Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) during pregnancy

How does Doppler ultrasound differ from ultrasound?

The Doppler diagnostic scheme is similar to ultrasound scanning. A special media gel is applied to the patient’s skin, after which the doctor moves the device over the abdomen. The only difference is that during Doppler testing a special mode is used (color Doppler mapping). Any ultrasound machine is equipped with this mode. On the screen, the obstetrician-gynecologist does not see the picture and the fetus, as with ultrasound, and measures the speed of blood movement in the vessels of the placenta and uterus of the umbilical cord and in the vessels of the fetus. The speed of blood flow is shown on the monitor in the form of curves.

Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) during pregnancy

Gynecological ultrasound of the pelvic organs is a painless and safe research method that allows you to quickly assess the condition of the pelvic organs, determine the pathological process and choose treatment tactics. To improve visualization, as a rule, a special gynecological sensor is used, which allows the examination to be carried out with increased accuracy. Ultrasound is also a necessary examination in obstetrics: as a rule, during pregnancy, ultrasound examination is performed 3-4 times and is the main source of information about the development of the fetus. Ultrasound allows you to reliably assess the course of pregnancy and determine the sex of the unborn child. In our hospital it is possible to conduct 3D-4D ultrasound using a modern Siemens Acuson S2000 device, screening ultrasound, ultrasound of the pelvic organs. The class of the device allows you to conduct an expert-level ultrasound examination, obtain a three-dimensional color image of the child, his movements, and also helps in diagnosing some developmental anomalies. Screening ultrasound during pregnancy is the simplest, fastest and safest way to monitor the growth and development of the fetus, as well as to exclude or confirm malformations.

Ultrasound of the first trimester

It is recommended to undergo this examination at 11-13 weeks of pregnancy. Ultrasound screening of the 1st trimester makes it possible to: • Determine the duration of pregnancy and the expected date of birth of the child. • Make sure your baby is growing and developing correctly. • Consider the placenta attachment site and the correctness of its structure. • Exclude gross malformations of the fetus. • Measure the thickness of the nuchal translucency and the length of the nasal bone (the earliest markers of Down syndrome). • Exclude pathology from the uterus and appendages.

Ultrasound of the second trimester

Second trimester ultrasound is best performed between 18 and 22 weeks. Objectives of the examination: • Determine whether fetal development corresponds to the expected gestational age. • Identify or exclude congenital defects and developmental anomalies of all major organs and systems of the unborn child. At this time, it is possible to examine in detail the structure of the heart, kidneys, digestive system, brain and spinal cord, as well as other important organs of the growing fetus. • Determination of the quantity and quality of amniotic fluid, detailed examination of the structure of the placenta. • Ultrasound in the second trimester allows you to accurately determine the sex of your baby.

Ultrasound of the third trimester

A third trimester ultrasound is recommended to be performed at 32-34 weeks of pregnancy. At this time, the doctor once again examines all the organs of your unborn baby to rule out developmental defects. The degree of development of the child is also determined (growth retardation, signs of intrauterine hypoxia are excluded), the volume of amniotic fluid is measured (oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios are excluded), and the umbilical cord is examined (whether there is any entanglement). In the third trimester, we also perform ultrasound with Doppler, i.e. with the study of blood flow in the vessels of the uterus, umbilical cord and fetal brain. An ultrasound with Doppler during pregnancy helps to identify disturbances in the uteroplacental blood flow at an early stage, so that, if necessary, measures can be taken to prevent the development of oxygen starvation of the fetus and its growth retardation. At the end of the study, conducted at any stage of pregnancy, you receive a medical report with a detailed description of all the necessary parameters. And having done a three-dimensional and four-dimensional ultrasound of the fetus, you will also receive the first photographs and video recordings of your baby. In our hospital we can offer you: • To undergo an ultrasound of the fetus not only during screening periods, but at any time if something worries you or you just want to make sure that the child is growing and developing normally. • Perform an ultrasound with Doppler ultrasound using an expert-class device. • Be examined on the eve of birth to determine how the baby is lying and whether there is any entanglement in the umbilical cord. • Use the 3D and 4D ultrasound service. Such a study will provide an opportunity not only to see your unborn child on the monitor screen, but also to obtain high-quality photographs and video recording of fetal movements in real time. For comfortable viewing, the picture is displayed on a separate wide screen monitor. • Be examined in the presence of the future dad. We understand how important the support of a loved one is for you, so we welcome it when married couples come for an ultrasound.

Indications for Doppler ultrasound

The procedure can be prescribed if there is a discrepancy between the parameters of the fetal body when measured during ultrasound screening, to predict the development of complications during screening studies. These are the main indications for this study. In addition, Doppler testing is recommended for pregnant patients with:

• preeclampsia;
• too little or too much;
• amniotic fluid;
• umbilical cord pathologies;
• pregnancy due to diabetes, hypertension and other chronic diseases;
• Rh factor conflict;
• growth retardation of one of the twins;
• for pathologies of the placenta;
• systemic collagenosis in the expectant mother;
• the patient has a history of miscarriage and premature birth;
• unsatisfactory results of cardiotocography.

