Many mothers enjoy seeing their babies and often undergo ultrasound examinations during pregnancy. However, according to specialists, three ultrasound sessions are sufficient to determine if the baby has any issues. These sessions should take place at weeks 12, 22, and 32 of pregnancy.
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Sometimes, you may feel anxious waiting for the appointment to see your baby. An ultrasound is a mesmerizing moment filled with delightful surprises, allowing soon-to-be parents to connect with their fetus. The principle of ultrasound involves a device placed on the skin that emits sound waves, penetrating tissues to read signals. After receiving the signals, they are analyzed by a computer system, which produces images displayed on the screen.
The first ultrasound should be performed at week 12 (or about 2.5 months into the pregnancy). The purpose is to confirm the health of the embryo, whether there is one or two fetuses in the same womb, and to calculate the expected due date. This ultrasound also verifies the health status of the embryo (measuring the fetal heartbeat) and assesses the condition of the uterus, including its dilation and expansion (to anticipate potential delivery complications).
The second ultrasound is conducted at 4.5 months or week 22. The doctor will check the baby’s development, measuring limbs, the length from head to tailbone, the diameter of the skull, and abdomen, as well as determining the presence of organs.
The third ultrasound, performed at week 32 or 7.5 months, aims to detect any additional abnormalities in the fetus’s morphology that may not have been observed in previous ultrasounds. During the second and third sessions, doctors also assess blood flow in the umbilical cord and uterine arteries, especially for mothers with vascular health concerns (diabetes, kidney failure, high blood pressure); they check the position and posture of the fetus and the amount of amniotic fluid…
Having multiple ultrasounds can still carry risks due to radiation affecting tissue layers. Some areas, such as the eyes and reproductive glands, are very sensitive to sound waves. These are often the regions most “examined” when doctors increase the frequency of waves aimed at the face and reproductive organs, not for medical purposes but merely to capture images of the fetus. Experts assert that ultrasound is a medical technique that should only be performed when a diagnosis is needed and should not be treated as a casual photo session.
Is 3D Ultrasound Better?
Measuring length, diameter, and cross-sections of the fetus for comparison with normal dimensions is all performed through 2D ultrasound, known as black and white imaging. For some parents, these images can be difficult to interpret. Since the 1990s, 3D ultrasound has provided higher-quality images, making the fetus appear surprisingly like a real baby, varying in size depending on the gestational period. With the introduction of 3D ultrasound, this technique has gained significant popularity.
According to ultrasound specialists, 3D ultrasound is not intended for detection purposes. Determining sizes and performing cross-sections are the responsibilities of 2D ultrasound. It is a misconception that 3D is superior to 2D. 3D ultrasound is reserved for additional testing when there are health concerns.
