Contents
- What is an ultrasound
- Ultrasound: with or without Doppler?
- Why is a special gel always used?
- Should you empty / fill your bladder before an ultrasound?
- When is an ultrasound done?
- In video: The clear egg is rare, but it does exist
- 2D, 3D or even 4D ultrasound, which is better?
- Is ultrasound a reliable screening technique?
- Are all sonographers the same?
- Is ultrasound dangerous?
- What about “echoes of shows”?
What is an ultrasound
The examination is based on the use of ultrasound. A probe applied to the stomach or directly inserted into the vagina sends ultrasound. These waves are reflected by the various organs and transmitted to computer software which then reconstructs an image in real time on a screen.
Ultrasound: with or without Doppler?
Most obstetric ultrasounds are coupled with a Doppler. This makes it possible to measure the speed of blood flow, especially in the umbilical vessels. We can thus appreciate the exchanges between mother and baby, which are a condition for fetal well-being.
Why is a special gel always used?
For a very technical reason: this is to eliminate as many air bubbles as possible on the skin that could disturb the frequency of ultrasound. The gel therefore facilitates the transmission and reception of these waves.
Should you empty / fill your bladder before an ultrasound?
No, this is no longer necessary. The instruction according to which one had to come to the ultrasound with a full bladder is obsolete. It was especially valid in the first trimester when the bladder hides the still small uterus. But, now, this ultrasound is performed vaginally and the bladder does not interfere.
When is an ultrasound done?
He is actually recommended to have three ultrasounds during pregnancy on very specific dates: 12, 22 and 32 weeks of gestation (i.e. 10, 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy). But many expectant mothers also have a extremely early ultrasound by consulting their gynecologist at the very beginning of pregnancy to ensure that the pregnancy is developing well in the uterus and not in a fallopian tube (ectopic pregnancy). Finally, in the event of complications or multiple pregnancies, other ultrasounds may be performed.
In video: The clear egg is rare, but it does exist
2D, 3D or even 4D ultrasound, which is better?
Most ultrasounds are performed in 2D, black and white. There are also 3D or even 4D ultrasounds: computer software integrates volume setting (3D) and setting in motion (4D). For the screening of fetal malformations, 2D ultrasound is sufficient. We use 3D to have additional images that confirm or refute a doubt that arose during a 2D echo. We can thus have a fairly complete view of the severity of a cleft palate, for example. But some sonographers, equipped with 3D equipment, immediately practice this type of ultrasound, very moving for parents, since we see the baby much better.
Is ultrasound a reliable screening technique?
It provides very precise information such as the age of pregnancy, the number of embryos, location of the fetus. It is also with ultrasound that we can detect certain malformations. But since these are reconstructed images, some malformations may go undetected. Conversely, the sonographer sometimes sees certain images which lead him to suspect an abnormality and other examinations (another ultrasound, amniocentesis, etc.) are then necessary.
Are all sonographers the same?
Ultrasounds can be performed by doctors of different specialties (obstetrician gynecologists, radiologists, etc.) or midwives. But the quality of the exam is still currently very operator dependent: it varies depending on who is doing it. Quality criteria are currently being developed in order to make practices more homogeneous.
Is ultrasound dangerous?
Ultrasound produces a thermal effect and a mechanical effect on human tissue. Corn at the rate of three ultrasounds during pregnancy, no harmful effects have been shown on the baby. If further ultrasounds are medically necessary, the benefit is considered to still outweigh the risks.
What about “echoes of shows”?
Several groups of experts advise against the practice of ultrasound performed for non-medical purposes and have pronounced warnings against companies proposing. The reason: so as not to unnecessarily expose the fetus to ultrasound to favor the protection of the health of the future child. Indeed, the harmfulness of ultrasound is linked to the duration, frequency and power of exposure. However, in these memory echoes, the head of the fetus is particularly targeted …