During pregnancy, to monitor the health of the fetus, we commonly use ultrasound. However, in some cases, this method is overused. So, is it advisable to overuse ultrasound during pregnancy?
1. Why is ultrasound necessary?
It is a prenatal examination method recommended by doctors. Typically, expectant mothers use it to view images of their fetus and understand its condition without being fully aware of why ultrasound is necessary.
Initially, when pregnancy is suspected due to a late period and a positive pregnancy test, the first ultrasound helps confirm the pregnancy.
Later stages utilize ultrasound to check the position of the fetus, whether it is inside or outside the uterus. This is crucial to prevent dangerous complications, like ectopic pregnancy
Ultrasound also helps determine gestational age, estimate the expected delivery date, assess amniotic fluid, placenta,... and identify any abnormalities or congenital defects such as congenital heart defects or Down syndrome.
2. Why should ultrasound not be overused during pregnancy?
General ultrasound and fetal ultrasound all employ high-frequency waves that are not naturally occurring. Studies yield varying results regarding the potential harm of ultrasound to humans, especially the developing fetus. While definitive conclusions remain elusive, most studies suggest that ultrasound does not significantly affect the health of the mother or the fetus.
The procedure is not painful or uncomfortable, leading some expectant mothers to undergo multiple scans to for keepsakes. While it’s deemed safe when performed correctly, excessive ultrasound scans can be economically burdensome and time-consuming due to waiting periods for examinations.
3. How many ultrasounds are recommended during pregnancy?
According to doctors' recommendations, throughout pregnancy, pregnant women should not have too many ultrasounds, but only need to do this examination at the most necessary times to be able to monitor the development of the fetus. Usually, fetal ultrasound will be indicated in the following 3 important time points:
3.1 Weeks 12-14
This is the optimal time for doctors to determine gestational age and the nuchal translucency of the fetus.
This measurement is crucial as it can indicate chromosomal abnormalities which causing conditions such as Down syndrome, congenital heart defects, diagragmatic hernia,... Accurate readings can only be obtained during this period, if the examination is conducted at another time, the results is of no use
3.2 Weeks 21-24
By this stage, the fetus starts to form important organs like the brain, spine, skull, heart, liver, lungs,...
Ultrasound at this time helps assess the physical development and early detect possible abnormalities as organ defects, cleft palate,...
3.3. Weeks 30-32
This stage is crucial for detecting any late-stage abnormalities in the fetus, such as issues in blood vessels, heart, or brain.
Results can determine fetal weight, position, amniotic fluid level, and placenta, aiding in predictions about labor and delivery, such as the timing and the delivery procedures (either C-section or natural birth)
4. Special cases requiring ultrasound
Besides the critical timeframes mentioned, expectant mothers should seek ultrasound in special cases such as:
- Abnormal bleeding (light pink, red, or brown), typically less than menstrual flow
- General pain, either mild or severe
- Bleeding lasting less than three days
- Chest or nipple pain, with a feeling of tightness
- Fatigue
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Severe morning sickness or nausea, particularly with food odors
- Noticeable mood changes
- Bloating, gas, or constipation…
- Frequent urination
Although it is a harmless method, ultrasound is not recommended to be abused during pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women should pay attention to important milestones to get the best results.
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