How is ultrasound diagnostics done? What is ultrasound screening during pregnancy and why is it done? Interpretation of survey results

Ultrasound of the bladder is a diagnostic measure that is aimed at identifying pathologies of various etiologies. Scanning occurs due to ultrasonic waves that penetrate the body and are reflected from the organ. The received data is projected on the screen as a picture. Ultrasound examination of the bladder is considered one of the simplest and safest diagnostic methods that are prescribed for both children and adults.

Indications for examination

There are many reasons why an ultrasound diagnosis may be recommended to a patient. Here is some of them:

scheduled examination of the organ in the presence of congenital anomalies;
frequent urge to urinate;
false urge to empty the bladder;
painful urination;
pain in the suprapubic region;
suspicion of the presence of stones in the organ;
change in the smell and color of urine;
the presence of impurities in urine (sand, flakes, blood);
inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system;
varicose veins of the bladder;
increased content of oxalates and urates and other abnormalities in the laboratory analysis of urine;
pregnancy;
study of kidney function.

Individually, in men, a urinary examination can be carried out simultaneously with the diagnosis of the prostate, if there is a suspicion of its inflammation or adenoma.

Ultrasound of the bladder in women, if necessary, is combined with an examination of other organs that are in the small pelvis.

To get reliable results of the examination, you need to know how to prepare for an ultrasound of the bladder correctly. If you do not follow all the recommendations, such a diagnosis will be meaningless.

Preparatory activities

How to do an ultrasound of the bladder and how to prepare yourself for this event, the doctor will tell after the appointment of the examination. Some of the recommendations below may differ from those given by the doctor. This fact is explained by the individual characteristics of the patient.

Ultrasound diagnosis of the bladder, the preparation for which is almost always the same, regardless of the method of conducting, it happens:

Transabdominal. The examination is done through the abdominal wall.
Transrectal. Diagnosis is through the rectum.
Transvaginal. This method is suitable only for women, since the examination is carried out through the vagina. It is prescribed in the absence of the ability to conduct ultrasound through the abdominal wall.
Transurethral. It is carried out through the urethral canal.

Before the pelvic ultrasound, it is forbidden to visit the toilet room. During the study, there should be a full bladder and the intestines cleared of feces and gases. For this reason, preparation for the study begins 2-4 days before the procedure itself. The patient is advised to consume foods that do not provoke the fermentation process and other disorders. Legumes, fresh vegetables and fruits should be abandoned. Carbonated water is also excluded. In the evening, on the eve of the procedure, you need to take a laxative or an enema. Before the ultrasound, bowel cleansing is once again carried out using an enema.

If transurethral diagnostics is prescribed, the patient is additionally tested for the presence of an allergic reaction, which may be to the anesthesia used during the procedure.

When there is a reserve of 4-5 hours to fill the organ under study, you will need to drink less water: approximately 2-3 glasses. If there is an hour or 2 left before the procedure, you will need to take about 2 liters of water.

When examining the bladder in children, the dosage of water and diet are somewhat different from the adult norm. So, if the child is only on breast (artificial) feeding, 20 minutes before the procedure, you need to give the baby 100 ml of water, formula or breast milk to drink.

A child who has already been introduced to complementary foods (up to 1.5 years) before an ultrasound is given 200 ml of compote, juice or water (non-carbonated) to drink. The day before the examination, white bread, legumes, fresh vegetables and fruits, and muffins are excluded from the diet. The same diet should be followed for children who are older than 2 years. If you have problems with excess weight or frequent flatulence, the diet is observed for at least 3 days.

An hour before the pelvic exam, the baby needs to visit the restroom, empty the bladder, and then drink water. Starting from the age of 3, the calculation of the liquid that a child should drink before an ultrasound examination is calculated according to the following scheme: 10 ml per 1 kg of the baby's body weight.

Giving your child more water to drink than they should is not recommended. Excessive fluid intake can lead to overdistension of the ureters, which will negatively affect the results of the examination.

