Fetal Ultrasound

Fetal ultrasound can visualise and allow prenatal diagnosis of several features of development of: follicles in the ovary, the gestational sac, fetus in the uterus, fetal parameters, and the placenta. 

Thanks to its non-invasive nature. This prenatal diagnostic tool is not only used routinely for detection of abnormalities as well as a method of staging (ageing) and checking growth.

Fetal ultrasound is a test used during pregnancy that creates an image of the fetus in the mother’s uterus, or womb. During a fetal ultrasound, various parts of the baby, such as the heart, head, and spine, are identified and measured. The testing may be performed either through the mother’s abdomen (transabdominal) or vaginal canal (transvaginal). Fetal ultrasound provides a safe way to evaluate the health of an unborn baby.

Which ultrasound scanner is best for fetal assessment?

A dual head convex and transvaginal ultrasound scanner SIFULTRAS-5.43 is best for fetal assessment. In addition, a Doppler ultrasound, helps to study the movement of blood through the umbilical cord between the fetus and placenta.

Multiple birth pregnancies carry a higher risk than single birth pregnancies, and ultrasound allows for confirmation of multiples. Likewise, accurate and safe examination of each fetus is made possible with fetal ultrasound.

Determining the gestational age of an unborn baby is another use for fetal ultrasound. Nuchal translucency screening also involves using this technque. If an amniocentesis is done, a fetal ultrasound may be used to help with placement of the needle, which is used to remove a sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus.

The following structures should be evaluated during a routine prenatal ultrasound:

• Head and brain. The chambers within the brain (ventricles), distance between parietal bones of the fetal head (biparietal diameter), and skin thickness at the back of head (nuchal area) are evaluated for defects.
• Heart. The chambers and valves of the heart are evaluated and defects may be identified.
• Abdomen and stomach. The size, location, and arrangement of stomach and diaphragm are checked.
• Urinary bladder. The size and presence of the bladder is evaluated.
• Spine. Defects may be identified if present.
• Umbilical cord. Three blood vessels should be attached at the front of the abdomen.
• Kidneys. Two kidneys should be present on either side of the mid-spine.
• Other fetal structures. Limbs and other parts may also be scanned and evaluated.

Fetal ultrasound is usually done by a radiologist or an obstetrician.

References: Fetal ultrasound, Fetal Ultrasound, overview.

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Disclaimer: Although the information we provide is used by different doctors and medical staff to perform their procedures and clinical applications, the information contained in this article is for consideration only. SIFSOF is not responsible neither for the misuse of the device nor for the wrong or random generalizability of the device in all clinical applications or procedures mentioned in our articles. Users must have the proper training and skills to perform the procedure with each ultrasound scanner device.

The products mentioned in this article are only for sale to medical staff (doctors, nurses, certified practitioners, etc.) or to private users assisted by or under the supervision of a medical professional.