Ultrasounds
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If you have already received confirmation that you are pregnant through a pregnancy test then next exciting step will be to have an ultrasound. Technology has certainly increased at a rapid rate in the last few decades and today expectant mothers are able to view their unborn babies in a completely different manner than just a few years ago.
At its most basic, the ultrasound will create a picture of the placenta as well as the unborn baby. The standard ultrasound will generate a 2-D image of the baby, sometimes referred to as a sonogram. This type of ultrasound is conducted by passing a 'wand' over the abdomen. In addition to 2-D ultrasounds there are also other, more advanced types of ultrasounds as well.
The 3-D ultrasound uses software as well as probes that have been specifically designed to generate images of the baby that are 3-D. In addition, here are 4-D ultrasounds that can actually reveal the baby's face and movements.
The standard type of ultrasound is performed by applying a gel like substance to the abdomen. The gel acts as a conductor for sound waves. A 'wand' or transducer is then moved over the abdomen in order to produce sound waves. The sound waves bounce off the tissue and bones and return back to the wand in order to generate an image of the baby in black and white.
An ultrasound can be performed at any time that your physician deems that it is necessary or advisable to do so. Results are immediately produced on a monitor and most physicians offer the ability to print the picture at the completion of the procedure. Multiple ultrasounds are not recommended in most cases unless there is a reason to do so.
During the first trimester the ultrasound is typically performed to confirm that a viable pregnancy is present and to rule out possible problems such as a molar or ectopic pregnancy. An ultrasound might also be used to confirm the heartbeat of the baby as well as the measure the baby's length. An ultrasound may also be performed during the second trimester in order to diagnose possible fetal malformations and structural abnormalities. It can also be used to confirm the presence of multiples, verify the growth of the baby and ensure that the baby is developing as it should. During the third trimester the ultrasound may be performed to identify the location of the placenta, observe how the baby is presenting in order to determine whether a C-section may be necessary and observe the movement of the baby.
Of course, it is also possible for the gender of the baby to be determined through ultrasounds as well. This generally becomes possible by about weeks 18 or 20. It should be noted that an ultrasound is not a 100% guarantee of the gender of the baby. This is because many factors can affect the ability of the ultrasound to provide an accurate assessment of the baby's gender, including the baby's position and the stage of the pregnancy. Although most ultrasounds are accurate in providing the baby's gender, there have certainly been some parents who were surprised to find out at delivery that the ultrasound was not actually accurate.
While the more advanced forms of ultrasounds are commonly performed to provide a better overview of the baby's growth and development, they can become a treasured keepsake for expectant parents. It is only in the last few years that parents have been able to view their unborn babies in the degree of detail that is now possible through 3-D and 4-D ultrasounds.
