5 Reasons for Having USG in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a significant and delicate phase in a woman's life, requiring careful monitoring to ensure both the mother and baby's well-being. One of the most effective ways to do this is through an ultrasound, which provides valuable insights into the baby's health and development.

Ultrasound in pregnancy is otherwise referred to as USG in pregnancy. It is a type of medical imaging that is used by doctors to check on the growth of the fetus and any possible complications that may be associated with the pregnancy.

In this article, we shall discuss five reasons why it is important to have an ultrasound in pregnancy.

1. Confirming Pregnancy and Its Location.

While a pregnancy test can tell whether a woman is pregnant, an ultrasound provides a better view of the baby in the womb. The first ultrasound is performed to ensure that the pregnancy is healthy and that the baby is well-placed in the uterus. In rare cases, the embryo may implant outside the uterus, which leads to an ectopic pregnancy. An early pregnancy ultrasound can help to detect such complications and allow for the necessary medical treatment.

2. Determining Gestational Age and Due Date

Knowing the due date is important for expectant mothers to prepare for childbirth. Ultrasound helps determine the baby's gestational age by measuring its size, which provides a more accurate estimate of the due date. This is especially useful for women with irregular menstrual cycles who may not be able to calculate their due date using a pregnancy calculator. Additionally, knowing the gestational age allows doctors to schedule essential prenatal tests and monitor the baby's growth at the right stages of pregnancy.

3. Fetal Growth and Development Supervision

It is through the use of routine ultrasound during pregnancy that physicians can observe the baby’s progress. During the scan, the doctor checks on the baby’s heartbeat, movement, and other vital organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and spine. If there is any problem with the size or growth of the baby, further investigations may be conducted to check for other pregnancy complications that may be associated with the baby, such as intrauterine growth restriction or gestational diabetes.

4. Identifying Birth Defects and Other Complications

This is probably the most important reason why an ultrasound in pregnancy is performed- to detect congenital anomalies and abnormalities. An extended fetal development scan, which is usually done between 18 to 22 weeks, is used to check for conditions such as Down’s syndrome, heart problems, or open neural tube defects. This helps the parents and the doctors to know what to expect and the possible treatment that the child may need after birth.

Evaluating the Placenta and Amniotic Fluid Volume

The placenta is a vital organ that provides the baby with food and oxygen. Ultrasound is a procedure that is used during pregnancy to examine the placenta and its position and function. It can also check on the amount of amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby, which is crucial for growth. If the amount of fluid is either high or low, it may indicate some of the common complications in pregnancy. Such as preterm labor or placental insufficiency that may require close follow-up and medical intervention.

Conclusion

Ultrasound in pregnancy is one of the most vital check-ups that should be done during this period. It helps in the prevention of the risks that may be encountered by the mother and the baby during the pregnancy through diagnosis. It also helps doctors to come in and make decisions early enough to help the pregnant woman have a healthy pregnancy. You should consult your doctor to schedule your ultrasound sessions and get more information about your baby’s growth if you are pregnant. Every scan is a special look at your little one’s journey, so don’t miss this amazing experience!

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