Fetal morphology ultrasound can be performed from what week of pregnancy?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by BSCK II Pham Thi Tuyet Mai - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

1. What is morphological ultrasound?

Morphological ultrasound is an ultrasound technique that allows to observe images of the fetus in the mother's womb, including the external appearance and internal organs, thereby helping to monitor the formation and development of the fetus. fetal development, and detect some abnormalities (if any).
Ultrasound is not required, but doctors still recommend pregnant women to perform morphological ultrasound at important milestones to develop an appropriate fetal health monitoring plan.

2. What does morphological ultrasound mean?

Whether you are a first time mother or have had a baby before, pregnancy ultrasound is always very important to help diagnose cases of ectopic pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy or false pregnancy,... about 10 minutes and during that time images of the fetus are taken.

Morphological ultrasound, in addition to recording for parents the baby's morphology and movements, also helps pregnant women predict the date of birth early and detect abnormalities in the process of formation and development of the baby. Depending on the time of pregnancy, there will be other ultrasound methods that are suitable.
The development indicators are interested in fetal ultrasound such as: Head circumference (HC), Biparietal diameter (BPD), Abdominal circumference (ACC), Femur length (Femur) length – FL), Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW)... Corresponding to each week of gestational age, the above indexes have different values. Based on the readings measured on the ultrasound, the doctor will compare with the normal values.
Other indicators from fetal ultrasound results:
Fetal heart rate: Normally, the fetal heart rate fluctuates between 120-160 l/min. Placement of the placenta: The doctor will evaluate the position of the placenta relative to the opening in the cervix. Amniotic fluid: At this stage, assessing the amount of amniotic fluid is mainly based on the subjective observation of the sonographer, but seeing more or less than normal, it is necessary to measure the amniotic fluid index or the largest angle. Measure CTC length to assess risk of preterm birth. Check for tumors of the mother's uterus or appendages.

3. Fetal morphology ultrasound can be performed from which week of pregnancy?

Although it is a simple technique, fetal ultrasound still requires the guidance and advice of a doctor, depending on the current status of the pregnant mother, there will be different time for antenatal care. However, there are important times that pregnant women need to pay attention:
3.1 Morphological ultrasound at 11-14 weeks In fact, it is good to have the first ultrasound when the fetus is 12 weeks old. best. This first pregnancy ultrasound is especially important, as it can detect chromosomal abnormalities that could potentially cause birth defects. Performing an ultrasound at this stage, mothers can also know if they are pregnant with singles, twins or triplets.
Also in the 12th week, the fetus has developed relatively fully in terms of morphology and has reflexes such as bending and stretching the body, stretching the limbs... This is also one of the three abnormal ultrasound landmarks. Important defects recommended by experts to be done. During this ultrasound, doctors will especially check and screen for early abnormalities of the brain, face, heart, digestive, urinary, extremities and the whole body.
Because your baby is still quite small, a high-end 4D ultrasound system like the GE Voluson E10 will play a very important role in helping doctors at Vinmec detect more than 95% of abnormalities in this period. Packed with the latest technologies, the GE Voluson E10 enables enhanced image quality and penetration for outstanding high-resolution images and easy operation. Thanks to that, the ultrasound results bring accurate and clear help to the doctor to specifically assess the development of the fetus at this time.


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3.2 Morphological ultrasound at 18 weeks to 22 weeks of pregnancy The morphology and structure of the fetus will be assessed more accurately by the doctor than the first stage in this pregnancy ultrasound. At this time, you can hear the baby's heartbeat and heartbeat, so that it can be detected early if there are abnormalities in the baby's development. This is considered an ultrasound that every mother needs to perform, if not mandatory to ensure the safety of both mother and baby in the future.
The baby will be observed by the doctor to observe the parts and structures formed, and at the same time measure the sizes and biological indexes of the fetus, ... to ensure that the baby has good and normal development according to the correct numbers. If there are abnormalities in the index and the fetus is too small, the doctor will advise the pregnant woman to take care of the developing fetus in the best way.
3.3 Fetal ultrasound assesses development between 30 and 32 weeks of age. This is the time to prepare for birth, this pregnancy ultrasound helps pregnant women to determine if the baby is still developing well, has signs of premature birth or if the baby is born underweight or overweight? It also helps pregnant women prepare psychologically to be comfortable and worry-free before giving birth.

Depending on each abnormality, when detected in the fetus, parents and families will be supported by doctors and advised on the attention to preserving and taking care of the fetus, choosing the birth method so that appropriate for the child's condition and developmental status. Therefore, this is the time when pregnant women not only need medical support, but also care and care from their husbands and families.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital provides mothers with a comprehensive maternity care program with various pregnancy weeks: 12 weeks, 27 weeks, 36 weeks and labor packages. Joining the early pregnancy package will have many added benefits.
Pregnant women will have regular visits with an Obstetrician, perform routine tests and ultrasounds to monitor the baby's development. Early detection of risks and complications for interventional treatment plans, minimizing adverse effects on mother and baby health. In addition, during pregnancy, pregnant women will also attend antenatal classes organized by the hospital to equip themselves with knowledge to help ease labor and prepare for the journey of motherhood. Dr. Tuyet Mai has over 30 years of experience in examination and treatment in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, especially in lower-line surgery, family planning, specialized laparoscopic surgery, and handling many severe surgeries. and difficult such as:
Hysterectomy, hymenectomy Surgery for uterine fibroids, cervical cancer Cervical cancer vaccination Cervical cancer early detection Cervical electrocautery Examination and treatment Endocrine

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