Pregnancy ultrasound or obstetric ultrasound

Pregnancy ultrasound, also known as obstetrical ultrasound, is a common medical procedure used to monitor the development of the baby during pregnancy. It's a medical imaging method that doesn't require intervention and allows healthcare professionals and parents to see the baby inside the mother's womb. In this text, we'll talk about the importance of pregnancy ultrasound, its various uses and its important role in monitoring the health of both mother and baby.

Understanding obstetrical ultrasound

Obstetrical ultrasound is when special sound waves are used to take live pictures of the baby, the placenta and the mother-to-be's uterus. A specialist called an ultrasonographer, or a healthcare professional trained in the use of ultrasound equipment, usually performs this procedure. Ultrasound scans can be performed at various times during pregnancy to see how the baby is growing and developing.

The different phases of a pregnancy ultrasound

1. Early ultrasound : Usually done early in the pregnancy to confirm that there is indeed a pregnancy, to see how many babies there are and to estimate when the baby will be born. This first ultrasound also helps to spot any problems early on.
2. Morphological ultrasound : This is performed between the 18th and 22nd week of pregnancy. The aim is to examine the baby's structure, such as heart, brain, spine and limbs, to detect any anatomical problems.
3. Growth ultrasound This is done during the last trimester of pregnancy to check the baby's growth, the amount of fluid around it and the position of the placenta. This ensures that the baby is developing well, and helps to make informed decisions about the follow-up of the pregnancy.

The importance of obstetrical ultrasound

1. Early detection of problems Ultrasound during pregnancy helps to identify potential fetal problems early on, enabling parents to make informed decisions about how to manage the pregnancy.
2. Monitoring the growth of the unborn baby : By regularly monitoring fetal growth, health professionals can identify any growth anomalies that may require medical intervention. 
3. Gender identification : Although many parents see it as a fun part of the ultrasound, knowing the baby's sex can also be important for medical reasons, especially in the case of sex-linked genetic diseases. 
4. Birth preparation : Ultrasound allows parents to see their unborn child, strengthening their emotional bond with him/her and helping them prepare for childbirth and parenthood.