"Have you take ultrasound exam, ma'am?" This question often asked of pregnant women. Yes, checked it was not yet complete pregnancy without an ultrasound done. Lots of useful ultrasound, ranging from detecting a disturbance in pregnancy to the potential physical peeking baby.For you who want to recognize the object is further advanced, here are the article:
Importance of ultrasound
Ultrasound is a device that uses sound waves with high frequencies emitted by the tracking device (transducer) on the organ to be examined.
With ultrasound, the doctor can see the extent to which developments in the fetus, how active fetal movements, whether the fetal position in accordance with the age of pregnancy, is there a possibility of disorder or disorders or diseases that accompany pregnancy.
Ultrasound is safe to use because it does not use x-rays or X-rays to produce a fetus, so do not worry Moms would harm a fetus.
The received sound waves will be emitted back by the transducer, then transformed into the image of points on the screen. That is why, Moms can see how the condition of her fetus. Indeed the resulting picture is not yet perfect, but the doctor will indicate which part is the head, legs, or part of the fetal abdomen.
Type of Ultrasound
In the world of obstetrics and gynecology has introduced 2-dimensional ultrasound (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D). 2D ultrasound field will display two images (transverse and vertical). Like a photograph, he's just showing a picture of the fetus. Meanwhile, the 3D image display more clearly and in color. Moms or dads can see the profile of a baby face like the original. In fact, the true condition of the fetus different positions.
Indeed the results still look rough, not like a passport photo, but we already can see the thickness of the nose, fingers, or found no abnormalities such as cleft lip.
3D ultrasound performed by a doctor if there is a possibility of fetal disorder or a history of certain diseases in the mother's womb, which can not be detected with regular ultrasound and should be observed in detail.
4 Dimension ultrasound
When Moms were still wondering how the hell fetal movements in the womb the doctor will recommend a 4D ultrasound. With 4D ultrasound, the fetus displayed image can "move".
Meanwhile, to assess the situation or the welfare of the fetus can use the Doppler ultrasound, which focuses ultrasound measurement of blood flow, especially the flow of the umbilical cord or heart. Assessment of fetal breathing movements include at least 2 times / 10 minutes, tone (fetal movement), amniotic fluid index, fetal heart rate reactivity, and so on.
Two Examination
As for how the examination, in the world of obstetrics there are two kinds of ultrasound, ultrasound transabdomen (through the abdomen) and transvaginal (through the vagina). Another way to use transrectal ultrasound (through the rectum).
Transvaginal examination is usually done during pregnancy is less than 12 weeks. In pregnancy the result is more accurate in determining fetal age, condition of the fetus, fetal number (single or twin), size, location, heart rate and the organs around it.
And if there are known abnormalities in the fetus allows a doctor early on to act more quickly in order to provide a more optimal results.
To be closer to the internal organs will be used genitalia probes (transducers like microphones) much longer with a higher frequency. This probe will record the sound waves reflected by the organs of the fetus. Now, Moms can get a clear picture about the condition of the fetus.
Meanwhile, a new transabdomen examination can be done at the age of pregnancy at the 12th week. Because the size of the fetus is large enough, and the uterus was out of the pelvic cavity that required a larger probe with lower frequency.
In transabdomen ultrasound, pregnant women should lie back and belly will be oil or jelly. Then a transducer is moved slowly on the surface of the stomach.
With the help of specialists in this field, Moms can see which parts of the head, legs, belly up to the sex of the fetus.
Ultrasound Cost
So, how much does it costs for an ultrasound? Each hospital is different charges. Rate about 40-100$ depending on the type of ultrasound used.
When conduct an ultrasound examination
Here's a list of questions that could add time Moms ultrasound examination:
- What is the approximate age of the fetus?
- What is the approximate weight of the fetus?
- What is the size of the fetal head?
- How does the fetal position?
- Is a single fetus or twins?
- How does the fetal heartbeat?
- how far the growth of fetal organs?
- Are there cysts, uterine or tumors in the uterus?
- If the fetus has entered the third trimester, ask about the perfection of fetal organs such as: the condition of the eye, fingers or toes, and others.
Ultrasound is not solely related to the world of obstetrics and gynecology. Ultrasound can also be used to check for abnormalities, especially in the breast. Ultrasound can be used only for young women where breast tissue is dense.
If abnormalities occur as a lump, breast ultrasound will be detected if there are abnormalities, including malignant tumors, or vice verse. Meanwhile, for women over age 40 years and over to detect any abnormalities or disorders of the breast in a much better performed mammography (breast examination using x-rays) because her breasts have a dominant fatty tissue and tissue fibroglanduler relatively less.
