Pregnant?
These are the ultrasound tests that are important to perform
Ultrasound tests allow a glimpse into the fascinating world that takes place in the womb during pregnancy, and are accompanied by great excitement.
However, their most important goal is to make sure that the pregnancy is normal and that the fetus is developing properly.
In the following guide you will find the relevant information for all the essential survey tests
Dr. Lior Drucker, in collaboration with zap doctors
04/11/2021
Thursday, 04 November 2021, 10:41 Updated: 10:49
Share on Facebook
Share on WhatsApp
Share on Twitter
Share on Email
Share on general
At a good time, the moment you have been waiting for since the beginning of your pregnancy has arrived - the first ultrasound examination is already marked in the diary, and you have a great opportunity to meet the little miracle that is taking place inside you.
The following guide will help you understand why it is important to perform the tests, when to perform them and what can be discovered through them.
Beginning of pregnancy - first ultrasound examination:
At this stage, the purpose of the test is to understand a number of essential things: how many embryos are in the uterus, whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus as required, what is the size of the fetus and what is the exact gestational age.
The test should be performed between weeks 6 - 9.
Week 11-14 - dorsal transparency:
This test is intended to check the health of the pregnancy and its main purpose is to detect embryos with Down syndrome or with chromosomal disorders and other problems.
The test process involves measuring the thickness of the occipital fluid of the fetus. A thickness greater than 3 mm may indicate Down syndrome or other disorders.
The test makes it possible to assess the chance of Down syndrome with a 70 percent probability, so it is recommended to perform it in parallel with a blood test called a "first trimester survey", in which the health of the hormones in the placenta of the fetus is also checked.
Performing these two tests raises their level of accuracy.
Week 14 - 16 - Early review:
In general, the systems review is designed to check the integrity of the fetus' internal systems and their function.
In the past, it was customary to perform this test during week 20, but in Israel its predictive potential was identified at an earlier stage of pregnancy, and today it is customary to perform it between week 14 and week 16.
Early diagnosis of a fetal problem allows treatment at an early stage;
And God forbid - early termination of pregnancy if necessary.
Although the test has been perfected in recent years, there are still fetal problems that cannot be identified during the early review, as not all fetal organs are mature at this stage of pregnancy.
Important to know (Photo: ShutterStock)
Week 20 - 24 - Late Review:
At this stage of pregnancy, most fetal problems can already be identified. Most often, a late review is performed in an abdominal approach.
In Israel, most women choose to perform both early and late screening similar to many countries in Europe and the United States.
Week 30 -32 - Third Review:
In recent years, the understanding has sharpened that there is room to incorporate another survey test conducted in later weeks. The purpose of the third review is to identify disorders (relatively rare), which cannot be detected at an earlier stage. For example, cerebral palsy develops only in the third trimester of pregnancy, so specific disorders and rare brain malformations that appear at this stage can be discerned. In addition, certain heart problems can only be detected at this stage, when the fetus is larger and needs more blood flow.
It is important to emphasize that not every rare problem that is detected requires an abortion. A large proportion of problems require follow-up only or require medication or surgery. "Reflux" in the kidney for example is one of the conditions which can be treated when diagnosed during pregnancy. In some cases early diagnosis at this stage of pregnancy allows for proper preparation around childbirth and prevents significant future medical problems.
Third Systems Review:
Allows you to detect malformations that cannot be detected in the early stages. A study I did at Oxford University in August 2020, included a review of over 15,000 women in the advanced week of pregnancy. Although each underwent a first examination at week 20, during which no abnormal findings were detected, during the examination of the survey conducted at week 30 - 32 of the pregnancy, some of them developed different developmental problems.
Among other things, cysts in the digestive system, enlargement of chambers in the brain, disorders of the urinary system, kidney problems, problems in the nervous system and more were identified.
The conclusion, then, is that this test is important and vital, and it serves as a tool that is another measure of the integrity of the pregnancy and the fetus.
Week 36 - Weight assessment:
This test is important in order to assess the weight of the fetus.
In pregnancies with a fetus that is too large or, alternatively, too small, has an effect on the birth in terms of the rate of complications and, as a result, the timing and manner of the newborn are also affected.
Have an easy, pleasant and healthy pregnancy!
Dr. Lior Drucker - specialist in neonatal and gynecology; gynecological ultrasound; maternal and fetal medicine and prenatal diagnosis.
Assisted in the preparation of the article: Michal Halperin
health
Doctors
Tags
Pregnancy
Ultrasound
