Pregnancy Ultrasound - What you Should Know - Surviving Pregnancy
A pregnancy ultrasound is a safe and effective way of looking inside the womb of a pregnant woman. An ultrasound will use sound waves to transfer pictures of a fetus to a monitor at the bedside. A transducer is used on the abdomen and a full bladder is usually required to raise the uterus up closer to the surface of the abdomen for a better view. This is a non-invasive way to check on the condition of the fetus and in a lot of cases, to find out if you are having a boy or girl!
There are several reasons why your doctor may order an ultrasound for you. One reason is to detect and confirm pregnancy in the early stages. By measuring the fetus, the doctor will have a more accurate idea of your due date and he will also be able to determine that the fetus is in the cavity of the uterus.
Another reason for a pregnancy ultrasound may be due to vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy. If you experience cramping and bleeding early in pregnancy, your doctor may order an ultrasound to check for a visible heartbeat. This can be detected as early as six weeks into the pregnancy. If no heartbeat is detected and the gestational sac is malformed, it probably indicates a miscarriage.
When the doctor uses an ultrasound to determine gestational age, he uses several different measurements. The first measurement he will look at will be the crown to rump length. This gives a very accurate estimation of the gestational age.
The next measurement will be the diameter between both sides of the head. This measurement is taken at around 13 weeks.
The doctor will then look at the femur length of the fetus. This is the longest bone in the body and helps to give an accurate estimate of gestational age and growth.
Another important aspect of using a pregnancy ultrasound is to diagnose fetal abnormalities. The ultrasound can pick up abnormalities such as, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, dwarfism and other congenital defects. This will prepare the doctor and the parents in the event an abnormality is found. Sometimes, depending on the condition, special equipment will be needed in the delivery room. Knowing what to expect ahead of time helps everyone to be prepared.
A new and exciting development in the ultrasound is the 3-D and 4-D ultrasound. This type of ultrasound can transfer images to the monitor and they can be processed into 3-D images. You are able to see your baby's features and movements. These ultrasounds are also able to pick up smaller defects, such as cleft palates.
If this is your first pregnancy, do not be alarmed when your doctor orders an ultrasound for you. This is normal practice and it will give you the unforgettable experience of seeing your baby for the very first time. Bring your partner along and cherish the moment when you first lay eyes on your baby through your pregnancy ultrasound.
Related Tags: pregnancy, ultrasound, pregnancy ultrasound, bleeding in early pregnancy
Alien writes for pregnancy signs . He also writes for weight loss diet and home remedies & cure
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Genuine Leather Handbags - Your Top Selection For a Xmas Gift
Don't be too enthusiastic about cheap leather bags. There's a reason why authentic leather is so exp - The Best Anti-wrinkle Treatment This Christmas
As the year comes to an end and the stresses of 2010 are starting to take a visible toll on your loo - Botoxed and Proud: Why More People Are Coming Out of the Cosmetic Procedure Closet
There was a time when those of us who accepted a little 'extra help' in the beauty department did so - Ladies Who Laser: Trim up for the Office Party With Laser Hair Removal on Your Lunch Break
Waxing, plucking, trimming, shaving - we all have our pet solution to the perennial problem of unwan - Be a Princess-For-A-Night in a Corset Prom Dress
Prom nights which are usually set during February or March are the most awaited school event of most - Funky Fall Maternity Dresses
Today's maternity fashion is now better than ever. No need to be frumpy or live in sweatpants or tha - Jewellery For Sale Deals
Jewellery for sale is a phrase that is like honey to our ears. The thought of begin able to buy fine - How to Apply Mineral Eye Shadow For Beginners
We have all used pressed eye shadows before. They are simple and every brand has their colors. Some - The Eternal Question: Platinum or White Gold?
Every man has to contemplate this question before taking the plunge into engagement. Some guys simpl - A Few Facts About Jewellery
Brilliant, romantic, absolutely priceless in terms of sentimental and historical value, jewellery ha
Most viewed articles in this category:
- How to spot a fake Coach Handbag
Spotting a fake Coach Handbag could be difficult but I hope this guide will give you enough backg - The Chocolate Princess
The older I get the more determined I am to not have to settle. When I was young I always could pick - Unique And Unusual Contacts
Contact lenses have grown to become as much a fashion statement as they are a corrective device aft - Bone Spurs and Coral Calcium
Be Wary of Treating Bone Spurs with Coral CalciumThere are many websites that claim coral calcium - Symptoms of Early Menopause
Forewarned is forearmed. This is one of life's adages that women should live by especially when - How To Talk To Men
Have you ever gone out for dinner or coffee with a man you were really interested in, only to find t - Bridesmaid Dresses Can Be Beautiful And Still Not Outshine The Bride!
In the past bridesmaids were never included in the selection of their dresses, this was always done - Why Men Leave - (Common Reasons Why Men Leave Relationships )
There are many different reasons why men leave relationships or refuse to settle down with the woman - Moissanite Ring, With A Large Crystal On A Tight Budget
First discovered inside a meteor at the end of the nineteenth century, Moissanite crystals were thou - Menopause Natural Solutions
As women age, they go have to go through menopause. The most common discomfort during this stage is