Ultrasound: Pregnant or not?
An ultrasound can be used to detect pregnancy from the 5th week of pregnancy, as this is when the amniotic cavity becomes visible. Before this, the gynaecologist will carry out a blood test to detect a possible pregnancy.
Ultrasound (pregnancy): The first examination
The first ultrasound examination after the pregnancy has already been established takes place between the 9th and 12th week of pregnancy, i.e. in the first trimester. Here, the doctor checks whether the fruit has properly implanted itself in the uterus or whether there is an abdominal pregnancy.
He also calculates the embryo’s age and the expected date of birth from its size (crown-rump length) and head diameter. As a rule, the doctor uses a vaginal transducer for the first ultrasound, which is inserted via the vagina. From the 10th week of pregnancy, sonography through the abdominal wall may also be possible.
Ultrasound (pregnancy): The second examination
The doctor also estimates the weight of the fetus, assesses the amount of amniotic fluid and the position of the placenta. The second ultrasound is a special experience for many parents, as the heartbeat and movements of the baby can already be detected and in some cases even the sex.
Ultrasound (pregnancy): The third examination
The last regular sonography to check the progress of the pregnancy takes place in the 29th to 32nd week of pregnancy. The doctor again examines the position, weight and size of the baby as well as its heart activity and movements and the amount of amniotic fluid.
It is also important to check the position and size of the heavily perfused placenta again: if it is in front of the inner cervix, this can lead to severe bleeding during birth! To avoid the risk to the mother during birth, a caesarean section is recommended in such cases.
Doppler sonography (pregnancy)
Doppler sonography is used particularly in high-risk pregnancies, for example in the case of pregnancy-related high blood pressure or if there is a suspicion of a growth disorder or heart defect in the child. It is therefore not a routine examination!
Ultrasound: Baby not in danger!
Many pregnant women worry that the ultrasound waves could harm their child. According to current knowledge, however, there is no evidence of this. The sound waves cannot be felt by the child and are certainly not painful. As sonography does not use radiation, there is no danger to mother or child.
