Ultrasound

What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasounds during pregnancy refer to the use of sound waves to produce an image of your unborn baby. This image can be seen on a screen, so you and your doctor are able to view the inside of your womb. Ultrasounds are a special part of pregnancy as they allow you to see your baby and helps reveal whether you are expecting a girl or a boy.

Why is an ultrasound important?

Ultrasounds help your doctor to check for any problems that might occur during your pregnancy and allow him or her to monitor important information such as your baby’s size and position. Certain tests such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) can also be conducted through the use of an ultrasound, which can help to pick up on any birth defects or pregnancy-associated problems.

Chorionic villus sampling is a test where the placenta cells are taken for sampling in order to check and diagnose certain birth defects and genetic abnormalities that the baby might have. Ultrasounds are used to check for any pregnancy complications such as ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy and miscarriage.

What kinds of ultrasounds are there?

Ultrasounds are available in 2D, 3D and 4D versions. A standard ultrasound displays an image in two dimensions and is used to check the baby’s blood flow in the umbilical cord and blood vessels if he/she is not growing normally. The 3D option presents a 3D dimensional, static image. It helps the obstetrician ensure that the baby’s organs are developing and growing normally. It can also help check for abnormalities in the baby’s face. Technological advances mean that a 4D ultrasound is now available – this allows you to see your baby’s movement. 4D ultrasound scanning shows a very detailed image of what is happening inside the womb, particularly in the final stages of pregnancy when it is possible to see the baby's face and movements, such as the baby yawning or sucking his/her fingers.