It is very essential to look after a baby's health after birth, but it's equally very crucial to watch the baby’s development in the womb from the first day of conceiving. Ultrasound plays an important role in observing the growth and development of a developing baby.

What is an ultrasound?

Commonly known as diagnostic ultrasound, it is also called a sonogram. It is an imaging technique that produces images of the structures within the body, using high-frequency sound waves. It's very helpful in diagnosing diseases and other such conditions.

What is a pregnancy ultrasound?

An ultrasound in pregnancy is a test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the baby developing and observe the mother's reproductive organs. 

The number of required ultrasounds depends upon the condition of the pregnancy. It helps in observing the development of a baby. There are many advanced ultrasounds, like 3-D ultrasound, 4-D ultrasound, and foetal echocardiography which can provide details about the foetus heart as well.

Why is Ultrasound important during pregnancy?

Doctors recommend ultrasound during pregnancy for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they prescribe more ultrasounds, the reason may be the detection of some problem in the previous one. Going for an ultrasound is medically safe for both the mother and the baby, but the practitioner may discourage the use of this technique if they find no reason necessary to go for it.

The practitioner prescribes ultrasound during different stages of the pregnancy. Like during the first trimester, then during the second and third trimester too. Some of the important reasons to have an ultrasound are as under: 

• First of all to confirm pregnancy.
• To check the foetal heartbeat.
• To determine the due date.
• To check for the possibility of multiple pregnancies.
• To examine the health of internal organs.
• To diagnose ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
• To check out any abnormalities in growth.
• To monitor the baby's growth and position.
• To check the foetus for structural abnormalities or any other blood flow problems.

The doctor may recommend an ultrasound for many other reasons too to ensure a safe and healthy baby delivery. The patient should follow the suggestions of her doctor for better health and comfortable baby delivery. Ultrasound is also used to check out Down syndrome possibilities. If that is the case, some other tests may be recommended as the procedure may not produce very high-quality images.

If you are going through the journey of giving birth to a baby and need expert guidance throughout, you may connect with health experts at HJ Hospitals. To ensure your family’s complete health and well-being, avail affordable home care services along with preventive health checkup plans provided at HJ Hospitals.