: the circumference of the abdomen, the head, and the length of the femur. These parameters will help determine developmental deviations. In addition, it is possible to determine how well developed the blood flow inside the placenta, as well as the uterus, the level of their maturity, as well as where and how they are located. The condition of the placenta can tell a lot. If there are seals in it, then this is a harbinger of various infections, and its detachment can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent such situations.

In addition, it is on the second ultrasound that the sex of the child is determined with 100% accuracy. The genitals become larger and more pronounced. It is during these weeks that you can talk about who you will be - a boy or a girl.

The second ultrasound examines the amniotic fluid and the cervix. This allows you to prevent a number of pathologies. Timely therapy or timely hospitalization will help normalize the development of the fetus and lead to the threat of miscarriage or premature birth.

Unlike the first trimester test, the screening this time will allow you to have a more accurate picture of your baby.

This ultrasound procedure is performed at 32-34 weeks. By this time, the intrauterine development of the fetus comes to an end, and the fetus itself unfolds with its head down. An ultrasound scan can confirm or deny this fact. And then the obstetrician-gynecologist can plan in advance a strategy for how the birth will take place. If the baby has not turned over by this time, the doctor can take a number of actions to correct his position. The cephalic presentation is very important for the correct and normal course of the labor process. At this stage, thanks to an ultrasound scan, you can find out how much the child weighs and how tall he is. The latest research will also help determine when to give birth. This is especially important if you are scheduled to have a cesarean section.

During these weeks, the position and condition of the placenta is also examined. It is this fact that can tell about whether a woman can give birth herself - in the event that the placenta is attached to the very top of the uterus. If it is displaced to the cervix, then such a placenta previa is an indication for a cesarean section. The maturity of the placenta indicates a woman's readiness for childbirth. If the placenta matures ahead of schedule, then this suggests that childbirth should be carried out ahead of schedule in order to avoid fetal transfer.

At the final ultrasound, you have the opportunity to see your baby the way he is born.

Is it harmful to do an ultrasound

Many women are very worried about whether the ultrasound study done will harm the baby. Medicine does not give unambiguous answers to this question, but no obvious threats to the baby have been identified. It is precisely because of this ambiguity that the number of sessions has been reduced to a minimum - 3 for clearly specified periods. On the territory of our country, the maximum number of ultrasounds can reach 10. But they are carried out exclusively for good reasons and the urgent recommendation of a doctor. This will allow you to secure the development of your baby and make it as correct as possible in the presence of various kinds of threats.

Also today there is an opportunity to conduct 3D research. It makes it possible to get a three-dimensional picture and examine the child from all sides. 3D ultrasound is a real joy for the expectant mother. Thanks to him, you can quite accurately examine the baby's face, especially in the weeks of the last trimester, see how he moves and breathes.

Thanks to modern equipment, we can see our baby in the womb. Ultrasound during pregnancy at various times provides you with the opportunity to take care of your baby even when you cannot touch him.

At what stage of pregnancy is ultrasound done to pregnant women and fetal diagnostics? It is better to consult your doctor about this.

Just 40-50 years ago, our grandmothers never dreamed of seeing a baby before he was born. Now, periodic visits with a belly-resident are a common thing. Although the benefits of ultrasound examination are obvious, there is still debate about its danger or non-danger in relation to the baby in the womb.

What is an ultrasound scan?

Ultrasound is a technique and tissue. It is carried out using an ultrasound machine equipped with a special sensor and monitor. The sensor is called a transducer. It, in contact with the skin of the abdomen of a pregnant woman, produces vibrations (sound waves), which are directed deep into the body. There, they collide with the internal organs of a woman (as well as with parts of the body and internal organs of the baby) and are reflected from them, subsequently being displayed on the monitor.

