The first ultrasound in pregnancy

The first ultrasound of a pregnant woman is not only a wonderful opportunity to see her baby even before he is born, but also one of the most important diagnostic procedures for pregnancy. Especially important is ultrasound in the early stages of pregnancy, since only in the first trimester it is possible to "see" the severe malformations of the fetus and the chromosomal abnormalities.

The first ultrasound in pregnancy

Gynecologists recommend to pass at least three ultrasound examinations, one in each trimester of pregnancy. However, in some cases, the future mother is made not one, but at least two ultrasound in the first trimester of pregnancy: when registered in a female consultation, as well as the first planned ultrasound in pregnancy (10-14 weeks).

The fact that ultrasound in the first weeks of pregnancy allows, first, to establish the fact of pregnancy. This is especially important if a woman has not been able to conceive a child for a long time. Secondly, ultrasound will help to locate the fetal egg, which is important for the timely diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. The specialist will assess the viability of the embryo (at his heartbeat), exclude or, alas, confirm the development of a frozen pregnancy.

In addition, using ultrasound at an early stage of pregnancy determine the possible threat of termination of pregnancy, as well as diseases or abnormalities of internal genitalia of the future mother (uterine myoma, tumors and ovarian cysts, bicorne uterus, etc.).

At the first planned ultrasound in pregnancy at 10-14 weeks, the structure of the embryo and its membranes (chorion, amnion and yolk sac) is examined, possible chromosomal abnormalities (Down's syndrome) or malformations (neural tube defects) are revealed. The specialist determines the gestational age of the fetus, to which the observing obstetrician-gynecologist will be guided while determining the term of childbirth.

Preparation for ultrasound in pregnancy

Prepare for research, depending on how the ultrasound is done during pregnancy. When performing ultrasound in the first weeks of pregnancy, special training is not required: the examination is performed using a vaginal sensor. Before the examination, a specialist will ask you to empty the bladder.

If the first ultrasound is used during pregnancy in 10-14 weeks, then, as a rule, it is transabdominal examination (through the abdominal wall). For a couple of hours before the procedure, drink 1.5-2 cups of non-carbonated liquid.

Do not forget to bring a clean towel or diaper and a condom (if a transvaginal examination is performed).

Results and norm of ultrasound at 12 weeks of pregnancy

The ultrasound procedure lasts an average of 10-30 minutes. Then the doctor will fill out a special protocol, in which he will write down the results of the study in detail.

Let's look at the most important indicators of the development of the fetus for a period of 12 weeks:

1. The coccyx-parietal fetal size (CTE) plays an important role in determining the duration of pregnancy.

2. The size of the collar space . Fine its value should not exceed 3 mm. An increase in this indicator may indicate chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus. Do not panic, on the basis of ultrasound data, no doctor will diagnose the "Down syndrome". You will be referred for further studies: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test (15-20 weeks), amniocentesis (study of amniotic fluid) and cordocentesis (fetal blood sampling from umbilical cord).

3. Fetal heart rate (HR) . Normally, the baby's heart beats at a speed of 110-180 beats per minute at week 12. Reduction in heart rate to 85-100 beats per minute. and an increase of more than 200 bpm. may indicate a high probability of abortion.