Does color ultrasound affect the fetus?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Ly Thi Thanh Nha - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec International General Hospital Da Nang. Doctor Nha has strengths and experience in fetal malformation ultrasound, 3D, 4D fetal ultrasound.
Ultrasound is an effective imaging method to help observe the fetus in the womb. Through ultrasound will help doctors detect birth defects of the fetus early. Ultrasound is divided into many types such as 2D, 3D and color ultrasound. So does color ultrasound affect the fetus?

1. What is fetal color ultrasound?

Fetal color ultrasound is essentially 3D and 4D fetal ultrasound. In particular, 3D fetal ultrasound is a 3-dimensional ultrasound method, which helps doctors observe the true size of the fetus, examine the organs, tissues, face and contours of the fetus. 4D ultrasound is a 3D ultrasound with animation that helps the doctor see the fetus moving.
Instead of black and white images, color ultrasound or Doppler ultrasound is the most accurate type of ultrasound with color ultrasound images, easy to observe, effectively supporting doctors in monitoring the development fetal development and early detection of birth defects.

2. Timeline in pregnancy should perform color ultrasound

In fact, ultrasound during pregnancy plays an extremely important role in checking the health of mother and baby. Normally, mothers need to have regular ultrasounds about once a month during the first 6 months of pregnancy. In the last 3 months, the number of ultrasounds can be increased depending on the condition of the mother and the fetus.
Color ultrasound is done in special cases of pregnancy. However, an ultrasound does not always help the doctor accurately diagnose the problem of the fetus. Fetal malformations are only detected at certain times, if missed, the identification may no longer be accurate or it may be too late. Therefore, doctors often assign important color ultrasound landmarks for women to check:

The first fetal color ultrasound should be performed between 11 and 16 weeks of pregnancy. Color ultrasound at this stage helps the doctor determine whether the mother is pregnant or not, determine whether the fetus has entered the uterus (intrauterine or ectopic), the number of fetuses implanted in the uterus. , pregnant woman's due date (with an error of about +/- 7 days), nuchal translucency measurement to detect Down syndrome and some birth defects such as craniocervity, umbilical hernia, abnormalities often in chromosomes... Second fetal color ultrasound should be performed from week 17 to week 19 of pregnancy. The third fetal color ultrasound should be performed between 20 and 23 weeks of pregnancy. During this period, fetal color ultrasound will help monitor and detect fetal abnormalities such as abnormalities in amniotic fluid, placenta and abnormalities such as cleft lip, cleft palate or fetal visceral malformations. pediatric. The 4th fetal color ultrasound should be performed from 31 to 34 weeks, helping doctors detect heart problems, blood vessels, brain problems of the fetus. In addition, color ultrasound at this stage also helps to monitor the weight status, position of the fetal position, the status of amniotic fluid to help pregnant women have a plan to prepare for their own birth.

3. When is the fetal color ultrasound indicated?

Although most of the ultrasounds performed periodically during pregnancy are 2D ultrasounds (ultrasound images only include dark patches), this procedure still has many limitations. Therefore, color ultrasound of the fetus will be indicated to help overcome the limitations of images, serve the accurate diagnosis in the following cases:
The doctor detects anomalies or suspects anomalies in the fetus. disability. If there are abnormalities, the doctor will base on that color ultrasound image to decide whether to perform further tests such as amniocentesis or fetal laparoscopy. Color doppler ultrasound when it is necessary to evaluate fetal heart diseases: ventricular septal defect, heart valve disease... In case of pregnancy past due date, doppler ultrasound will be indicated for doctors and family to make decisions. scheduled caesarean section in time. Color ultrasound helps parents see their baby clearly, so parents can voluntarily request it to keep the image of their baby as a souvenir.

4. Does color ultrasound affect the fetus?

Color ultrasound has no effect on the fetus is a concern of many parents when assigned to perform this technique. In fact, color ultrasounds can be performed at any time during pregnancy, most effectively by appointment with your doctor.
However, there are many mothers who are anxious to see their children healthy and have the notion that color ultrasound is the best technique to help observe their children most clearly, so they abuse it, which is not advisable. In theory, color ultrasound does not harm the health of the person receiving the ultrasound, does not cause pain, but there is no research to confirm whether the fetus is uncomfortable or not when the mother performs it continuously. .
Especially in the first 2 months of pregnancy, at this time the fetus is still in the process of forming, the mother should temporarily not perform fetal color ultrasound. By week 22 - 23, color ultrasound will help the mother check for morphological abnormalities of the baby (cleft palate, lip malformation, other organ deformities...). Weeks 31 - 32, color ultrasound helps to check the general health of pregnancy to prepare for labor. Therefore, it can be seen that the best color ultrasound should follow the doctor's instructions for regular antenatal checkups to ensure the safety of mother and baby.
Choosing a place for maternity care and pregnancy ultrasound to diagnose fetal malformations early and accurately is very important. It is very important to have a pregnancy ultrasound at the right time and periodically to detect fetal malformations early, so that appropriate monitoring and treatment measures can be taken (even a decision to terminate the pregnancy). The effectiveness of the ultrasound method for diagnosing fetal malformations depends a lot on the doctor's level, analytical ability, and modern equipment.
Vinmec International General Hospital is a high-quality medical facility that is highly appreciated by customers for its quality of examination and treatment as well as professional services. Vinmec has the most modern equipment system, with the most advanced ultrasound machines in the world and a team of experienced obstetricians in prenatal diagnosis and intervention to help monitor and detect early fetal malformations.

In addition, to protect the health of mother and baby comprehensively, Vinmec offers a variety of package Maternity services. With this package, the fetus will be tested Double Test or Triple Test to screen for fetal malformations to help detect dangerous fetal malformations that can be intervened early. Pregnant women will have regular prenatal check-ups with specialists, especially maternal thyroid screening tests in the first 3 months, Rubella tests. During pregnancy, if a pregnant woman encounters any abnormal health problems, she will be consulted and treated by a specialist doctor. After each visit, the doctors will analyze the ultrasound and test results and advise on health care, nutrition, and rest suitable for each pregnant woman, helping the mother and fetus to be healthy. well developed, uniform indicators.

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