Fetal Ultrasound

Fetal ultrasound, a subset of obstetric ultrasound, is a powerful diagnostic tool used to monitor the development and health of the fetus during pregnancy. It involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the growing baby inside the mother's womb.

This technology offers invaluable insights into the fetus's well-being, allowing healthcare professionals to track growth, detect potential issues, and provide expectant parents with a glimpse of their unborn child.

Fetal ultrasound serves several essential purposes during pregnancy:

• Confirming Pregnancy: Early in pregnancy, it's used to confirm the presence of a viable pregnancy, establishing its location within the uterus.
• Determining Gestational Age: By measuring the size of the embryo or fetus, healthcare providers can accurately estimate gestational age and calculate the due date. This information guides the timing of prenatal care.
• Monitoring Fetal Growth: Throughout the pregnancy, repeated ultrasound scans track the fetus's growth, including measurements of the head, abdomen, and femur. These measurements help in estimating fetal weight and ensuring that the baby is developing at an appropriate rate.
• Assessing Fetal Anatomy: Around the 20th week, a detailed fetal anatomy scan is performed. This comprehensive examination checks for any structural abnormalities or birth defects in various parts of the baby's body.
• Checking Amniotic Fluid Levels: Adequate levels of amniotic fluid are essential for fetal development. Ultrasound helps in assessing amniotic fluid volume, ensuring it's neither too high (polyhydramnios) nor too low (oligohydramnios), both of which can indicate potential problems.
• Monitoring Fetal Heartbeat: Fetal ultrasound tracks the baby's heart rate, providing important information about the baby's cardiovascular health. It helps confirm the presence of a heartbeat, which is a significant milestone in early pregnancy.