New Delhi: Ultrasound examination is considered very important during pregnancy to monitor the health of the mother and the baby in the womb. It is a safe and painless procedure, through which doctors get important information about the condition and development of the baby in the womb.

According to a gynecologist, normally four to five ultrasound scans are done during pregnancy. No type of radiation is used in this test, rather a picture of the baby in the womb is prepared with the help of sound waves.

Ultrasound done at each stage of pregnancy has a different purpose and each scan provides different information to the health of the mother and child. Let us know in detail about these important scans done during pregnancy.

First scan early in pregnancy (6-9 weeks)

After pregnancy is confirmed, the first ultrasound is usually done between 6 to 9 weeks. Through this test, doctors obtain many important information.

• It is used to detect whether pregnancy is inside the uterus or not.
• fetal heartbeat is confirmed
• The correct duration of pregnancy is estimated
• Tests whether there is one baby or twins/triplets
• Ectopic pregnancy can be detected

Note- Transvaginal ultrasound can be done to get clearer and better images in the initial weeks.

NT Scan (11-14 weeks)

NT i.e. nuchal translucency scan is done in the first trimester. This test is usually done between 11 and 14 weeks.

The main information obtained from this scan is as follows:

• The amount of fluid present behind the neck of the fetus is measured, which can be used to estimate the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome.
• The early development of the major organs of the baby is examined.
• The expected delivery date is confirmed more accurately.

Let us tell you that for better screening, this scan is often done along with blood test.

Anomaly Scan / Level 2 Scan (18-22 weeks)

Anomaly scan is done in the second trimester of pregnancy between 18 and 22 weeks. It is considered one of the most important and detailed ultrasounds of pregnancy.

In this test the following things are checked:

• Detailed examination of the baby’s brain, heart, spinal cord, kidneys, limbs and face.
• Identification of structural abnormalities of the body
• Checking the position of the placenta
• Assessment of amniotic fluid levels
• Confirmation of baby’s growth and development
• This scan gives important information about the physical development of the baby.

Growth Scan (28-32 weeks)

Growth scan is usually done in the third trimester of pregnancy between 28 and 32 weeks. This test gives information about the growth and condition of the baby.

Key information from this scan:

• Estimated baby weight is known
• Examining growth patterns and development
• amount of amniotic fluid
• health of placenta
• Baby’s position (head down or breech)

Note- This scan is especially important in cases of high-risk pregnancy like diabetes, high blood pressure, IVF pregnancy or already complicated pregnancy.

doppler scan

Doppler scan is not necessary in every pregnancy, but doctors recommend it in some special circumstances.

Information obtained from this investigation:

• Blood flow test in baby’s brain
• status of blood supply to the placenta
• To find out whether the child is developing properly or not

Note- This test helps to ensure that the baby is getting enough oxygen and nutrients.

3D/4D ultrasound scan (optional)

This is an advanced imaging technique, in which the picture of the baby appears more clearly. However, this test is not necessary and is often done optionally.

• Information obtained from this scan:
• the child’s face is clearly visible
• The movement of the baby at that time can also be seen in 4D technology.
• Is ultrasound safe during pregnancy?

"Yes, ultrasound has been used for decades and is completely safe, but only when it is performed by a trained professional."

How many ultrasounds are necessary during pregnancy?

"In a normal pregnancy, 3 to 4 scans are usually sufficient, but in high-risk cases the number may increase for monitoring."

Note: Every pregnancy is different. Your doctor will recommend a scan after looking at your health condition and history.