How is the procedure

During an ultrasound scan of the bladder, the diagnostic tactics will depend on the chosen examination method.

With transabdominal pelvic ultrasound (performed in most cases), the patient is placed on the couch with his back down. He needs to expose his stomach, on which a special gel is applied. It provides better adhesion of the sensor to the skin. The duration of the procedure can be up to 20 minutes. When all the necessary data are obtained, the doctor ends the examination and the patient is allowed to empty the bladder.

In the presence of controversial issues, an ultrasound of the bladder can be additionally performed with the determination of residual urine.

This analysis is carried out immediately after the ultrasound procedure and urination.

Transrectal and transurethral ultrasound is performed in the presence of a tumor in the prostate, obesity, ascites and other pathologies that do not allow examination of the organ through the abdominal wall. In men, if a prostate problem is suspected during a routine scan, a diagnosis may be made to determine the residual volume of urine in the bladder after urination.

During transrectal and transvaginal diagnostics, a special probe is used. A condom is put on it and inserted into the vagina or, respectively, into the rectum.

Transurethral ultrasound is rarely performed, since this method requires special skills from the doctor and the use of painkillers. There is also a risk of damaging the urethral canal when the transducer is inserted. The advantage of this ultrasound is that the examination is highly informative. With it, you can assess not only the condition of the bladder, but also the damage to the urethra and the tissues that surround it.

In children, the bladder is scanned through the abdominal wall. Rarely is there another way. Additionally, the doctor may ask the child to hold his breath for a few seconds.

Interpretation of survey results

The interpretation of the ultrasound of the bladder occurs after the examination, based on the records made by the sonologist.

The results of an ultrasound examination are not the only data on the basis of which a final diagnosis is made. If any deviations from the norm are found, the patient is assigned an additional examination. But ultrasound diagnostics itself can be recommended as the final diagnostic procedure before making the final conclusion of the doctor.

During the diagnosis, the following is determined: the volume of the bladder, its location, wall thickness, shape, contours, the presence of foreign elements or neoplasms, the amount of residual urine and other parameters.

How to correctly decipher the data obtained before viewing them by a urologist or nephrologist is of interest to almost all patients.

Norm for women:

the bubble is pear-shaped;
hollow inside;
urine volume 250-550 ml;
wall thickness 2-4 mm;
the volume of residual urine is not more than 50 ml.

The norm for men is somewhat different from the female. The bubble is also pear-shaped, but it is slightly wider on the sides and slightly flattened on top. With a normal indicator in the bladder of a man, there should be from 350 to 750 ml of urine. The wall thickness and residual volume are the same as in women.

In children, the ultrasound machine shows slightly different data. The children's norm of all indicators varies depending on the age of the patient.

Ultrasound is the most popular and safe method for diagnosing pregnancy studies. With the help of ultrasonic rays, an obstetrician-gynecologist studies the development of the fetus and sees how many babies are in the womb.

This procedure helps to determine the sex of the child already in the second trimester of pregnancy. In the early stages, the study is carried out transvaginally (using a vaginal probe), this helps to most accurately examine the embryo and determine if there are any developmental complications.

Features of the first ultrasound during pregnancy

Gynecologists recommend that expectant mothers undergo screening once a trimester. This will help monitor the development of the child and protect the woman from the development of pathological processes. However, sometimes in the first trimester, a girl is prescribed not one ultrasound, but two.

What is it connected with? The very first diagnosis is made when a woman is registered in a hospital. After fertilization has been detected, the gynecologist prescribes the first planned ultrasound for the girl at 10–12 weeks of gestation. Therefore, it turns out that in the early stages a woman should undergo two ultrasound diagnostics.

When you first contact the antenatal clinic using this research method (this happens a couple of days or weeks after the delay), the doctor checks to see if the girl is pregnant. After the fact of fertilization is established, additional tests and procedures are assigned to her to check whether the development of the embryo is proceeding normally.

Diagnosis shows the presence / absence of an ectopic or missed pregnancy. With such a diagnosis, the embryo will not be able to fully develop and will die, so the doctor recommends interrupting the gestation.