Ultrasound can be two-dimensional, three-dimensional and four-dimensional. What's the difference between them? With a two-dimensional ultrasound, only vague outlines of the fetus in black and white are visible on the monitor. Thanks to three-dimensional ultrasound, the doctor will be able to see a three-dimensional color image, to examine in detail the organs and systems of the baby. A 4D ultrasound scan allows you to see the movement of the fetus.

This procedure is absolutely painless and does not create any discomfort.

Why is an ultrasound done during pregnancy?

Carrying out a study using ultrasound is not due to the whims of future parents, but an urgent need for, the problems of the course of the pregnancy itself.

Actually, the first ultrasound will be able to confirm pregnancy in the early stages, establish the presence of a fetal egg (sometimes as many as two, or even three), and determine the exact duration of pregnancy. This method, if available, is very valuable. After all, if you diagnose it early, you can avoid surgery.

Moreover, at a later date, ultrasound allows you to see if there are pathologies. These include detachment of the placenta, the threat of spontaneous abortion,. Timely diagnosed pathologies and, accordingly, the measures taken will allow you to preserve the pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby. Also, ultrasound can detect fetal malformations. Sometimes they can be cured, and sometimes, unfortunately, the woman will be asked to terminate the pregnancy.

On the eve of childbirth, an ultrasound scan will allow you to find out some of the nuances on which both the course of the process itself and the behavior of doctors will depend. Remember, only this method can tell with 100% accuracy whether there is an umbilical cord entanglement. And this is very important, since it threatens with complications of the birth process, and sometimes creates a danger to the health, or even life, of the baby.

Do not forget that some women must undergo an ultrasound scan. And much more often than the bulk of pregnant women. These indications include chronic diseases. The most common among them are various blood diseases.

You should not neglect the procedure if before that you have already had pregnancies that ended unsuccessfully (miscarriages, frozen pregnancies) or if there are seriously ill people in the family (for example, with Down's syndrome).

When is the first ultrasound scan done during pregnancy?

The direction for the first ultrasound during pregnancy is usually obtained by a woman at 12-13 weeks of pregnancy. This early research method is extremely important: with its help, the doctor will be able to assess the primary formation of the fetus, to assess the process of laying organs and systems.

In some cases, the first ultrasound scan during pregnancy may be performed earlier. Firstly, to confirm the presence of pregnancy, and also to exclude the fact of ectopic pregnancy. Suspicion of an ectopic pregnancy requires a mandatory examination with the help of ultrasound - only in this way it will be possible to reliably establish whether this pathological condition really takes place. And only in this way it will be possible to intervene in the situation in time and carry out the necessary cleaning, otherwise serious consequences cannot be avoided.

The reason for an earlier ultrasound scan can also be alarming symptoms in the form of vaginal bleeding (or bloody discharge) and pulling pains in the lower abdomen. Such symptoms are highly likely to signal the threat of termination of pregnancy. And, although it is very difficult to determine whether there is a threat of miscarriage exclusively by ultrasound alone, however, through such a study it is possible to find out the cause of the bleeding. According to the results of the ultrasound, the doctor will be able to comprehensively assess the situation and give the woman appropriate recommendations.

How long can pregnancy be determined by ultrasound?

Very often, a woman goes for an ultrasound scan, still only suspecting pregnancy, without a referral from a gynecologist and of her own free will. Such actions are usually dictated by the desire to know whether to talk about pregnancy when the characteristic symptoms are present, and the test does not show the result.

The question arises: at what time will the ultrasound show pregnancy and is there any point in going for an examination in a 1-2 week delay in order to finally decide? The answer is worth it: an ultrasound scan can show pregnancy as early as 3-4 weeks, and this is exactly the same 1-2 weeks of delay in menstruation.

That's just not always, if an ultrasound scan shows a fertilized egg at the earliest possible date, it is guaranteed to talk about the presence of pregnancy. Unfortunately, the ovum may be empty and not contain an embryo, and it will be possible to establish this only from the 5th week of pregnancy.

At what time is the planned ultrasound done during pregnancy?

