Ultimate Baby
http://www.allieddiagnostics.net/specialities/obstetrics-and-gynecology/ultimate-baby/
What is Ultrasound and how does it work?
We use a smooth, rounded tool called a transducer to produce and receive high frequency sound waves, which produces an ultrasound image. Contact jelly is applied to the skin and the transducer is placed gently in contact with the maternal abdomen. The sound waves produced by the transducer are reflected by the internal organs and transformed into an ultrasound image instantly. The sound waves are registered by the transducer and ultrasound machine to display 2D images and 3D/4D volumes. The images are seen on a monitor in real time. The transducer is moved over the maternal abdomen to look at different areas.
Ultrasound provides a wealth of information and is indispensable in current medical practice.
How is 2D/3D/4D Ultrasound different?
The regular two dimensional scan (2D) is in black and white and is used to look inside organs and to make measurements of the fetus.
The three/four dimensional scan (3D/4D) is in colour (sepia) and is called a surface rendering type of scan. This is when only the outer layer of the image is shown. The movement of the fetus is known as the 4th dimension (4D) and movement is seen in real time.
How is Ultrasound used in pregnancy?
In the first trimester, an ultrasound is often performed and is used to verify heart beat, detect multiple pregnancy, and to set due dates. In addition an ultrasound in the first trimester can rule out abnormalities such as ectopic pregnancy or potential for miscarriage.
In the second trimester, abdominal ultrasound is performed. A full anatomical survey is performed and measurements are taken to verify growth and detect fetal development problems.
In the third trimester, ultrasound is used to analyze fetal growth and fetal movement and ensure fetal and maternal well-being. In the late stages of pregnancy it allows assessment of the presentation of the fetus i.e. to determine if the fetus is lying breech. More recently, 4D or dynamic 3D scans have become available to look at the face and movements of your baby before birth. This is thought to have an important catalytic effect for mothers to bond to their babies before birth.
Ultimate Baby viability and dating scans (6-10 weeks)
What is viability and dating scan?
An Ultimate Baby viability and dating scan is performed between 6 – 10 weeks of pregnancy. This scan is performed to confirm the viability of your pregnancy, to determine how many weeks gestation you are and detect if it is a multiple pregnancy (twins).
Viability and detection of abnormalities
Viability is measured by checking your baby’s heart beat and by checking the position in the uterus. At this stage of pregnancy gross abnormalities are very difficult to detect so your sonographer will recommend an in-depth Ultimate Baby anomaly scan which can be performed between 18 – 24 weeks.
How is dating determined?
To establish the age of your baby we take a measurement of your baby from head to bottom (crown to rump) up to 14 weeks. After 14 weeks your baby’s age is calculated by head measurements. Both measurements provide an expected date of delivery (EDD).
Preparing for and during your scan
You will be required to drink 1 and a half liters of water one hour before the exam to fill your bladder. It is essential that you have a full bladder during the exam.
Ultimate Baby nuchal scan (11-13 weeks)
What is a nuchal scan?
An Ultimate Baby nuchal scan measures the amount of fluid at the back of your baby’s neck. Together with a blood test a nuchal scan can estimate the risk of your baby having a chromosomal abnormality such as Down’s syndrome.
A nuchal scan is a non-invasive test (procedure which does not require incision into the body) that can only be performed between 11 weeks +4 days to 13 weeks +6 days of pregnancy.
Preparing for and during your scan
You will be required to drink 1 and a half liters of water one hour before the exam to fill your bladder. It is essential that you have a full bladder during the exam.
Ultimate Baby anomaly scan (18-24 weeks)
What is an anomaly scan?
An Ultimate Baby anomaly scan is a very detailed examination of your baby’s anatomy (body structure). It provides an assessment of your baby’s head, brain, face, spine, heart, stomach, bowels, kidneys, bladder and limbs. This assessment helps to detect fetal anomalies at early stages of pregnancy.
The placenta and amniotic fluid (liquid that surrounds your baby) is also assessed.
Preparing for and during your scan
It is not necessary to have a full bladder. Just drink 1-2 glasses of water before the exam.
Ultimate Baby growth scan (24-40 weeks)
What is a growth scan?
An Ultimate Baby growth scan provides an assessment of your baby’s overall development and growth. Your sonographer will obtain four measurements from your baby. Two measurements are taken from your baby’s head, one around your baby’s abdomen and, finally, a measurement from the femur length (longest bone in the body). This will show if the growth of your baby is within the normal range for your stage in pregnancy.
We will also check the placenta, volume of the amniotic fluid around your baby, provide an estimate of your baby’s weight and determine the baby’s position in the womb (head down or head up).
The aim of a growth scan is to determine the growth and health of your baby.
Preparing for and during your scan
It is not necessary to have a full bladder. Just drink 1-2 glasses of water before the exam.
Ultimate Baby 4D baby scan
What is a 4D baby scan?
An Ultimate Baby 4D baby scan gives you a unique opportunity to bond with your unborn baby during pregnancy. We perform all 4D scans using the latest 4D ultrasound machines from GE Healthcare – a world leader in 2D, 3D and 4D ultrasound scanning systems. All our ultrasound scanners generate real-time moving images of your baby in the uterus.
Seeing is believing… You know you have a baby on the way, but it’s still hard to believe. Just imagine how wonderfully bonded you would feel if you could actually see your baby. Well now you don’t have to imagine with an Ultimate Baby 4D scan you really can see your baby.
How is a 4D reassurance and bonding performed?
Before the 4D baby scan your sonographer will perform a 2D scan to check your baby’s position in the womb, heart beat and general wellbeing. 2D scans are used to look at the internal organs. 4D baby scans are used to look at the outer layer and show baby movements in real time.
We recommend 4D baby scans are perform between 26 – 32 weeks of pregnancy. This is generally the best time to capture detailed animated facial movements because your baby will have put on weight and there is still enough space in the womb for your baby to move around.
Preparing for and during your scan
It is not necessary to have a full bladder. Just drink 1-2 glasses of water before the exam.