At the first examination, the gynecologist examines the structure of the embryo, establishes the absence / presence of chromosomal pathologies and neural tube defects. The doctor sets the date by which the EDD (estimated date of delivery) is calculated.

When is the first ultrasound done?

Usually, the attending physician himself determines when to do the first tests. The time of events should fall on the 12-14th week of gestation. It is during this period that you can most accurately assess the condition of the fetus and see the pathological processes.

However, the gynecologist may prescribe the procedure at the following stages of embryo development:

Diagnostic ultrasound procedure at 1 week after conception. Such an event will help to identify if a woman has an ectopic pregnancy or hydatidiform mole. And also the test confirms the fertilization of the egg;
Lab test at 3-4 weeks. During the study, the doctor looks at how the umbilical cord of the embryo was formed, and whether the rudiments of the limbs began to develop;
The following procedure is carried out 2-3 months after conception. The anatomical structure of the skeleton is assessed. During this period, a specialist can identify possible defects and pathological processes in the development of the fetus. In the middle of the first trimester, it is already possible to examine the formed organs of the unborn child (kidneys, liver, genitourinary system and stomach), hear the baby's heartbeat. And it also turns out if there are any delays in the development of the baby;
The most accurate results of screening ultrasound are obtained at 12–14 weeks of gestation. Usually performed if there was an embryo transfer (IVF). It is not necessary to conduct it, but if the girl has any signs of ill health, then it is better to do it. Diagnosis will help identify the exact causes of discomfort (if a woman has pain, pulls her lower abdomen, there is spotting). At this time, the girl has the opportunity to find out the sex of the child. In addition, tests at this time are needed in order to determine the amount of amniotic fluid and whether the baby's place is properly fixed.

All test results are compared with a table that shows the decoding of the indicators and their norm in a certain period of gestation.

Before poisoning a girl in a position for a laboratory examination, the doctor conducts an obstetric examination. After that, a list of procedures that need to be done is assigned. The attending doctor should advise the woman and tell in detail how to prepare for the event.

The preparation is as follows:

2-3 days before the procedure, it is necessary to exclude fatty, fried, salty foods, fast food from the diet.
Stop drinking alcohol and cigarettes.
The last meal before the tests should be 8-9 hours before. If necessary, the doctor may ask you to empty your stomach before the test.
15-20 minutes before visiting the doctor, it is recommended to drink 0.5 liters of pure non-carbonated water.

In addition, the gynecologist warns the woman that she will need to take a clean waffle towel or a disposable diaper with her to the appointment. If the procedure is performed transvaginally, then a condom will also be required.

How the examination is carried out

In the early stages, transabdominal diagnostics is carried out through the abdominal cavity. The girl is in a position to lie down on the couch and exposes her stomach. Before the procedure, the obstetrician-gynecologist lubricates the abdomen with a cool white or transparent gel for better penetration of the waves. After that, he drives the sensor in the lower abdomen, an image of the fetus appears on the monitor.

At the first stages of development after conception, only a qualified specialist can decipher the picture of the results. The girl will not be able to independently determine what is shown on the screen and whether there are any deviations. After that, a protocol is filled in, where all the received data are recorded. The protocol for the entire period of pregnancy is kept in the patient's medical record. The entire inspection takes an average of 7-10 minutes.

What will the first ultrasound show

1 scheduled examination is necessary in order to identify serious pathological processes and, if necessary, interrupt gestation in time. At the first stages of embryo development, the doctor checks whether the heart, head, and limbs of the unborn baby are formed correctly.

By the middle of the 1st trimester, you can already see the baby's face. The diameter of the collar zone and the size of the skull are also determined here. In addition, in the first weeks of gestation, you can accurately determine when conception occurred.

If, after an obstetric examination, any problems were identified, then an ultrasound scan is prescribed earlier than the established deadlines. And also the reason for early diagnosis can be IVF, the threat of miscarriage, the fading of pregnancy. In any case, diagnostic measures are carried out after the 5th week of gestation. Since earlier ultrasound will not give any accurate results.

