Ultrasound Scans

Ultrasound scans are images of the internal organs created from sound waves. The images are produced when the sound waves are directed into the body then reflected back to a scanner that measures them.

The information obtained from different reflections made by the sound waves are recomposed back into a picture on the monitor screen (a sonogram, or ultrasonogram). Movements such as fetal heartbeat and malformations in the fetus can be assessed and measurements can be made accurately on the images displayed on the screen.

These measurements form the cornerstone in the assessment of gestational age, size and growth in the fetus.

When do you need an Ultrasound scans?

Ultrasound scan is currently considered safe, non-invasive, accurate and cost-effective investigation of the fetus. Ultrasound scans now play an important role in the care of every pregnant woman.

The main use of ultrasound scans include:

• Diagnosis and confirmation of early pregnancy,
• Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy - vaginal bleeding may be an early indicator of the viability of the fetus,
• Determination of gestational age and assessment of fetal size - especially in early gestation, the size of the fetus reflects the age of the fetus,
• Diagnosis of fetal malformation - it is possible to diagnose many deformities in the fetus using ultrasounds,
• Placental localization - especially useful to diagnose or exclude placenta previa,
• Multiple pregnancies - aid in identifying the number of fetus and even suggestions of twin-to-twin transfusions, and
• Hydramnios and Oligohydramnios - this involves the identification of excessive or decreased amount of amniotic fluid.

The use of ultrasounds has become more advanced and the doctor can make specific judgments on the health of the fetus and any health risks to the mother. It is now possible to use ultrasounds in

• Confirmation of intrauterine death,
• Confirmation of fetal presentation in uncertain cases,
• Evaluating fetal movements, tone and breathing in the Biophysical Profile.
• Diagnosis of uterine and pelvic abnormalities during pregnancy e.g. fibromyomata and ovarian cyst.

What are the Risks in Ultrasound scans?

The greatest risks arising from the use of ultrasound are the possible over- and under- diagnosis brought about by inadequately trained staff, often working in relative isolation and using poor equipment.

Apparent ill effects such as low birth weight, speech and hearing problems, brain damage and non-right-handedness reported in small studies have not been confirmed or substantiated.

In short, though some studies in laboratory settings have shown harmful effects in cells, there has been no conclusive proof and as such, ultrasounds are considered a safe method to study the human fetus.

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