Scans in pregnancy are a vital part of prenatal care, offering expectant parents a unique opportunity to see their baby before birth. These scans, which use sound waves to create images of the baby in the womb, provide essential information about the baby’s development and health. Whether it’s the early dating scan or the detailed anomaly scan, scans in pregnancy help to monitor the baby’s growth, detect potential health issues, and give parents peace of mind. As a routine part of pregnancy, understanding the purpose and process of these scans in pregnancy is crucial for every expectant mother.
Ultrasound scans in pregnancy serve as a window into the womb, allowing expectant parents to catch a glimpse of their growing baby. But how exactly do these scans work, and what should one expect during the process?
Ultrasound scans rely on high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the baby inside the womb. These scans are entirely painless and pose no known risks to the mother or baby, making them a safe and commonly used tool throughout pregnancy. Typically, they can be performed at any stage, offering vital insights into the baby’s development.
The Emotional Journey of a Pregnancy Scan
For many, a scan in pregnancy is a joyful experience, a chance to see their baby for the first time. However, it’s important to understand that ultrasound scans can also detect serious health conditions. Deciding whether or not to undergo this screening is a personal choice, one that should be made after considering all factors.
How Ultrasound Scans Are Conducted
The process of an ultrasound scan is straightforward. Most scans are performed by trained professionals known as sonographers. To ensure clear imaging, the scan takes place in a dimly lit room. The expectant mother lies on her back while a cool ultrasound gel is applied to her abdomen. This gel helps the ultrasound probe, which is gently passed over the tummy, to make good contact with the skin. As the probe moves, a live picture of the baby appears on the ultrasound screen. Sometimes, the sonographer may need to apply slight pressure to get the best views of the baby.
Time and Safety Considerations
A typical ultrasound scan lasts between 20 to 30 minutes. However, if the baby is in an awkward position or is particularly active, the scan may take longer or need to be repeated. It’s reassuring to know that there are no known risks associated with having a scan in pregnancy, although the information gathered can sometimes lead to further decisions regarding the pregnancy.
When Are Scans in Pregnancy Offered?
In England, at least two ultrasound scans are routinely offered during pregnancy. The first is the 12-week scan, conducted between 11 to 14 weeks, which helps estimate the baby’s due date. The second, often referred to as the 20-week screening scan, is performed between 18 to 21 weeks. This scan checks for 11 physical conditions in the baby, providing crucial information about the baby’s health and development.
Understanding the Results
Results from an ultrasound scan are usually provided during the appointment. These scans can reveal a wealth of information, such as the baby’s size, the number of babies (in cases of multiple pregnancies), and the baby’s position within the womb. Additionally, the scans help ensure that the baby is growing normally, a particularly important factor in cases where there have been complications in previous pregnancies.
Who Can Accompany You to the Scan?
Expectant mothers are often encouraged to bring a loved one to share in the experience of the scan. However, most hospitals have policies that do not allow children in the scanning room.
Next Steps if the Scan is Normal
If the scan shows that everything is progressing normally, routine antenatal care will continue. However, if the scan raises concerns, it’s essential to discuss these with a doctor or midwife promptly. Further tests may be offered if there’s an indication of a condition, and referrals to specialists may be made as necessary.
Choosing Whether to Have Ultrasound Scans
The decision to have ultrasound scans in pregnancy is entirely up to the mother. While the 12-week and 20-week scans are offered, they are not mandatory. If a mother decides against having the scans, her decision will be respected, and antenatal care will proceed without the scans. The maternity team will ensure that she has the opportunity to discuss this choice thoroughly before making a final decision.
Additional Scans: When Are They Needed?
In some cases, more than the standard two scans may be necessary. This could be due to health concerns or specific circumstances of the pregnancy that require closer monitoring.
After the Scan: What Comes Next?
If the scan results are normal, most mothers can continue with routine antenatal care, reassured that their baby is healthy. However, it’s important to remember that while scans in pregnancy can detect certain conditions, they cannot identify all potential health issues. Any concerns should always be addressed with a healthcare provider.
What If a Condition Is Suspected?
If the ultrasound suggests that the baby might have a condition, the sonographer may seek a second opinion. Further tests may be recommended to confirm the condition, and detailed information about these tests will be provided. The mother will have the opportunity to discuss these options with her midwife or consultant to make an informed decision. If needed, a referral to a specialist, potentially at another hospital, will be made.
Finding Out the Baby’s Sex
The 20-week screening scan might offer the chance to discover the baby’s sex, though this is not guaranteed. Whether or not the baby’s sex can be determined depends on the baby’s position during the scan and the hospital’s policy. Accuracy is not always assured, so it’s best to approach this with an open mind.
Getting a Picture from the Scan
Some hospitals offer a printed picture of the baby from the ultrasound scan, though this may come with a fee. It’s a good idea to check with the hospital beforehand to see if this option is available.
ultrasound scans in pregnancy provide invaluable information, offering a glimpse into the development of the baby while also serving as a crucial tool in monitoring the health and progress of the pregnancy. Whether to undergo these scans is a personal decision, one that should be made with careful consideration of all available information and options.