The benefits or harms of ultrasound during pregnancy

Screening ultrasound is prescribed to absolutely all girls in the position when registering in a antenatal clinic. This diagnostic method has many advantages. First of all, it allows you to prevent the development of an ectopic pregnancy or arbitrary termination of pregnancy, which is important when carrying a child.

In addition, modern ultrasound is:

the most accurate indicators of the gestational age;
a test that helps to determine the pathological processes of fetal development even at the very first stages;
a method that allows you to quickly identify the cause of deviations and start conservative treatment;
determination of the diligence of the fetus in the womb;
diagnosis of fetal hypoxia and assessment of the full blood circulation.

Despite all the advantages, there is an opinion that such an examination is still dangerous for the health of the mother and child. This is explained by the fact that ultrasonic waves can adversely affect the development of the fetus and worsen the course of pregnancy. In fact, this is not so, quite often women confuse ultrasound with x-rays, thinking that the two methods affect the body in the same way.

Ultrasonic radiation is designed so as not to harm the baby and mother, so it is quite safe to do it, and most importantly, it is necessary. Of course, it is not recommended to conduct an examination at the own request of the expectant mother. But if the gynecologist has prescribed the procedure, then it is best to go through it and make sure that the future baby is developing normally.

When is the best time to go for an ultrasound and what it will show, the video will tell.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is the most beautiful period in the life of every woman. After the conception has been confirmed by the doctor, tests are prescribed for the expectant mother.

One of the mandatory procedures is ultrasound. It allows you to learn the maximum amount of information about the development of the fetus, determine the timing of fertilization and identify pathological processes that threaten the life of the expectant mother and baby.

The examination is completely painless and takes 10-15 minutes. Therefore, you should not be afraid and refuse it, as it will help you get to know your future child better and warn against possible complications.

Ultrasound examination (sonography) is one of the most modern, informative and accessible methods of instrumental diagnostics. The undoubted advantage of ultrasound is its non-invasiveness, i.e., during the examination, no damaging mechanical effect is exerted on the skin and other tissues. Diagnosis is not associated with pain or other unpleasant sensations for the patient. Unlike the widespread one, ultrasound does not use radiation that is dangerous to the body.

Principle of operation and physical basis

Sonography makes it possible to detect the slightest changes in the organs and catch the disease at a stage when clinical symptoms have not yet developed. As a result, a patient who has undergone an ultrasound scan in a timely manner increases the chances of a full recovery many times over.

note: The first successful studies of patients using ultrasound were carried out in the mid-fifties of the last century. Previously, this principle was used in military sonars to detect underwater objects.

To study the internal organs, ultra-high frequency sound waves - ultrasound are used. Since the “image” is displayed on the screen in real time, this makes it possible to track a number of dynamic processes occurring in the body, in particular, the movement of blood in the vessels.

From the point of view of physics, ultrasound is based on the piezoelectric effect. Quartz or barium titanate single crystals are used as piezoelectric elements, which alternately work as a transmitter and receiver of a signal. When they are exposed to high-frequency sound vibrations, charges arise on the surface, and when current is applied to the crystals, mechanical vibrations occur, accompanied by ultrasound radiation. The fluctuations are due to the rapid change in the shape of single crystals.

Piezo transducers are the basic component of diagnostic devices. They are the basis of sensors, in which, in addition to crystals, a special sound-absorbing wave filter and an acoustic lens are provided to focus the device on the desired wave.

Important:The basic characteristic of the medium under study is its acoustic impedance, i.e., the degree of resistance to ultrasound.

As the boundary of zones with different impedance is reached, the wave beam changes strongly. Some of the waves continue to move in the previously determined direction, and some are reflected. The reflection coefficient depends on the difference in the resistance values of two adjacent media. The absolute reflector is the area bordering between the human body and air. In the opposite direction, 99.9% of the waves leave this interface.

