What Is A Fetal Ultrasound?
A fetal ultrasound is an imaging procedure done during pregnancy that uses reflected sound waves to produce a picture of the fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid. The image is displayed on a screen.
Fetal ultrasound is used to assess fetal size and position and, because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the fetus’ internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels. Fetal ultrasound does not use X-rays or other types of radiation that may harm the fetus. It can be done as early as the fifth week of pregnancy. Fetal ultrasound can be used to determine the sex of the fetus around the 18th week of pregnancy.
What Can A Fetal Ultrasound Detect?
A fetal ultrasound study can provide a lot of information about the current stage of your pregnancy. During your first trimester, a fetal ultrasound can provide details about the size and location of your pregnancy as well as your gestational age. During the second or third trimester, a fetal ultrasound can evaluate the overall health and anatomy of the fetus. A fetal ultrasound provides many of the details right as they emerge and form in your body.
How Do I Prepare For A Fetal Ultrasound?
A fetal ultrasound allows for radiologists to assess the characteristics and overall health of your fetus. It is a painless and non-invasive scan that helps you gather more information throughout the pregnancy cycle. A fetal ultrasound requires no preparation. Your referring physician may ask you to drink a few glasses of water before your appointment so a better picture of the baby is captured. If you have any questions, reach out to your referring physician or our team at SRJA here.
