With the increasing demands of modern life, medicine has prioritized preventative care. Therefore, it is crucial to have access to reliable and, above all, timely diagnostic methods. For pregnant women, ultrasound examinations not only assess the baby’s development and overall health but also help identify potential maternal or fetal risks.
An ultrasound allows for precise evaluations of normal growth and development in utero. It can accurately estimate gestational age, fetal weight and height, and even project the baby’s weight at birth. In essence, it provides an effective way to clinically examine the baby before birth. For this reason, these examinations must be performed by qualified professionals with appropriate training and high-quality equipment, as these factors are critical for informed management and decision-making during pregnancy.
Throughout the pregnancy, an ultrasound monitors the fetus’s development at each stage. The first examination, performed before the first 10 weeks, confirms the pregnancy, its location, gestational age, number of embryos, and normal development of pregnancy structures. A color Doppler ultrasound can also detect the embryonic heartbeat. The second examination, usually performed abdominally between 11 and 14 weeks, evaluates fetal anatomy and rules out major structural abnormalities. It can also assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities by measuring nuchal translucency, the presence of the nasal bone, and blood flow in the ductus venosus. Fetal sex can often be determined during this exam and is typically confirmed between 18 and 20 weeks (the fifth month). The third examination, between weeks 22 and 26, thoroughly examines fetal anatomy and uteroplacental circulation. Most severe anatomical abnormalities, as well as fetal growth and placental characteristics, can be diagnosed at this stage. The risk of premature birth can also be assessed by transvaginal measurement of the cervix. Finally, the fourth examination, between 32 and 34 weeks, observes the baby’s growth, size, and vitality, and projects the weight at birth. This form of comprehensive ultrasound monitoring provides a clear and reliable picture of gestational development, offering reassurance to future mothers.