If the pregnancy is proceeding favorably and without any deviations, for the entire time of carrying the baby, the woman will be assigned three scheduled ultrasound sessions. The first ultrasound is performed in the first trimester, the second in the second, and the third, respectively, in the third trimester. A planned ultrasound scan during pregnancy allows you to assess whether everything is going "according to plan", and, if there is suspicion, it is repeated.

The first scheduled ultrasound serves as a method for diagnosing pregnancy as such, allows you to determine whether there are risks of miscarriage, to diagnose "failures" in the development of the fetus at the earliest stages - when all vital organs and systems are laid and any deviation is fraught with the development of pathologies.

Second planned ultrasound during pregnancy, it is prescribed in the second trimester in order to assess the development of the baby, and at the same time - the state of the placenta. In addition, during the second ultrasound session, it is usually already possible to determine the sex of the unborn baby.

Third planned ultrasound it is necessary, as you might guess, for the time period of the third trimester. At this stage, the degree of development of the baby, the state of the uteroplacental blood flow, and even the presentation of the baby are traditionally examined.

Weeks during which ultrasound is done during pregnancy

The specialist who leads the pregnancy will clearly answer the question of when to do an ultrasound during pregnancy. As a rule, the timing of an ultrasound scan is determined as follows:

the first ultrasound scan - 10-14 weeks. The term of pregnancy and the approximate term of delivery, the number of embryos are determined, the tone of the uterus is assessed. The state of formation of the fetus, the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities and malformations are also investigated, the thickness of the cervical fold (collar zone), one of the main markers of Down syndrome, is estimated;
the second ultrasound scan - 19-23 weeks. The sex of the baby, the size of the fetus and the compliance of these indicators with the gestational age are determined. In addition to assessing the size and growth rate of the fetus, it is possible to assess the development of the baby's internal organs. In addition, the state of the placenta, the amount of amniotic fluid is studied, the absence of chromosomal abnormalities is confirmed;
the third ultrasound scan - 32-36 weeks. It is necessary for the diagnosis of late fetal anomalies that did not appear earlier. The size of the fetus is determined, the date of the upcoming birth is specified again. The condition of the fetus and its position before childbirth is assessed, the possibility of entanglement with the umbilical cord is excluded.

Is an ultrasound scan harmful to the fetus during pregnancy?

Most representatives of modern medicine unanimously assure that ultrasound is safe for the fetus and does not cause embryotoxic effects. Their opponents, representatives of different spheres of life, unanimously declare the allegedly monstrous consequences of using an ultrasound machine. In fact, there is information that almost all "horror stories" are very exaggerated and do not have any serious evidence. Yes, ultrasound actually causes a slight heating of the body cells, but this does not affect the condition and health of the fetus in any way. The connection between the use of ultrasound and various pathologies and abnormalities in newborns has not been proven.

However, many question such arguments, they say, since it has not been proven, this does not mean that it does not affect. Based on this, the following judgment will be reasonable: while scientists and doctors are investigating this issue, we will be careful and once again we will not expose ourselves and the baby to ultrasound. But if it is vitally necessary - another question, because sometimes 10 minutes of examination save the life of a baby. Are there any more arguments needed? For those who were not convinced by this, we inform you: it has been proven that ultrasound is safe for both the baby and the mother within half an hour. And the radiation, which opponents of ultrasound are so afraid of, actually lasts less than a minute. The rest of the time the device works for reception.

Especially for- Olga Pavlova

From a guest

My pregnancy was late and very long-awaited. The ultrasound was passed quite a lot, from the very first days. I still remember the first ultrasound, when there was a delay and I was told that I either had a pregnancy or a polyp in the uterus. It turned out to be a pregnancy. I don’t remember exactly how much later there was an ultrasound, but I completely trusted my doctor, therefore I did all her recommendations and did not even think about anything bad. And the baby was born healthy. I think it's better to find a good doctor than to read all kinds of horror stories on the Internet. I found my doctor at Nearmedic Clinic, and I am grateful for everything they did for me.

