Introduction
Pregnancy is an exciting journey for most expectant parents. Pregnancy scans are a crucial part of prenatal care to ensure the health of the mother and the baby. This blog covers everything from the types of scan, when to take the scans and how to prepare yourself for the scans.
What is an ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a non-invasive technique that uses sound waves to generate pictures of the organs inside the human body.
Types of Ultrasound Scans
Pregnancy ultrasound scans are taken in two ways, such as transvaginal and abdominal.
Transvaginal: A transvaginal ultrasound uses a small probe which is inserted into the vaginal region of a woman to get a clear picture of her pelvic region including her uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Abdominal: An abdominal ultrasound is carried by placing a probe on the outer region of the abdomen. The abdomen region is covered by a thick layer of lubricant gel and gentle pressure is applied to get a clear view of the abdomen region.
Early Pregnancy Scans
An early pregnancy scan or dating scan is the few round og ultrasound scan a pregnant mother undergoes to ensure the viability of the fetus.
When to do Early Pregnancy Scan?
An early pregnancy scan is usually performed at 10 weeks of pregnancy for most pregnant mothers.
Why is early pregnancy scan done?
An early pregnancy scan is done to check the:
- Viability of the fetus
- Position of the fetus
- Heart Rate of the fetus
- Due date of the fetus
How to prepare for Early Pregnancy Scan?
Although there is no special preparation needed for an early pregnancy scan, healthcare experts reckoned pregnant mothers to drink ample amounts of water to fill their bladder to get clear images of the pelvic region.
NT Scan
What is NT scan in pregnancy?
Nuchal translucency scan also called as NT scan is one of the crucial first trimester pregnancy scans. This scan measures the amount of fluid in the back of the baby’s neck. NT scan is ideally taken around 11-13 weeks of pregnancy.
NT scan is done by applying a thin layer of lubricant on the mother’s abdomen and a small probe is placed to get clear images of the mother’s pelvic region. It is recommended to not miss out on NT scan or any other prenatal ultrasound to ensure the health of the fetus.
Watch this NT scan video to know more about Nuchal Translucency scan.
How to check NT scan report?
To check the NT scan report, you need to read the Nuchal translucency thickness which will be measured in mm. If the thickness is below 3.5 mm, it is said that the baby has lower chances of having chromosomal abnormalities.
NT Scan Report Sample
Check the NT scan report sample here and learn How to check NT scan report.
NT Scan Vs Double Marker Test
NT scan and double marker test are often performed together to improve the accuracy of the result. While NT scan is an ultrasound that is performed to measure the fluid in the back of the baby’s neck, double marker test is a blood test that measures two hormones free Beta-hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) and PAPP-A (Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A).
What if NT scan is normal but double marker positive?
In some cases, NT scans can be normal but blood tests can be abnormal. In that case, your healthcare provider might recommend further tests such as NIPT or CVS to predict the baby’s risk of having chromosomal abnormality.
Why is NT scan done?
Primarily, the purpose of NT scan is to assess the baby’s risk of having chromosomal abnormalities such as down syndrome, Edwards syndrome and patau syndrome.
How should I prepare for an NT scan?
NT scan is a quick and simple ultrasound scan where no special preparation is needed. The expectant mother is asked to drink enough water to fill her water before the scan to get clear images of the baby.
How long does NT scan take?
NT scan is a quick ultrasound scan that typically takes around 15 to 30 minutes depending on the position of the baby.
NT Scan After IVF Pregnancy
NT scan is required for an IVF pregnancy as well to ensure the baby’s chances of having chromosomal abnormalities.
NT Scan Benefits
- To assess the baby’s chances of having chromosomal abnormalities
- Early screening to make informed decisions
- Non-invasive test
- To predict the baby’s gestational age
How Accurate is the NT scan?
Nt scan is around 70-80% accurate in assessing the baby’s chances of having chromosomal abnormalities. But when combined with a double marker test, the accuracy goes up to 85 to 95%.
What to Do if NT Scan is Not Normal?
