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Ultrasound Scanning Sound waves are directed into the body through a gadget called a
transducer and reflected back as echoes. These are fed into a
computer where they build up a series of black and white pictures,
linked to give a moving picture. Women who are experiencing feelings
of despondency at this stage, due to nausea and common pregnancy
illnesses often feel vastly encouraged once they see their growing
"Miracle" on the screen. Some hospitals and doctors will even
furnish the 'elated mommy' with a photograph or a video of the
recording.
What happens during an ultrasound scan?
Before having the scan you will be asked to drink about a litre of
water, or not to have emptied your bladder, because a full bladder
will help to push the intestines out of the way, making for a
clearer image on the ultrasound screen. You will then be asked to
lie down on an examination bed while the doctor liberally applies a
cold jelly-like substance to your abdomen, which helps to conduct
sound waves and lets the transducer glide easily over your stomach.
Gradually the baby will appear on the screen.
What does your doctor look for on the scan?
Your doctor will now take measurements and check for any gross
abnormalities such as anencephaly (absence of brain and spinal
cord), major heart defects as well as bladder or kidney problems.
A scan will also locate the placenta, where the doctor will be able
to establish whether it is in the correct position. If it is found
to be low-lying, and there is a probability that it will affect
vaginal delivery, a caesarean section will become inevitable.
However a follow-up scan may reveal that the placenta has moved into
a more favourable position, and vaginal delivery can take place.
The average scan takes about 20 minutes, and apart from the
discomfort of a full bladder the procedure is quite painless.
How safe is Ultrasound?
Despite all the valuable information ultrasound offers the medical
sector, one wonders how safe the procedure is, and would not having
the procedure done, affect the course of care throughout pregnancy?
Many doctors, who favour ultrasound, believe that there is little to
be concerned about, as millions of babies have been scanned with no
harmful after effects, on the other hand, others are skeptical, and
will point out that until safety is proven, we shouldn't just assume
that it is a safe procedure offering no ill-doings.
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