From a guest

I also think that it is better to do UzI according to the indications. My husband and I really decided to do one unscheduled 3D ultrasound and were very pleased! We visited Art-Med on Presnya. I liked the doctor, the equipment is the most modern. We were first diagnosed as 2D, then the sensor was switched to 3D / 4D. And the baby was seen in real time.

From a guest

Sometimes I get the impression that many expectant mothers do not know anything about ultrasound. Do not watch TV series, but read the latest achievements of world-famous scientists. About what harm ultrasound can bring, and what it is fraught with. To this I can add that doctors are reluctant to talk about the possible consequences. Moreover, ultrasound can detect defects only in 50% of cases. Therefore, ask your doctor about all the positive and negative aspects of ultrasound, and then make a decision: to do it or not.

Ultrasound is the most popular and safest method for diagnosing pregnancy research. With the help of ultrasound beams, the obstetrician-gynecologist studies the development of the fetus and sees how many babies are in the womb.

This procedure helps to determine the sex of the baby already in the second trimester of pregnancy. In the early stages, the study is carried out transvaginally (using a vaginal probe), this helps to most accurately examine the embryo and determine if there are any developmental complications.

Features of the first ultrasound scan during pregnancy

Gynecologists recommend that expectant mothers undergo screening once a trimester. This will help monitor the development of the child and protect the woman from the development of pathological processes. However, sometimes in the first trimester, a girl is prescribed not one ultrasound, but two.

What is the reason for this? The very first diagnosis is done when a woman is registered in a hospital. After fertilization has been identified, the gynecologist appoints the girl the first scheduled ultrasound scan for 10-12 weeks of gestation. Therefore, it turns out that in the early stages a woman must undergo two ultrasound diagnostics.

When you first contact an antenatal clinic using this research method (this happens a couple of days or weeks after a delay), the doctor looks to see if the girl is pregnant. After establishing the fact of fertilization, she is assigned additional tests and procedures to check whether the development of the embryo is normal.

Diagnostics shows the presence / absence of an ectopic or frozen pregnancy. With such a diagnosis, the embryo will not be able to fully develop and will die, so the doctor recommends interrupting the gestation.

At the first examination, the gynecologist examines the structure of the embryo, establishes the absence / presence of chromosomal pathologies and neural tube defects. The doctor sets the deadline for calculating the PDD (estimated date of delivery).

When do the first ultrasound

Usually, the attending physician will decide when to do the first tests. The time of events should fall on 12-14 weeks of gestation. It is during this period that you can most accurately assess the condition of the fetus and see pathological processes.

However, a gynecologist can prescribe a procedure at the following stages of embryo development:

Diagnostic ultrasound procedure at 1 week after conception. Such an event will help identify if a woman has an ectopic pregnancy or a cystic drift. And also the test confirms the fertilization of the egg;
Lab test at 3-4 weeks. During the study, the doctor looks at how the umbilical cord of the embryo was formed, and whether the rudiments of the limbs began to develop;
The next procedure is carried out 2-3 months after conception. Assessment of the anatomical structure of the skeleton. During this period, the specialist can identify possible defects and pathological processes in the development of the fetus. In the middle of the first trimester, you can already consider the formed organs of the unborn child (kidneys, liver, genitourinary system and stomach), hear the baby's heartbeat. And also it turns out if there are any delays in the development of the baby;
The most accurate screening ultrasound results are obtained at 12-14 weeks of gestation. Usually performed if there has been an embryo transfer (IVF). It is not necessary to conduct it, but if the girl has any signs of ill health, then it is better to do it. Diagnostics will help to identify the exact causes of discomfort (if a woman has pain, pulls the lower abdomen, there is spotting). At this time, the girl has the opportunity to find out the sex of the child. In addition, tests at this time are needed in order to determine the amount of amniotic fluid and whether the child's seat is properly fixed.

