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What is an ultrasound examination during pregnancy?
Ultrasound examination during pregnancy is an extremely important element of care for the future mother and child. It is a diagnostic procedure that uses sound waves to obtain an image of the fetus and the organs of the woman giving birth. Ultrasound during pregnancy is safe and non-invasive, which makes it an extremely popular and frequently used tool in prenatal care.
What can an ultrasound show?
Ultrasound examination during pregnancy can provide a lot of important information. First of all, it allows you to monitor the development of the fetus, assess its size and weight, and check whether there are any congenital internal defects. In addition, ultrasound makes it possible to determine the sex of the baby and detect possible health problems in the mother, such as the condition of the uterus or the presence of ovarian cysts.
How many times are ultrasounds performed during pregnancy? is an examination carried out at every visit?
The number of ultrasound examinations during pregnancy depends on individual needs and recommendations of the attending physician. Typically, an expectant mother undergoes several ultrasound examinations throughout her pregnancy. The first scan, known as a first trimester ultrasound, is performed between weeks 11 and 14 of pregnancy. The next examination, a second trimester ultrasound, takes place between the 18th and 22nd week of pregnancy, and the last one, a third trimester ultrasound, may be ordered between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy. Of course, there are situations in which additional tests are necessary, for example if health problems are suspected.
What does ultrasound look like during pregnancy?
Ultrasound examination in pregnancy is usually performed by a radiologist or ultrasound specialist. The patient lies on the examination table, exposing her abdomen, and the doctor applies a gel on it, which allows for better conduction of sound waves. Then, a special probe is pressed gently on the abdomen and the image appears on the monitor screen. During the examination, you can also listen to the fetal heartbeat.
Ultrasound during pregnancy – price, reimbursement and safety of the test
The price of an ultrasound examination during pregnancy may vary, depending on the region and type of medical facility. However, many clinics and hospitals offer it as part of prenatal care, which means it is free for patients. In some cases, ultrasound examination during pregnancy may be reimbursed by the National Health Fund if there are medical indications for its performance.
It is worth emphasizing that ultrasound examination during pregnancy is safe for both the mother and the fetus. It is not associated with X-ray radiation or other harmful side effects. Therefore, it is a commonly used diagnostic method in the care of future mothers and their children.
Your suggestions
If you have any doubts about ultrasound examination during pregnancy, you should always consult your doctor. He is the one who will best assess whether and when this test should be performed and what its potential benefits may be.
Recommended articles
If you are interested in prenatal care and pregnancy testing, we also recommend reading articles about other diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, and fetal genetic testing. It is also worth reading the tips on a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy and recommendations on an appropriate diet.
It is worth realizing that ultrasound examination during pregnancy is an important tool in prenatal diagnosis that can help monitor the health of both the mother and the child. Therefore, it is worth following your doctor’s recommendations and undergoing regular tests during pregnancy to ensure the best care for both yourself and your unborn child.