As expectant parents prepare to welcome their little one, prenatal care becomes crucial to ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Sonography, which is commonly known as ultrasound, uses sound waves to create a baby's image in the womb. These scans provide valuable insights into the baby's growth, position, and overall health. Understanding different types of ultrasound in pregnancy helps ensure better prenatal care.
Types of Pregnancy ultrasounds
The following are the most common types of pregnancy sonography scans:
1. Early Pregnancy Scans
Often called the dating scan, it is usually performed between 8 and 14 weeks. This scan helps determine the baby's gestational age, confirm the pregnancy, and detect cardiac activity.
2. NT Scan for Chromosomal Abnormalities
The nuchal translucency (NT) scan is conducted between 11 and 14 weeks to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. When combined with blood tests, it provides a clearer understanding of potential genetic conditions.
3. Anomaly Scan for Structural Assessment
The anomaly scan, performed between 18 and 24 weeks, examines the baby's organs, bones, and overall development, making it one of the most crucial pregnancy scan types.
4. Foetal Echo for Heart Health
A foetal echocardiography scan is typically performed between 23 and 24 weeks to evaluate the baby's heart structure and function. This specialised ultrasound helps detect congenital heart conditions and ensures the heart is developing properly.
5. Foetal Doppler for Heartbeat and Blood Flow Monitoring
A foetal Doppler scan is conducted between 28 and 32 weeks to assess the baby's blood flow and oxygen supply. This scan helps doctors identify potential complications such as placental insufficiency or restricted foetal growth.
6. Monitoring Growth and Amniotic Fluid Levels
Throughout pregnancy, doctors monitor foetal growth and amniotic fluid levels to ensure the baby is developing well. If concerns arise about slow growth or low amniotic fluid, additional scan types for pregnancy may be performed to determine any necessary medical interventions.
Conclusion
Prenatal sonography plays a vital role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Understanding these scanning types during pregnancy helps expectant parents to participate in proper prenatal care.
As prenatal care often involves multiple types of USG in pregnancy, it is important to consider maternity insurance. Many insurance plans cover routine and specialised pregnancy sonography types, ensuring comprehensive care without financial burden.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.