Ultrasound is one of the most common tests to be enquired at an imaging diagnostic center. But a pregnant woman is likely to be stressful about undertaking a diagnostic test at the time of pregnancy; an understandable cause and concern. However, with a little first-hand information about this test, a pregnant woman as well as her family can curb down their fear and concerns to a great extent.

This blog is an attempt in the direction to equip women about ultrasound. Read more to find out.

Ultrasound; a brief definition

Ultrasound is also known as sonogram/sonography. It is a test wherein high-frequency sound waves are used to generate images of various structures of the human body. To clear the air, an ultrasound test is one of the safest tests in the world that gets done in very less amount of time. Moreover, all the tests of sonography or ultrasound are done using sound waves instead of radiation. This is a huge plus considering the X-rays and other imaging tests that involves ionizing radiation may pose risks.

Why it is important to get ultrasound done during pregnancy

It is advised that the pregnant women undergo ultrasound during pregnancy as it helps in detecting the abnormalities in the growth of a baby or any prevalent issues with the mother’s reproductive system. This test also has the capability to detect any disease or ailment which may not be linked to pregnancy. Ultrasound tests are fully capable of detecting the gender of an unborn child as well.

The right time to get ultrasound

The right time or rather the doctor’s recommended time frame  to get ultrasound pregnancy at an image diagnostic center is about 20 weeks into pregnancy. Ultrasound assesses whether the placenta is attached to the baby in a normal manner and if the development of the baby is normal under all medical parameters. The number of ultrasounds for pregnant women varies from one another based on doctor’s recommendation.

Significance of the first ultrasound

The first ultrasound is known as “viability” or “dating” ultrasound. The first ultrasound is done after the diagnosis of pregnancy i.e. one can expect to get an ultrasound done after 7-8 weeks into pregnancy.

The first ultrasound is crucial due to the fact that it identifies the tentative pregnancy date, it detects whether the baby would be twins, monitors the health of both mother and the fetus.

Preparing for ultrasound

There are no hard and fast guidelines to follow so far as getting an ultrasound test is concerned. However, the pathology lab in South Delhi may ask you to do the following in order to ensure that the test is done accurately without fail.

• You may be asked to drink 4-6 glasses of water one hour prior to the test for image clarity.
• You may be provided with a hospital gown to wear.
• You could be advised to avoid urination prior to the test.

In conclusion, it can be said that the importance of ultrasound is manifold for the new mother as well to the fetus. And all the doubts and worries about the test subjecting you to harmful rays can be totally bunked. In fact, it gives a better action plan for the doctors and the mother in regards to how to maintain health and nurture the child till the time it is in mother’s womb. If in doubt, you can always get in touch with the pathology lab in South Delhi to get all the necessary information and inputs about how to better prepare for ultrasound.