Sonography

According to the maternity guidelines, three ultrasound examinations are planned during pregnancy. The first takes place between the 9th and 12th week of pregnancy. During this first examination, it is checked whether the embryo is properly in the uterus and whether there is a multiple pregnancy.

It is then checked whether the embryo is developing in time and whether there is evidence of cardiac action. Finally, the length of the crown-rump is measured and used to correct the duration of the pregnancy if necessary. The second ultrasound examination takes place between the 19th and 22nd week of pregnancy.

First of all, it is checked whether the placenta has a normal seat in the uterus and the amount of amniotic fluid is assessed. Then the sonographic examination of the child is performed.Again, attention is paid to the heart action and now also to childlike movements. Furthermore, the entire body of the unborn child is examined and some measurements are taken, which, in the case of deviating values, can indicate abnormal developments.

The third ultrasound is performed between the 29th and 32nd week of pregnancy. Once again, the placenta is assessed and a proper development of the child is checked. In addition, the weight can be estimated on the basis of measured values. You can find detailed information on this topic at Ultrasound during pregnancy

Obstetrical Doppler Sonography

Doppler sonography is used to display and measure the blood flow in the vessels. During pregnancy, this examination is used to check the blood supply to the unborn child in order to detect a deficiency at an early stage. Usually Doppler sonography is performed in the second half of pregnancy, especially if slow growth or malformation of the child is suspected.

Other reasons for carrying out this examination are high blood pressure during pregnancy, past deficient births or fruit deaths, a conspicuous CTG (cardiotocogram) or a multiple pregnancy with non-parallel growth of the children. During the examination the blood flow is measured at different points, both in the mother and the child. The flow rate is measured in the uterine artery of the mother, in the umbilical cord arteries and in one of the brain vessels of the unborn child. These measurements can be used to assess whether the child is undersupplied. You can find detailed information on this topic at Doppler sonography in pregnancy