In continuation of my earlier blog in the series ‘USG IN PREGNANCY (PART 1)’, I will give information about the scans done between weeks 13 to 29 of pregnancy, and their clinical importance.
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18-20 weeks –
‘ANOMALY SCAN’. As the name suggests we try to find out any anomalies or abnormalities in the structural growth of the baby. External and internal organs are checked for anomalies.
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22-24 weeks—
‘CERVICAL LENGTH’ Studies have proved that the length of the cervix (the lower opening of the uterus from where the baby comes out in a normal delivery), has a good predictive value for preterm vaginal delivery at around 28-30 weeks. The general consensus is that the length of the cervix should be more than 2.5 cm at this time & should not be showing constant decreasing length from earlier scans for assurance about chances of early delivery being high.
‘FETAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY’ is also done during this time to recheck if the heart of the baby has no anomalies (if it had been missed earlier during the ANOMALY scan).
There is also a way to predict the development of maternal high blood pressure and slow growth of the baby in late pregnancy, by seeing the speed of flow of blood and its variations in the arteries of the uterus at this time of the scan.
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28 weeks—
This usg is done to find out if the baby is growing well corresponding to the age of the pregnancy. Moreover, the amount of fluid around the baby, baby weight, placental maturity, baby movements, breathing actions, and placenta location changes in case of the low-lying placenta in earlier scans are some of the other important things noted.
In my 3 part blog on this topic, I have elaborated on ultrasonographic in various phases of pregnancy and each of their importance. To know more on this topic you can mail me at deborjyotipalqueries@outlook.com.
Read USG In Pregnancy Part 1 Here
You can also book appointments with me by calling on 9830047058/8017815356 OR you can go to the appointments section on www.deborjyotipal.com.
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