All test results are compared with the table, which indicates the decoding of the indicators and their rate in a certain period of gestation.

Before poisoning a girl in a position for laboratory examination, the doctor conducts an obstetric examination. After that, a list of procedures that need to be done is assigned. The attending doctor should advise the woman and tell in detail how to prepare for the event.

The preparation is as follows:

2-3 days before the procedure, it is necessary to exclude from the diet fatty, fried, salty foods, fast food.
Stop drinking alcohol and cigarettes.
The last meal before the tests should be 8-9 hours in advance. If necessary, your doctor may ask you to empty your stomach before the test.
15-20 minutes before visiting the doctor, it is recommended to drink 0.5 liters of pure non-carbonated water.

In addition, the gynecologist warns the woman that she will need to take a clean waffle towel or a disposable diaper with her at the appointment. If the procedure is performed transvaginally, then a condom is also required.

How is the examination carried out?

In the early stages, transabdominal diagnosis is carried out through the abdominal cavity. The girl is in a position to lie down on the couch and expose her belly. Before the procedure, the obstetrician-gynecologist lubricates the abdomen with a cool white or transparent gel for better wave penetration. After which he drives the sensor in the lower abdomen, an image of the fetus appears on the monitor.

At the first stages of development after conception, only a qualified specialist can decipher the picture of the results. The girl will not be able to independently determine what is shown on the screen and whether there are any deviations. After that, the protocol is filled in, where all the data received is recorded. The protocol for the entire period of pregnancy is stored in the patient's medical record. The entire examination takes an average of 7-10 minutes.

What will the first ultrasound show?

1 planned examination is necessary in order to identify serious pathological processes and, if necessary, interrupt gestation in time. At the first stages of embryo development, the doctor looks at whether the heart, head, limbs of the future baby are formed correctly.

By the middle of the 1st trimester, you can already see the baby's face. The diameter of the collar zone and the size of the skull are also determined here. In addition, in the first weeks of gestation, you can accurately determine when conception occurred.

If, after an obstetric examination, any problems were identified, then an ultrasound scan is prescribed earlier than the established deadlines. And also the reason for early diagnosis can be IVF, the threat of miscarriage, the fading of pregnancy. In any case, diagnostic measures are carried out after 5 weeks of gestation. Since earlier, an ultrasound scan will not give any accurate results.

The benefits or harms of ultrasound during pregnancy

Screening ultrasound is prescribed for absolutely all girls in a position when registering with an antenatal clinic. This diagnostic method has many advantages. First of all, it allows you to prevent the development of an ectopic pregnancy or arbitrary termination of pregnancy, which is important when carrying a child.

In addition, modern ultrasound is:

the most accurate indicators of the gestational age;
a test that helps to determine the pathological processes of fetal development even at the very first stages;
a way to quickly identify the cause of the deviations and start conservative treatment;
determination of the diligence of the fetus in the womb;
diagnosis of fetal hypoxia and assessment of full blood circulation.

Despite all the advantages, it is believed that such an examination is still dangerous for the health of the mother and child. This is explained by the fact that ultrasound waves can negatively affect the development of the fetus and worsen the course of pregnancy. In fact, this is not the case, quite often women confuse ultrasound with x-rays, thinking that the two methods affect the body in the same way.

Ultrasonic radiation is designed so as not to harm the baby and mother, therefore it is quite safe to do it, and most importantly, it is necessary. Of course, it is not recommended to conduct an examination of the expectant mother's own will. But if the gynecologist has prescribed a procedure, then it is best to go through it and make sure that the future baby is developing normally.

When is the best time to go for an ultrasound scan and what it will show, the video will tell.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is the most wonderful period in the life of every woman. After the conception has been confirmed by the doctor, tests are prescribed for the expectant mother.

