Sonography in pregnancy is performed to track the growth and well-being of your unborn little one and is the common term used for scans. But, do you know that there is more than one type of scan? When performed by a fetal medicine specialist, it can help detect abnormalities so that related interventions can be done on time. Similarly, the type of scan and the method to perform depend on your unique pregnancy situation.
What Happens In A Sonography Scan?
Sonography, or ultrasound, uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and tissues or a baby inside the womb. These sound waves travel through the body and bounce off internal structures like organs, bones or the fetus. A computer processes the echoes and converts them into real-time images on a monitor. However, sonography in pregnancy might not always be conducted abdominally, as is often known, depending on the condition.
Fetal Medicine and Sonography Scans in Mumbai
Mumbai is a hub for advanced healthcare and ultrasound scans. Several scans can be performed at a sonography centre in Mumbai. However, complex pregnancies are to be managed by a fetal medicine specialist for the well-being of the unborn baby as well as the mother. Since fetal medicine is still growing, the fetal medicine centre might often be confused with a sonography centre in Mumbai or an ultrasound clinic in Mumbai.
Types Of Scans in Sonography for Pregnancy
A full-term pregnancy generally lasts around 40 weeks, and in some cases, birth can occur at 37 or even 42 weeks. This period is divided into three trimesters, where the first one is calculated from the first day of the last menstruation and not the day of conception.
1. First Trimester Scans
- The Early Pregnancy Viability Scan is the first ultrasound to confirm an intrauterine pregnancy, detect fetal heartbeat and determine if it is a single or multiple pregnancy. This type of sonography in pregnancy provides an estimated due date and is performed between 6 to 10 weeks of pregnancy.
- The First Trimester (NT-NB) Scan is a screening scan that measures nuchal translucency and nasal bone to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. This type of sonography in pregnancy combines ultrasound with maternal factors and is performed in 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy.
2. Second Trimester Scans
- Early Anomaly Scan, performed at a specialised sonography centre in Mumbai or a fetal medicine centre, provides an initial detailed look at the baby’s organs, spine, limbs and face to detect any major structural abnormalities early in the second trimester. It is performed in 16 to 18 weeks of pregnancy.
- The Detailed Anomaly Scan helps assess the baby’s brain, face, limbs, spine, heart and other vital organs to ensure proper development and identify birth defects. It is performed between 18 and 23 weeks.
- Fetal Echocardiography is a focused scan on the baby’s heart to check its structure, function and rhythm. This type of sonography in pregnancy is often recommended if there is a family or medical history of heart defects. It is performed in 18 to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
- Fetal Neurosonography is used to assess the brain and spine of a developing fetus. Overall, it typically helps identify potential neurological issues. It is typically performed during the second trimester to monitor fetal health between 18 to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
3. Third Trimester Scans
- In the Fetal Well-Being Scan, the movements of the fetus, placental position and blood flow, amount of amniotic fluid and more are assessed. It is performed between the 24 and 40 weeks (in the second and the third trimesters).
- Fetal Colour Doppler + Biophysical Profile Scan is a specialised ultrasound to assess blood flow, heart rate, supply of nutrients to the tissues and overall well-being. This scan is performed between the 28 and 32 weeks. In this regard, a fetal medicine centre can be recommended by an obstetrician over a routine ultrasound centre in Mumbai for high-risk pregnancies.
- Fetal 3D/4D Scans are high-resolution ultrasound scans that offer detailed, lifelike images and real-time visuals of the baby. Performed in a fetal medicine centre rather than a routine ultrasound clinic in Mumbai, this scan can help in the detection of physical deformities.
- Fetal MCA-PSV Monitoring is a non-invasive Doppler ultrasound test to detect fetal anemia in complicated pregnancies. This type of sonography in pregnancy is performed between 25 and 35 weeks.
