What are the benefits of ultrasounds during pregnancy?
Approximately 70% of pregnant women in the United States undergo an ultrasound as part of their prenatal care. In a low-risk pregnancy with a healthy mom, the ultrasound is used as a screening tool to evaluate the number of babies, the growth of the baby, and the basic anatomy of the baby. It is estimated that 70% to 90% of anatomic abnormalities can be detected with a screening ultrasound. While most anatomic abnormalities cannot be corrected during pregnancy, it is often quite helpful to parents and to the physician to be aware of upcoming problems before the birth. In addition, there are numerous medical conditions that can complicate pregnancy in which an ultrasound may be extremely helpful in evaluating the condition of the baby. These include asthma, thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, lupus and others. In these medically complicated pregnancies, ultrasounds can be particularly helpful in monitoring the growth and health of your baby.
