From the moment you fall pregnant, you begin an incredible journey which changes your life in the most amazing, and sometimes challenging, ways. Imaging this new life to have a visual record from the first sighting to the very important diagnostic scans to the breathtaking 4D scan is something that this digital age has allowed us to do.
Here is a video showing some of these visual moments you may experience. This video is called “9 Months In The Womb” and was created by Ultrasound Dimensions (Medical and Maternity Ultrasound Centre – Dublin, Ireland)
There are 2 very important diagnostic scans that should be done during your pregnancy:
- Nuchal Translucency (NT) ultrasound scan
The NT scan forms part of a screening programme for Down’s Syndrome. The thickness of the fluid behind the baby’s neck is measured. The measurment is taken between 11 and 14 weeks. Down’s babies usually have thicker nuchal translucencies. The NT measurement, combined with blood tests and the mom’s age, can calculate a risk for Down’s Syndrome. - Fetal Anomaly ultrasound scan (Anatomy scan)
The fetal anomaly scan is performed between 18 and 23 weeks. The main objective of this scan is to assess all the structural anatomy of the baby.
What is the gender of my baby? Is it a boy or is it a girl?
Determining the sex of your unborn child should be an easy enough task but it does tend to have some challenges. Various factors come into play. Increased maternal adipose can result in an image that is not too clear from resolution point of view. The umbilical cord sometimes lies in the region of interest hiding the gender. Sub-optimal ultrasound equipment can produce a poor quality image. An inexperienced person performing the scan can result in the incorrect gender being confirmed.
What does a baby boy look like on ultrasound?
What does a baby girl look like on ultrasound?
Early ultrasound (11 -14 weeks) girl /boy gender determination – The “Angle of 30 Degrees” study……Read more