One of the mandatory procedures is an ultrasound scan. It allows you to find out the maximum amount of information about the development of the fetus, determine the timing of fertilization and identify pathological processes that threaten the life of the expectant mother and baby.

The examination is completely painless and takes 10-15 minutes. Therefore, you should not be afraid and refuse it, as it will help you get to know the unborn child better and warn against possible complications.

An interesting and exciting procedure for the expectant mother is an ultrasound scan, which allows you to see the future baby. In the course of ultrasound diagnostics, the doctor assesses the woman's blood flow, the condition of the fetus, and its development.

When is the first ultrasound done during pregnancy? Routine research is carried out three times throughout the gestation period. Ultrasound is done in the first (10-14 weeks), second (18-21 weeks) and third trimesters (32-34 weeks). At what time it is better to undergo the procedure, the woman herself must decide together with the doctor who supervises her.

Show all

How many times is an ultrasound scan allowed?

You can do an ultrasound scan several times during pregnancy. Some people manage to undergo the procedure twice or thrice during the first three months. Seeing two coveted red stripes on the test, some immediately try to sign up for an ultrasound examination.

But there is no need to rush. What do doctors say about this? When is it better to go for the first ultrasound during pregnancy?

From a medical point of view, the optimal period when you can conduct the first examination is 10 weeks, plus or minus 6 days. You can also do research at an earlier date. It will help determine the presence of a fertilized egg, where it is located - inside the uterus or outside (ectopic), the fetus is developing or not.

When is the procedure needed?

You should not rush into this, even at 10-11 weeks you need to do an ultrasound scan if there are strict indications. If you are feeling well, it’s better to wait a bit.

At a period of 10-13 weeks, the exact period of pregnancy, the number of fetuses inside the uterus, abnormalities in the set of chromosomes, which can cause gross malformations in the development of the fetus, are established. Among the pathologies, the absence of bone covering of the skull, cerebral hemispheres, extremities, soft tissues, and the presence of a heart defect are distinguished.

The first ultrasound scan during pregnancy is an important and crucial moment. Screening ("sifting") is designed to identify the belonging of the fetus to a risk group, to show a tendency to genetic abnormalities and congenital malformations. Detecting deficiencies at an early stage allows you to take any action to correct the situation.

Sometimes the procedure for a pregnant woman is simply necessary, because the doctor insists on carrying it out. It is imperative to do an ultrasound scan if there are the following indications:

pulling pain in the lower abdomen;
minor bleeding, which may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, increased uterine tone and cervical dilatation;
poorly developing pregnancy;
diseases - cyst, endometriosis, fibroids;
conception occurred when the spiral was installed;
a woman, when talking with a gynecologist, reported previous miscarriages;
cases of detection of pathologies in the fetus have occurred earlier.

Features of ultrasound examination

The specialist looks at how the pregnancy proceeds, whether it is singleton or multiple, and measures the size of the collar space - the amount of fluid accumulated under the skin near the fetus's neck. If the norm is exceeded, then this is indirect evidence of anatomical anomalies.

For a more accurate diagnosis, a biochemical blood test is performed for the content of certain types of proteins in the placenta (hCG and PAPP-A). Each clinic uses its own standards and reagents for analysis, so it is impossible to specify specific values. In addition, the protein content changes at different stages of pregnancy.

The results obtained during the examination are tested using the PRISCA prenatal screening computer program.

Additional procedures

Based on numerous observations of pregnant women in different countries, scientists are convinced that the birth of a baby with genetic diseases is directly related to the biological characteristics of the mother's body. Therefore, the degree of risk of genetic changes is calculated taking into account the characteristics of a particular woman - weight, age data, the presence of hereditary and acquired chronic diseases. If the likelihood of the development of pathology is high, then amniocentesis or biopsy is additionally prescribed. They help to confirm or deny the preliminary diagnosis.

