The second ultrasound in pregnancy at what time do? Ultrasound in pregnancy: when and how many times to do

During pregnancy, the fair sex is subjected to numerous studies. Almost every month, and for longer periods and more often, the expectant mother will have to donate blood and urine. A mandatory examination is ultrasound during pregnancy. It is about him that will be discussed in this article. You will find out how many times and at what time such diagnostics are carried out. Also find out the features that have a second ultrasound in pregnancy (at what time period is spent and what can show).

Ultrasound diagnostics: a general description of the procedure and features

To begin, it is worth saying a few words about how ultrasound is performed during pregnancy or when it is absent. This type of examination is carried out with the help of special equipment, which has two sensors: transvaginal and transabdominal. During the diagnostics, the device sends ultrasonic waves through the skin and bones. They are completely inaudible to the common ear, but can give a lot of information. Falling into the human body, the waves are reflected from the organs, and an image is displayed on the screen. Also, some objects or formations can absorb ultrasound. In this case, the doctor sees the corresponding picture on the monitor.

Ultrasound for pregnant women

While waiting for the baby, this diagnosis is most often performed according to the doctor's prescription. Such a survey will help determine the duration of pregnancy, the state of the fetus, the number of embryos and other features of this condition. For future mothers, there are also two ways of research. The specialist can choose the most convenient depending on the period of pregnancy. During the bearing of the child, the following procedures are normally carried out:

• First examination (screening).
• Second ultrasound (second trimester of pregnancy).
• The third examination for determining the condition of the fetus and the placenta.

Ultrasound during pregnancy: when and how many times do?

In addition to mandatory examination, if necessary, additional diagnostics can be prescribed. In this case, the frequency of examinations directly depends on the state of the pregnant woman. However, doctors do not recommend doing ultrasound more than twice a month. We will understand how many times it is necessary to do ultrasound diagnostics and on what terms.

Ultrasound in early pregnancy

This examination is carried out most often by a transvaginal sensor. This is how the doctor can determine the size and location of the fetal egg as precisely as possible. Ultrasound in the early stages of pregnancy is carried out in a period of 5 to 10 weeks of embryo development.

This examination allows you to determine such pathologies as the threat of abortion, ectopic pregnancy. Also at this time, you can already tell exactly how many kids you will have. Most often, after 5 weeks of development of the fetal egg, the fetal heart rate is already determined . It is after the discovery of this fact that we can talk about a progressing pregnancy. Most doctors prefer not to prescribe ultrasound diagnosis in the early stages of pregnancy. Thus, such a study is carried out only if necessary: with pain, bleeding and other complaints of a future mother.

First screening examination

This diagnosis is for a period of 12 weeks. At the same time, this date can be shifted to one side or the other by an average of 10 days. This type of diagnosis is carried out using a transabdominal sensor. Also, the doctor always uses a special gel, which allows to improve the penetration of ultrasound through the skin.

The first screening examination is aimed at identifying such pathologies as abnormal embryo development, frozen pregnancy, Down's syndrome and other genetic abnormalities. Together with ultrasound diagnosis, a blood test is performed for these same pathologies.

The second ultrasound in pregnancy: at what time do?

This procedure is called the second screening. So, when to do ultrasound (pregnancy, the second survey)? Doctors do not give an exact unanimous answer. The duration of this study can be in the range of 20 to 24 weeks of development of the baby.

At this stage, the diagnosis is carried out using a transabdominal sensor. A conductive gel is necessarily used, which is applied to the abdomen of the expectant mother. It should be noted that ultrasound (second trimester of pregnancy) is a little longer. If a specialist needs up to 15 minutes for the first screening, then this time you will be examined for about half an hour.

The second ultrasound in pregnancy (at what time period is carried out, you already know) allows you to examine the embryo and the placenta well. The doctor necessarily checks the presence of all vital organs. Also determined are the limbs on which you can count the number of fingers. The term of the second ultrasound in pregnancy is established in such a way that it is possible to consider well the possible pathologies. If earlier it was very difficult to do because of the small size of the fetus, then for a longer period of this manipulation the placenta can prevent.

The second ultrasound in pregnancy (at which time it is to undergo examination - the doctor decides) allows you to determine the condition of the placenta and amniotic fluid. Also during this diagnosis you can find out the sex of your unborn baby.

Third Screening

This examination is performed by a transabdominal sensor at a time that is between the 30th and 34th weeks. Optimal time for diagnosis is 32 weeks of fetal development.

At this stage, the expert assesses the weight and growth of the fetus, as well as its motor activity. A placenta must be inspected, which is given a certain degree of maturity. Also at this time the position of the fetus is taken into account. In the event that the child has pelvic presentation, additional research may be prescribed several weeks before the birth. 3 Ultrasound in pregnancy is the last.

Ultrasonic examination of the fetus before birth

The last ultrasound is performed immediately before the onset of labor. It is worth noting that this diagnosis is not assigned to all future mothers. Most often in this category are women who have a pathology of fetal development, or if the child is in the wrong position.

This examination can reveal the readiness of the baby to be born. This is indicated by the amount of amniotic fluid, the growth and weight of the embryo. Also, the position of the unborn child is necessarily evaluated. Depending on the results of this survey, a decision may be made to perform natural labor or a cesarean section.

Additional tests during child bearing

If you have a threat of termination of pregnancy, then you can be assigned additional examinations. In this case, there can be an unlimited number of them. The term of carrying out of similar diagnostic procedures is chosen by the doctor.

Also, when placing a woman in the hospital, ultrasound examination is always performed (at least twice). The first diagnosis is carried out at the arrival of a future mother in a medical institution, the second - at discharge. At the same time, the survey period is completely unimportant.

With the revealed pathologies of embryo development, additional diagnostic stages can be assigned during screening studies . The time is determined by the doctor.

Cost of examination

If you have an ultrasound in pregnancy, the price of this test should be agreed in advance. Most expectant mothers prefer to use the services of private clinics or individual specialists.

The price of the survey in the early period is practically the same as for the usual diagnosis and is in the range of 500 to 700 rubles. The first screening can cost you about 800-1000 rubles. The second ultrasound examination (screening) has a cost in the range from 1000 to 1300 rubles. How much is the last ultrasound in pregnancy? Prices for the third survey range from 1300 to 2000 rubles.

If you decide to undergo such a diagnosis within the walls of a women's consultation, where you are registered for pregnancy, then the survey should be absolutely free. It is always necessary to have an insurance policy and a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation.

Summing up and conclusion

Now you know how many times and at what time it is necessary to undergo an ultrasound examination. It is worth noting that each case is individual. One woman may have to undergo three examinations, while another expectant mother will receive, for example, seven directions for diagnosis for the entire pregnancy.

Always listen to the advice of your leading doctor and take the exam at the appointed time. Only in this case you will be calm and confident in the correct development of your future baby. Easy for you of pregnancy and childbirth!