Pregnancy Info: Pregnancy Scans | 4D Scan and Pregnancy scan FAQs

An ultrasound scan is a painless test undergone by pregnant women that involves transmitting high frequency sound waves through the uterus to make an image on a screen that reveals the baby's position and gender.

Pregnancy scan has evolved into different technologies providing more detailed images of the baby to determine its development in the womb of the mother.

Pregnancy scans ultrasound is being utilized for several reasons. One is to screen if there is any abnormality that develops during the development of the baby.

How it is being done? Abnormality screening is being done by checking the limbs and the vital organs of the fetus. There are specific test being undertaken. Nuchal scans is one of the test being undertaken to address Down's Syndrome.

Pregnancy Scans is very common scenario for pregnant women. Nonetheless, it is only a few who knew how does it work. But how does pregnancy ultrasound works?

The most common position done for the scanning is through the back. Aftersuch, liquid gel is applied so as to help in transmitting the sound waves more clearly.

The sound waves are produced by a crystal built in the probe used for the test. The waves are then reflected from the various structures they encounter as they travel through the body. The data produced by the reflected waves is then processed by the computer in the scanning machine to produce an image on the screen representative of the reflecting structures. That is how the detailed image of the pregnant uterus and baby within, complete with movements, is produced and seen in real time.

* Is Pregnancy Ultrasoundscans safe?

Though ultrasound uses high frequency waves to create the images of the baby, pregnancy scans does not emit radiations as x-rays do.

* When can my OB perform the baby ultrasound?

Pregnancyscans can be performed on 20 week gestations.

* Can ultrasound reveal down's syndrome?

Ultrasonic soft markers can indicate Down Syndrome on the week 13 or 14, in the second trimester. Other congenital issues may not be apparent until week 18 to 20, or even later.

* How often should I go on a pregnancy ultrasound before birth?

There is no fast and hard rule on the frequency of having pregnancy ultrasound. However, your doctor may recommend a series of scans if he wish to learn more in-depth your pregnancy conditions.

* Does Pregnancy Scans hurts?

Pregnancy ultrasound scans does not hurt. However, you may feel the discomfort with the transducer id your bladder is full. There are some hospitals that require having a full bladder before the scan, you may consult your doctor or midwife if you are doubtful about this.