With amniocentesis, a puncture (puncture in the fetal membrane) is done in order to obtain amniotic fluid for examination in the laboratory. Chorionic villus sampling is a procedure in which a piece of tissue from the outer shell (chorion) of the embryo that forms the placenta is taken with a special instrument through the cervical canal or the abdominal wall. This is considered dangerous, as it is fraught with bleeding and then miscarriage.

The principle of operation of the apparatus

A hardware sensor emits high-frequency sound waves into the amniotic fluid. Oscillations spread in ripples, spreading throughout the interior of the shell of the fetus. The body of the embryo has a denser structure than water, therefore it reflects part of the waves that collide with it. The wave, like a balloon, bounces off the fetus and, having changed the direction of movement, returns back to the sensor. Another part of the waves, bending around the baby, reaches the placenta, the umbilical cord, are reflected from them and are also sent to the signal receiver.

The sensor receives the received vibrations, quickly processes them and displays a 2D image on the screen. After examining it, the doctor assesses the condition of the baby.

Modern ultrasound machines can display three-dimensional moving pictures in 3D and 4D formats on the monitor, but they are already interesting exclusively for parents - they help to examine the embryo in the smallest detail. Doctors, on the other hand, observe how the umbilical cord is located, how tight it has wrapped around the baby's body, whether the limbs and facial features develop normally.

Is ultrasound dangerous for the embryo?

Sound waves cannot harm an adult. They are identical to those formed during conversation or singing. They differ only in frequency and length. But for a baby 3-5 cm in size, such fluctuations are very sensitive. They make his tiny body shake, they scare. It was noted that during the procedure, babies begin to actively move and turn away from disturbing waves.

At later stages of development (15-16 weeks), when active growth begins, the formation of organs, any insignificant effect can disrupt this process, provoke the appearance of congenital malformations. Extreme caution is required in the first trimester. By 4-5 months, when the fetus grows up, it will no longer be afraid of ultrasounds.

Advantages and disadvantages

Research types

The procedure is carried out in two ways, depending on which sensor is used - external (abdominal) or internal (transvaginal).

When using an external sensor, its wide working surface is pressed against the abdominal skin. The doctor moves it gradually to examine the embryo from all sides. In order for the sound waves to pass better, a special anti-allergenic gel is applied to the skin. Then it is removed with a napkin. To improve the image quality of certain areas, the patient may be asked to turn to one side, bend the leg.

The internal method is used only during the first trimester. It gives much more information for diagnosis in the early stages of pregnancy, because the sensor is separated from the maternal organs only by the vaginal wall.

How to prepare for the examination?

With the external method, in the first trimester, the procedure is performed with a full bladder. At this time, the uterus is located almost at the bottom of the small pelvis and it is difficult to see it, and due to the liquid it rises. Patients are asked to start drinking mineral or sweetened water 1-2 hours before the event. On the eve of dinner, it is not allowed to eat fatty, salty foods, smoked meats, vegetable fiber and other foods that have a diuretic effect on the body. The same properties are typical for birch sap, cranberry juice, lingonberry broth. Black bread, pears, cabbage cause the accumulation of gases, which also interferes with the procedure.

With the internal method, special preparation is not required. On the contrary, the bladder should be empty. A vaginal probe with a miniature head is applied to the uterine wall or vaginal fornix. With its help, the doctor examines the state of the uterus, appendages, embryo.

What does the device show?

When to go to the first ultrasound scan at the antenatal clinic, the young mother decides on her own. But a mandatory examination awaits her after the 11th week of pregnancy. At this time, the baby's head circumference, chest, tummy, legs are already visible. You can calculate the estimated date of birth based on observations, as well as the expectant mother's own calculations about the time of conception.

If the toddler looks younger for a certain period of time, it means that there is a delay in development. The doctor will try to determine the cause, as this will affect the further management of the pregnancy.

