The Ultrasound Anatomy Scan
Posted on: June 28, 2021 | Body, Health, Information, Pregnancy, Prenatal
Hitting 20 weeks gestation is a milestone. Halfway into pregnancy, and halfway to welcoming a baby. Claudia was nervous going into her 20-week appointment. This is where she would get information on how her baby was fairing in her belly. Sure she was ‘high-risk’ being over the age of 35, but Claudia felt great. She had regained her energy in the second trimester. She focused on her nutrition and listened to her body. Claudia had been feeling fluttering kicks since she was 18 weeks pregnant, and was ready to finally see her baby on the big screen. Her ultrasound anatomy scan was today, and today was the day that she could find out the sex of her baby. “Should I or shouldn’t I?” Claudia thought to herself.
What Is An Ultrasound Anatomy Scan
An ultrasound anatomy scan (also known as a sonogram) is an imaging scan utilizing sound waves to generate an image of the fetus in utero. Much like dolphins use echo sound for sight. These are conducted to help a provider gauge the growth and development of the baby at the “halfway” point in pregnancy. This 2nd trimester protocol measures the length of the baby and allows for an “estimate” of weight. More importantly, the ultrasound anatomy scan is used to scan for obscurities that may hinder fetal development or impact the gestational carrier. Amniotic fluid levels, placental health, number of babies, the fetus gestational age or estimated due date, to name a few.
When Is It Done
Typically conducted between 18-22 weeks, ultrasound anatomy scans can be produced anytime in the second during the second trimester of pregnancy. The second trimester brings about a certain feeling of being in the “safety zone” within the development of the fetus and progress in the pregnancy. The ultrasound anatomy scan aids in bringing that comfort into reality. As the pregnancy progresses into the third trimester, anatomy scans become less detailed as the baby loses space in the womb. Making the period between 18-24 weeks the premier window for the scan.
How an Ultrasound Anatomy Scan Done
There are different ways that ultrasound anatomy scans can be conducted. Transvaginal, doppler, transabdominal, 3D/4D, (to name a few). Transvaginal fetal ultrasounds are used with a wand-like device that is inserted into the vagina. These ultrasounds are generally done early in pregnancy to date a pregnancy. With a transabdominal anatomy scan, an exposed abdomen is lathered with clear gel, while a hand held transducer runs over the space in which the baby lays. A doppler is used for finding and listening to baby’s heartbeats. Dopplers can give parents a peace of mind as they are readily available in stores and online for personal use. 3D/4D ultrasounds, conducted the same way as a transabdominal, provide a vivid 3d image of features and expressions of the baby. Often these scans show a colorful realistic print that makes wonderful keepsakes.
Finding Out The Sex of The Baby
Will they or won’t they? That’s often the question that comes from peers when that adorable baby bump begins to peek out. Finding out the sex of the baby is an intimate decision that has no wrong or right connotations. Some families choose to find out in preparation for the bundle of joy. Families choose to find out as a gift or surprise to their friends and families. Some families choose not to find out to honor the idea of traditionalism. Families choose not to find out to keep excitement and anticipation. And many many more reasons to find out or to not find out the sex. If you are itching to know whether pink or blue will be coming soon, Miracle In Process is a luxury ultrasound resource that offers 3D/4D ultrasounds in their beautiful facility.
Claudia laid back in the colorfully decorated ultrasound room bed. She pulled up her blouse to reveal a budding baby bump taking its shape. The ultrasound tech slathered a cold squirt of petroleum jelly on the baby bump, and placed a sonogram wand over the top of the belly button. “Thump thump thump thump thump thump thump thump” began rhythmic fetal heartbeat sounds from the machine. The tech began dancing the wand over Claudia’s fundus. Pausing so often to take photos and make notions and measurements. “Do you care to know the sex of the baby?” the tech asked slyly.