When studying blood flow, a more modern and deep technique based on the Doppler effect is used. The effect is based on the fact that when the receiver and the medium move relative to each other, the signal frequency changes. The combination of signals coming from the device and reflected signals creates beats that are heard using acoustic speakers. Doppler study makes it possible to establish the speed of movement of the boundaries of zones of different density, i.e., in this case, to determine the speed of movement of the fluid (blood). The technique is practically indispensable for an objective assessment of the state of the patient's circulatory system.

All images are transmitted from the sensors to the monitor. The resulting picture in the mode can be recorded on a digital medium or printed on a printer for a more detailed study.

Study of individual organs

To study the heart and blood vessels, a type of ultrasound is used, such as echocardiography. In combination with an assessment of the state of blood flow through Doppler ultrasound, the technique allows you to identify changes in the heart valves, determine the size of the ventricles and atria, as well as pathological changes in the thickness and structure of the myocardium (heart muscle). During the diagnosis, you can also examine sections of the coronary arteries.

The level of narrowing of the lumen of the vessels can be detected by constant-wave Doppler sonography.

Pumping function is assessed using a pulsed Doppler study.

Regurgitation (the movement of blood through the valves in the opposite direction to the physiological) can be detected by color Doppler imaging.

Echocardiography helps to diagnose such serious pathologies as a latent form of rheumatism and coronary artery disease, as well as to identify neoplasms. There are no contraindications to this diagnostic procedure. In the presence of diagnosed chronic pathologies of the cardiovascular system, it is advisable to undergo echocardiography at least once a year.

Ultrasound of the abdominal organs

Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity is used to assess the condition of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, main vessels (in particular, the abdominal aorta) and kidneys.

note: for ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis, the optimal frequency is in the range from 2.5 to 3.5 MHz.

Ultrasound of the kidneys

Ultrasound of the kidneys reveals cystic neoplasms, expansion of the renal pelvis and the presence of stones (). This study of the kidneys is necessarily carried out with.

Thyroid ultrasound

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland is indicated for this organ and the appearance of nodular neoplasms, as well as if there is discomfort or pain in the neck. Without fail, this study is assigned to all residents of ecologically disadvantaged areas and regions, as well as regions where the level of iodine in drinking water is low.

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs

Ultrasound of the small pelvis is necessary to assess the condition of the organs of the female reproductive system (uterus and ovaries). Diagnosis allows, among other things, to detect pregnancy at an early stage. In men, the method makes it possible to identify pathological changes in the prostate gland.

Ultrasound of the mammary glands

Ultrasound of the mammary glands is used to determine the nature of neoplasms in the chest area.

Note:To ensure the closest contact of the sensor with the body surface, a special gel is applied to the patient's skin before the start of the study, which includes, in particular, styrene compounds and glycerin.

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Ultrasound scanning is currently widely used in obstetrics and perinatal diagnostics, i.e., for examining the fetus at different stages of pregnancy. It allows you to identify the presence of pathologies in the development of the unborn child.

Important:during pregnancy, a routine ultrasound examination is highly recommended at least three times. The optimal terms, in which the maximum of useful information can be obtained, are 10-12, 20-24 and 32-37 weeks.

On ultrasound, an obstetrician-gynecologist can identify the following developmental anomalies:

non-closure of the hard palate ("wolf mouth");
malnutrition (underdevelopment of the fetus);
polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios (abnormal volume of amniotic fluid);
placenta previa.

Important:in some cases, the study reveals the threat of miscarriage. This makes it possible to timely place a woman in a hospital "for preservation", making it possible to safely bear the baby.

Without ultrasound, it is quite problematic to manage in the diagnosis of multiple pregnancies and determining the position of the fetus.

According to the report of the World Health Organization, which was prepared using data obtained in the leading clinics of the world for many years, ultrasound is considered an absolutely safe research method for the patient.

note: ultrasonic waves indistinguishable for human hearing organs are not something alien. They are present even in the sound of the sea and wind, and for some animal species they are the only means of communication.