The main thing that the ultrasound shows:

The fact of pregnancy.
The exact position of the ovum.
The presence of one embryo or several.
What is the state of the ovaries and uterus, is there any inflammation.
How the placenta develops, the amount of amniotic fluid, is there a threat of miscarriage.
How do chronic diseases of the mother affect the baby's health, does he suffer from a lack of oxygen?
Whether the fetus is receiving adequate nutrition for normal development.

Can I refuse the procedure?

By law, all pregnant women must have an ultrasound scan. However, the doctor has no right to force a woman to undergo the procedure. This should be her conscious, voluntary decision. Many mothers consider the procedure only unnecessary anxiety for the baby. The excitement and nervous tension of a woman, the action of ultrasonic waves has a bad effect on his condition.

If doctors diagnosed gross defects in the fetus, then the mother has two options - termination of pregnancy or the birth of a disabled child. There are violations that are incompatible with life. The choice is made by the woman herself together with the doctor. An ultrasound scan can only indicate the upcoming difficulties, so that after the birth of the baby, his shortcomings do not come as a surprise. Different situations happen in life. Often, with positive screening results, children with disabilities are born, and vice versa.

Diagnosis of diseases during the first ultrasound

The first step is to measure the size of the body of the fetus. If the distance from the crown to the coccyx is more than the established norm, then the child will be large. A small body speaks of developmental abnormalities - genetic or abnormalities caused by infection, a lack of hormones in the mother's body, or the presence of diseases in her. In a living embryo, heartbeats are already heard. The absence of toxicosis in a woman during the first trimester and well-being is considered normal. Such mothers are convinced during the ultrasound that everything is in order with their baby and there is nothing to worry about.

Another thing is when the heart rhythms are not audible. This means that the embryo died for some reason. The increased thickness of the collar space warns of chromosomal abnormalities. Deviation from the norm is not a sentence, because every child develops individually. An ultrasound examines the presence of a nasal bone in the fetus. Its absence also becomes a warning about a change in the composition of chromosomes.

Common genetic abnormalities in babies

1. Down syndrome.

The pathology, named after the physician John Down, is characterized by congenital disorders in the mental and physical development of the child. Diagnosis is based on external signs and chromosomal tests. Children have a narrow eye shape, underdeveloped auricles, flat facial features, shortened arms and legs, a crooked little finger and a slightly open mouth due to decreased muscle tone.

With such children, you will have to do a lot according to an individual program, try to involve them in ordinary life by communicating with loved ones, peers, practicing in sports sections and circles. Downyats can attend school or kindergarten, where they are taught according to an individually drawn up plan.

2. Edwards disease.

It occurs most often in girls. The reason is the extra 18th chromosome. Newborns suffer from profound mental retardation, as well as numerous congenital defects of external and internal organs. Babies are not viable, therefore they die during the first year of life. Pregnancy can result in miscarriage or stillbirth. The disease cannot be prevented, the exact causes of it are not yet fully understood. For prevention, women should avoid alcohol, contact with cigarette smoke, exposure to radioactive radiation, toxic substances, and certain medications even before conception. The syndrome is rare - 1% of cases. Doctors can detect some of its signs, but you should not worry ahead of time. The diagnosis must be confirmed by genetic testing (today it has 99% accuracy), ultrasound results, blood tests, hormonal levels of the patient.

In order for the baby to be born healthy and the pregnancy to be easy, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

A woman should stop smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol and any medications;
For a period of 12 weeks, it's time to get registered with a antenatal clinic;
On the advice of a doctor, you can undergo the first screening;
Excessive physical activity is prohibited;
Stress, intense excitement are excluded;
It is advisable to wait with intimate relationships, as they can provoke a threat of miscarriage. But in the absence of contraindications and with the permission of the doctor, sex during this period is permissible.

Ultrasound examination of the embryo in the first trimester of pregnancy is an indispensable diagnostic method that helps to understand how pregnancy develops in the early stages, and to choose the correct method of its management. Screening helps a woman avoid complications during pregnancy and get the necessary medical care on time.