For an abnormal NT scan report, your healthcare provider might recommend further testing such as NIPT, CVS or Amniocentesis to assess the baby further.
Also, read “What to do if your NT scan is not normal?“
Does an NT scan require fasting?
You can eat food before going for an NT scan and fasting isn’t required.
NT Scan Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Questions to ask during NT scan include:
- What is an NT scan procedure?
- Is Nt scan necessary?
- Is the NT scan measurement within the normal range?
- Is my baby’s double marker test report normal?
- Is my baby’s heart rate within the normal range?
- Do I require any follow-up scans or tests?
- Is an NT scan safe for the baby?
- How many times is the NT scan done during pregnancy?
- Is my baby’s spine visible?
- What are the Anomalies detected in NT scan?
- Limitation of NT scan
- Is Nt scan Safe for baby?
Anomaly Scan
What is a Fetal Anomaly Scan?
Anomaly scan also known as the Congenital anomaly scan is yet another important scan that is done during pregnancy to check if the fetus has any anomalies such as cleft lip and palate, major heart defects and chromosomal abnormality such as down syndrome.
It is a non-invasive scan that is usually taken between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy.
The basic difference between a growth scan, anomaly scan and an NT scan is:
- Growth scan checks for the baby’s growth and development
- Anomaly scan checks if the baby has any abnormalities or abnormalities
- NT scan checks for chromosomal abnormalities in the baby.
Anomaly Scan Report Analysis
An anomaly scan report has various metrics such as BPD (Biparietal Diameter), HC(Head circumference), FL (Femur length), position of placenta and more.
Is Anomaly Scan Safe for the Baby?
Yes, anomaly scan is a safe non-invasive ultrasound that doesn’t usually cause any harm to the mother or the baby.
What Abnormalities Can be Detected in Anomaly Scan?
Few abnormalities that can be detected in an anomaly scan include:
- Cleft lip and palate
- Spinal defects
- Limb malformations
- Major heart defects
- Chromosomal abnormalities such as down syndrome
However, there are certain limitations of the anomaly scan where some anomalies cannot be detected, and a pregnant mother must be aware of them, such as:
- Cleft palate with no cleft lips
- Minor heart holes
- Late on-set of abnormalities
Anomaly Scan Abnormal Report
If your anomaly scan report is abnormal, your healthcare provider would recommend further tests to closely monitor the baby and help you make informed decisions.
Can Anomaly Scan Detect Down Syndrome?
Yes, an anomaly scan can detect soft markers such as such as a thicker nuchal fold or a short femur length. However, an anomaly scan cannot 100% confirm down syndrome.
What Happens If the Baby is Not in Position for an Anomaly Scan?
Baby’s position is crucial when it comes to an anomaly scan. If the baby not in position for anomaly scan such as if the baby is too curled up or turning the other side, the doctor would ask you to wait for a few minutes or have some sugary snacks to make the baby turn.
Can An Anomaly Scan be Done Twice?
Yes, you can do an anomaly scan twice if your doctor recommends. Sometimes, when the baby’s position isn’t favorable, doctors recommend repeating the anomaly scan to get a clear view of the baby.
Is Anomaly Scan Necessary?
Yes, an anomaly scan is necessary to check if the baby has any anomalies. Healthcare experts recommend taking an anomaly scan to ensure the health of the baby.
Anomaly Scan in Twin Pregnancy
Anomaly scans are performed around the same time for twin pregnancies as well. But the time taken for the scan might vary as the healthcare provider must examine two babies for any potential anomalies.
Anomaly Scan Video
To know in detail about how anomaly scan is done, watch the anomaly scan procedure video here.
Anomaly Scan Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Few questions to ask during an anomaly scan appointment:
- Is my baby normal?
- Are there any signs of abnormalities?
- Is an anomaly scan necessary?
- Is an anomaly scan safe for my baby?
- Do I need a full bladder for an anomaly scan?
- How many times is an anomaly scan done?
Growth Scan
What is a Growth Scan?
Growth scan is a crucial third trimester ultrasound that is done to assess the baby’s growth and development. It is usually carried out around 28-40 weeks of pregnancy.
