6 Facts About Ultrasound You must Know
A prenatal ultrasound is a test that uses high –frequency sound waves that are inaudible to the human ear. These sound waves are transmitted though the abdomen using a device called the transducer to take a peek into the abdomen. When a prenatal ultrasound is done, the echoes are recorded and then transformed into video or photographic images. You can not only monitor the growth of your baby but also find out any discrepancies using this ultrasound. It is a definite boon for doctors as well as expectant parents as it shows the images of the baby inside the womb, the amniotic sac, placenta and the ovaries. Here are some facts that you must know about ultrasound.
1. Ultrasound procedures can be performed topically or trans-vaginally
The normal ultrasound procedure is done topically, using a gel as a conducive medium to aid the image quality. However at times a trans-vaginal procedure is done where a tubular probe is inserted into the vaginal canal. This enhances the images produced but this is a very rare procedure.
2. Ultrasound procedure is safe for both the mother and the baby
Ultrasound procedures do not harm you or the baby as it does not use radiation like x-rays do. You do not have to worry about this procedure as it is completely non-invasive.
3. An ultrasound is performed after 20 weeks of pregnancy
An ultrasound procedure is done after 20 weeks of pregnancy so the doctor can check well the growth of the baby. Around this time, the limbs are well formed and any problems can be dealt with easily. After 20 weeks the gender of your baby can also be easily determined with this procedure.
