Ultrasounds or scans are a normal part of a pregnant woman's medical checkup routine. They use sound waves to map the uterus and the developing baby. Depending upon the doctor's recommendations, it could be either an abdominal one (the probe is placed over the abdomen) or a vaginal one (the probe is inserted into the vagina). The latter one provides a better view of the internal organs, namely the uterus and the ovaries.
Usually doctors in India recommend 3-4 scans for every pregnant women. The first one is during the 8-10th week and used to rule out any ectopic pregnancy or uterine defects. One is also expected to hear the fetal heartbeats for the first time and measure the due date. Many doctors differ on this one.
The second one is at 20 weeks to rule out any problems with the baby's development. Any deformities can be easily detected at this stage.
The third one is in the 5th month. It is to monitor the baby's development.
The fourth and last one is in the 9th month. This makes a final note of the position of the baby (i.e., if its head had come down, nuchal cord complications, etc).
If you are in the high-risk category (like diabetes or hypertension), then the doctor may recommend a few more. In my case, the doctor had asked for a scan in the 6th week to confirm the pregnancy. This is quite unnecessary and hospitals usually do it for making some extra money.
Some do's and dont's before going for a scan:
1. Tank up on loads of water. The ultrasound gives better results if your abdomen is fully distended. Ideally you should have the urge to pee before going for a scan.
2. Wear clean clothes and underwear.
3. Avoid going for a scan on a full stomach. It is difficult to get a clear view with all that solid stuff floating around.
4. Avoid consuming any food that may cause abdominal gas to build up.
Usually doctors in India recommend 3-4 scans for every pregnant women. The first one is during the 8-10th week and used to rule out any ectopic pregnancy or uterine defects. One is also expected to hear the fetal heartbeats for the first time and measure the due date. Many doctors differ on this one.
The second one is at 20 weeks to rule out any problems with the baby's development. Any deformities can be easily detected at this stage.
The third one is in the 5th month. It is to monitor the baby's development.
The fourth and last one is in the 9th month. This makes a final note of the position of the baby (i.e., if its head had come down, nuchal cord complications, etc).
If you are in the high-risk category (like diabetes or hypertension), then the doctor may recommend a few more. In my case, the doctor had asked for a scan in the 6th week to confirm the pregnancy. This is quite unnecessary and hospitals usually do it for making some extra money.
Some do's and dont's before going for a scan:
1. Tank up on loads of water. The ultrasound gives better results if your abdomen is fully distended. Ideally you should have the urge to pee before going for a scan.
2. Wear clean clothes and underwear.
3. Avoid going for a scan on a full stomach. It is difficult to get a clear view with all that solid stuff floating around.
4. Avoid consuming any food that may cause abdominal gas to build up.
No comments:
Post a Comment