Among other things, Doppler measurements are performed at the patient’s request. This can be done at any of the branches of the Medok clinic network.

Types of ultrasound for pregnant women

Any ultrasound should be done as prescribed by a doctor, and not by prescribing this type of examination yourself. A gynecologist knows all the nuances of the course of pregnancy, its features at different stages, and can decipher the results of an ultrasound.

Depending on the stage of pregnancy, the doctor prescribes different types of ultrasound

:

• Transvaginal U3I
  using an extended probe that is inserted into the vagina. This ultrasound method allows you to detect the fertilized egg as early as the 4th week of conception. In the early stages, transvaginal ultrasound allows you to obtain very accurate research results - to exclude the threat of miscarriage and placental abruption, the presence of pathologies in the fetus in the first stages of development.
• Abdominal U3I
  using a surface sensor that is in contact only with the abdominal wall is performed in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. This is a painless and safe method of examination.
• There are 2D, 3D and 4D U3I
  - studies that allow you to assess the condition of the fetus in more detail. Your doctor will decide which ultrasound is right for you. In most cases, classic 2D ultrasound is used. 3D and 4D examinations are prescribed as an additional procedure in case of pathologies or threats to the woman and fetus.

Indications for additional ultrasounds at different times

• Fetal freezing
• Risk of miscarriage
• Pathologies of the uterus, ovaries and other pelvic organs
• Difficult pregnancy
• Chronic (including infectious) diseases in the woman’s history
• Large or small amount of amniotic fluid
• Multiple pregnancy
• Changes in the structure of the placenta

In the network of Moscow MCs “Health” you can undergo an ultrasound and Doppler examination at any stage of pregnancy. Our gynecologists will advise you and tell you how to prepare for an ultrasound. Make an appointment on the website and find out all the additional information from our specialists.

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs in women is performed:

• Transabdominal access (through the anterior abdominal wall). This study is carried out with a full bladder. To fill the bladder, you need to drink at least 500-600 ml of non-carbonated liquid 2 hours before the test. Do not empty your bladder before the examination!
• Transvaginal. No special preparation is required for the study. The study is carried out with an empty bladder.

As an alternative, transrectal (through the rectum) ultrasound is also possible. There is no need to fill your bladder before a transrectal ultrasound, and you should have a bowel movement on the morning of the procedure (either on your own or with a cleansing enema).

Advantages of 3D and 4D diagnostics over two-dimensional ultrasound:

• With the help of three-dimensional ultrasound, the expectant mother can see an image of her child close to a photograph and receive a video recording of his movements in real time, and doctors observing the pregnancy get a perfect image of the full complex of pathology.
• Ideal identification of fetal anomalies. Thanks to three-dimensional ultrasound, doctors can evaluate various parts of the fetal body in three projections simultaneously, which is very important for identifying abnormalities in the intrauterine development of the fetus.
• Simultaneous detailed examination of the maternal body.
• Retrospective display of the image, its analysis and consultation with patients during the scanning process.

Ultrasound of expert class in the Moscow region

What is expert class ultrasound? How does an expert ultrasound during pregnancy differ from a standard one? Where can I get an expert ultrasound done in the Moskovsky district of St. Petersburg?

Ultrasound is a widely used diagnostic method, so there are many centers and clinics that provide ultrasound services. When choosing a medical institution, you need to pay attention to its level, that is, to the equipment and working specialists. After all, everyone needs a good ultrasound doctor in St. Petersburg.

By choosing our center, you will, first of all, receive reliable guarantees of quality results.

• Expert class scanner Voluson E8 Expert
• High professionalism of the doctor-diagnostician
• Examination results in the form of a printed report immediately after the examination
• Specialist consultation, recommendations

In addition, at the Maternal and Fetal Clinic of Dr. Chubkin:

• Seeing 1 patient takes at least 60 minutes
• Printing a color photograph of the fetus and a magnet
• Sending a research protocol and photo by e-mail
• Possibility to perform ultrasound around the clock, at any convenient time

Do pregnant women need additional ultrasounds?

Yes, this happens for various reasons. Most often, additional ultrasounds are prescribed if a pregnant woman has complaints - pain in the lower abdomen, discomfort, a feeling of a frozen fetus, spotting. Do not refuse additional examinations and ultrasound - they will not harm the fetus, but will help identify the cause of suspicious symptoms.

In some cases, a woman needs ultrasounds up to 4 times a month to monitor the position and condition of the fetus. If any abnormalities during pregnancy were identified in the early stages, it is better to play it safe.

Ultrasound of the mammary glands.

It is advisable (but not strictly necessary) to conduct a breast examination on days 5-12 of the menstrual cycle

No special training is required when carrying out:

• Ultrasound of the thyroid gland
• Ultrasound of the kidneys and adrenal glands
• Ultrasound of vessels (arteries and veins)
• Ultrasound of soft tissues
• Ultrasound of the salivary glands
• Ultrasound of peripheral nerves
• Ultrasound of the scrotum
• Ultrasound of joints
• Ultrasound of lymph nodes
• Ultrasound of pleural cavities

Ultrasonography