Who
While most healthy pregnancies will not require ultrasounds, many physicians offer them—and many women like to see their baby in the womb, pinpoint a due date, find out the baby’s gender, and check the baby’s health. An ultrasound may be recommended if you have a chronic health condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
What
2D ultrasound, the most common, produces images that show your baby’s organs and development, heartbeat, and movement of her body. If birth defects are suspected, your provider may request a more detailed ultrasound. 3D ultrasound provides a photo-like image and allows you to see the height, width, and depth of the fetus. 4D ultrasound allows you to see the fetus in motion. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine considers 3D and 4D ultrasounds a “developing technology,” so health insurance policies will not pay for them.
When
A second-trimester ultrasound, at 18–20 weeks, is considered the best time to check for the risk of birth defects, to date the pregnancy, and determine the sex.
Where
In a doctor’s office, at an imaging facility, or at a medical center.
Why
Ultrasound can determine the age of your baby, identify a multiple pregnancy (twins or more), check your baby’s growth and size, and show major birth defects. Information obtained by ultrasound can be used to alter prenatal care to improve the chances of delivering a healthy baby.
How
Ultrasound works by bouncing sound waves off the fetus. While you lie on your back, a technician or your healthcare provider applies gel to your abdomen, which allows the sound waves to project more easily on a screen. She rubs a handheld device, called a transducer, across your belly, or inserts a probe into your vagina. You may feel pressure as the provider moves the transducer, but usually no pain.
Sources: themarchofdimes.org; americanpregnancy.org; American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology; American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
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