For decades, ultrasounds have provided millions of expectant parents with peace of mind as they get a glimpse of their unborn baby for the first time.<\/p>\n
In recent times, they have become a more popular option for parents looking to track their baby\u2019s progress even before birth \u2013 with more options and higher quality scans becoming available in the private sector.<\/p>\n
An ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves to captures images inside the body. These sound waves are produced at a frequency, which cannot be heard by the human ear. When they bounce off different parts of the body, they create echoes that are picked up by the probe and captured as a moving image. <\/p>\n
High frequency waves provide much better images but are unable to penetrate as deeply into the body as lower frequencies.<\/p>\n
Ultrasound scans have also become an increasingly common test to assist healthcare professionals with determining diagnoses, screening for specific problems, and as a guide during interventional procedures such as a biopsy.<\/p>\n
Ultrasounds have many uses during pregnancy:<\/p>\n
Ultrasound scans are considered to be very safe by the World Health Organisation. There are minimal adverse effects and no radiation exposure for either mother or baby. <\/p>\n
During the scan, you may be asked questions about your health and will likely be examined.
\nYou\u2019ll be invited to sit or lie on a couch, with the lights in the room dimmed so that the images on the monitor are clearer.<\/p>\n
After this, a water-based gel is applied to the appropriate area of skin. This gel allows the sensor to slide easily over the skin and helps produce clearer images. The clinician will move the probe over your skin while viewing the images on the screen. Upon completion, the gel can be wiped off and you will be free to get dressed.<\/p>\n
As the scan takes place in “real-time”, the quality of the image and the information you learn is very much dependent on the expertise and skill of the professional scanning you.<\/p>\n
The process of carrying out a scan takes around 15-20 minutes.
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