The 3 ultrasound rule
Pregnant, we look forward to these exams. Ultrasounds are both fantasized and dreaded. What will my baby look like? Is he in good health? Boy or girl ? Currently, it is recommended to do three ultrasounds during pregnancy, on very specific dates: 12, 22 and 32 weeks of amenorrhea. Each of these exams has a well-defined objective: measurement of nuchal translucency, morphological examination, fetal position … In certain situations, an ultrasound can be done earlier, especially if the pregnancy follows a miscarriage or if the baby has was designed as part of medically assisted procreation (MAP). This early examination also allows the doctor to make sure that it is not an ectopic pregnancy.
No more ultrasounds if in doubt
If the classic follow-up involves three ultrasounds, it is not uncommon for expectant mothers to take more exams, especially in cases of suspected illness. Some pregnancies are also considered to be at risk. For example, if the mother has high blood pressure, diabetes, a heart problem, or if an illness occurs while she is pregnant. A late or twin pregnancy also requires special monitoring. In all these situations, women are led to make ultrasounds more frequently. « There is no recommended number, we adapt to the situation », insists Dr. Roger Bessis, vice president of the French College of Fetal Ultrasound (CFEF). « If there is a small growth retardation or a suspicious factor, the patient is seen again to check, this is normal. Today, voices are rising to denounce this hypermedicalization of high-risk pregnancies. Do too many exams interfere with the good progress of the pregnancy on the parents’ side? The debate is not settled …
What about routine small ultrasounds?
Many gynecologists have made a habit of doing small follow-up ultrasounds at each visit. Within seconds, they make sure the baby is okay. Which is not to displease future mothers. ” At the end of the consultation, I check the baby’s position and cardiac activity, I call it a further examination, a visualization of the embryo », Explains obstetrician-gynecologist Charles Brami. Insofar as this work facilitates the monitoring of pregnancy, Dr Roger Bessis is not opposed to it, nevertheless he qualifies: ” These exams are not considered to be ultrasounds. It’s help in the clinic with an ultrasound machine. Which is very different. “Clearly, using this tool does not mean doing an ultrasound. Just like using a stethoscope doesn’t make us a cardiologist. It is up to the gynecologist to inform the mother-to-be that he is not doing a prenatal screening examination there.