Why is ultrasound used in pregnancy?
Ultrasound is used to: • Check on your baby’s health status, including position, movement, breathing, growth and heart rate • Make sure the placenta is healthy and attached normally • See the number of fetuses • Calculate the expected due date • Detect some birth defects • See how much amniotic fluid is in the uterus Ultrasound can also be used to diagnose a possible miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, or to determine the cause of vaginal bleeding. Sometimes it can give you a hint as to the sex of the baby. This is not always accurate, though. How do I prepare for an ultrasound? You’ll need to have a full bladder, which can be uncomfortable, especially during pregnancy. But a full bladder pushes the uterus up for better viewing. You may be asked to drink up to six glasses of water in the two hours before the exam. You can’t urinate until the ultrasound is over. Wear clothes that make it easy to expose your abdomen. The exam usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. What are the different types of