A growth scan calculator is used to check if the baby’s growth is in line with the expected growth for their gestational age.
The major difference between a growth scan and an anomaly scan is that a growth scan assesses the baby’s growth and development whereas an anomaly scan checks for any anomalies in the baby.
Growth Scan Report
The fetal growth scan report contains certain metrics including the baby’s head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, estimated weight, placental position and more to check if the baby is growing as expected.
How Accurate is a Growth Scan?
Growth scans are quite accurate with a 10-15% of error margin. It is a reliable scan to assess the baby’s growth and development.
What is a Growth Scan with Doppler Used for?
Growth scan and doppler are often carried out together. A growth scan is used to measure the baby’s growth and development whereas a doppler scan measures the blood flow to the baby.
What is a Growth Restriction in Pregnancy?
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) is a condition where the baby’s growth is restricted. It is usually detected in a growth scan when the baby is smaller than expected.
Fetal Doppler Scan
What is a Fetal Doppler Scan?
Fetal doppler scan is used to monitor blood flow in the baby and help detect any potential complications such as placental insufficiency and preeclampsia.
Is It Safe to Use a Fetal Doppler at Home?
Although there are a lot of at home fetal doppler machines available in the market, healthcare experts do not recommend them.
This is because these at home kits can lead to misinterpretation in reading the results as it requires medical expertise to properly interpret results.
However, you can use a fetal growth calculator to check if your baby’s growth is in line with the expected growth for their gestational age.
Learn, “Why do you need a fetal doppler scan?” in pregnancy, also, get to know “Is Fetal Doppler Scan Accurate?”
Fetal Echocardiogram
What is a Fetal Echocardiogram?
Fetal Echocardiogram also known as fetal echo scan is an ultrasound scan that provides detailed images of the fetus’s heart. This scan is usually taken around 18 to 24 weeks of pregnancy to check the baby’s heart structure and function.
Conclusion
Pregnancy scans are crucial to closely monitor the growth and development of the fetus and it is recommended to not miss out on any prenatal scans to ensure the health of the fetus.
From confirming pregnancy in the early few weeks of pregnancy to monitoring the baby’s growth and well-being in the third trimester, pregnancy scans play a vital role in ensuring the health of both the mother and the baby.
Make sure to consult with your gynecologist as soon as you confirm pregnancy and schedule your prenatal scans accordingly.
For appointments and consultations with the best gynecologist in Chennai, Dr. Deepthi Jammi, contact Jammi scans at 7338771733 for appointments.
When Should You Book Your Scan?
6-10 Weeks: If you have just found out you are pregnant, your first scan is your viability/early pregnancy scan to check the viability, and heart rate of the fetus.
11–14 weeks: If you are anywhere between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation, it is time for your NT scan to assess the baby’s chances of having chromosomal abnormalities.
18-22 Weeks: If you are between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation, it is time for your anomaly scan or called the mid-pregnancy scan, to assess the baby carefully and check if the baby has any anomaly.
28-40 Weeks: If you are between 28 and 40 weeks of gestation, it is time for your growth scan. This scan is done to monitor the baby’s growth and development.
If you are someone with a high-risk pregnancy, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent scans than usual to closely monitor the baby’s growth and development.
Why choose Jammi Scans?
- Trusted Expertise: Led by Dr. Deepthi Jammi, the best fetal medicine specialist in Chennai with 15+ years of experience.
- Hi-tech Equipment: Advanced scanning technology for clearer and precise images of your baby.
- Hygienic Restrooms: Clean and neat restrooms to ensure hygiene and comfort.
- Immediate Reports: Detail-oriented reports on the same day.
- Compassionate Staff: Professional and friendly staff trained to care for patients.
- Private Consultations: Private consulting rooms to ensure comfort.
- Comfortable Resting Area: Calm resting area for patients to relax.
- Easy Appointments: Flexible and easy appointments.
Book your appointment with Jammi Scans today. Expert and individual care for every patient to ensure your health.