Contrary to the fears of many expectant mothers, ultrasonic waves do not harm even a child during fetal development, that is, ultrasound during pregnancy is not dangerous. However, for the use of this diagnostic procedure, there must be certain indications.

Ultrasound examination using 3D and 4D technologies

A standard ultrasound examination is carried out in two-dimensional mode (2D), that is, the image of the organ under study is displayed on the monitor only in two planes (relatively speaking, you can see the length and width). Modern technology has made it possible to add depth, i.e. third dimension. Thanks to this, a three-dimensional (3D) image of the object under study is obtained.

Equipment for three-dimensional ultrasound gives a color image, which is important in the diagnosis of certain pathologies. The power and intensity of ultrasound is the same as that of conventional 2D devices, so there is no need to talk about any risk to the patient's health. In fact, the only disadvantage of 3D ultrasound is that the standard procedure does not take 10-15 minutes, but up to 50.

The most widely used 3D ultrasound is now used to examine the fetus in the womb. Many parents want to look at the baby's face even before it is born, and only a specialist can see something in an ordinary two-dimensional black and white picture.

But the examination of a child's face cannot be regarded as an ordinary whim; a three-dimensional image makes it possible to distinguish anomalies in the structure of the maxillofacial region of the fetus, which often indicate severe (including genetically determined) diseases. The data obtained by ultrasound, in some cases, can become one of the grounds for making a decision to terminate a pregnancy.

Important:it must be taken into account that even a three-dimensional image will not provide useful information if the child has turned his back to the sensor.

Unfortunately, so far only a conventional two-dimensional ultrasound can provide a specialist with the necessary information about the state of the internal organs of the embryo, so a 3D study can only be considered as an additional diagnostic method.

The most "advanced" technology is 4D ultrasound. Time has now been added to the three spatial dimensions. Thanks to this, it is possible to obtain a three-dimensional image in dynamics, which allows, for example, to look at the change in the facial expressions of an unborn child.

Ultrasound scanning is a rather young method of medical imaging. The first ultrasound (ultrasound examination) was carried out only in 1956, and in obstetrics and gynecology this method has been used since the mid-60s of the last century.

Meanwhile, ultrasound was discovered several years earlier than the X-ray and was widely used in flaw detection (a method for detecting defects in metal parts, for example, a railway rail) and sonar - work on the use of ultrasound in this area was initiated by the death of the Titanic in 1912. So we owe this event not only the birth of the beloved movie "Titanic", but also, perhaps, the appearance of medical echoscopy: o)

Ultrasound has not escaped the fate of all the great discoveries in the history of mankind, somehow: a) the impetus for scientific research was the possibility of military use: the first ultrasonic device - a hydrophone - was designed to fight German submarines during World War I; b) the Russian electrical engineer Konstantin Chilovsky was a pioneer in scientific research - however, others brought the development to mind and now Russia buys ultrasound scanners from the same Germans and Japanese, who were not finished on land and at sea: o)

The first experience of the medical use of ultrasound dates back to 1937, when the American Karl Dussik and his brother Friedrich made an attempt to diagnose brain tumors using ultrasound. The “hyperphonograms” of the Dussiks did not reflect the structure of the brain, as the researchers themselves assumed, but the structure of the bones of the skull, which became clear much later. By the way, it is precisely for this reason - due to the impossibility of ultrasound scanning "through the bone" - that the study of the brain with the help of ultrasound is still performed only in young children, when this is possible due to the presence of fontanelles that can be used as an acoustic window.

But let's leave alone the unlucky Dussik brothers and fast forward to today. Nowadays, ultrasound scanning is the leading research method in obstetrics and gynecology. And that's why:

Ultrasound provides reliable information about the position, shape and size of the pelvic organs, as well as the fetus;
The study is convenient and does not require any preparation;
ultrasound is publicly available;
Ultrasound is harmless to living tissues;
The study is painless and not associated with discomfort;
Ultrasound examination is carried out in real time. This circumstance provides several advantages at once:
– no time is needed to process the material, develop and print any images, etc., the result of the study becomes obvious at the end of the study;
- the researcher sees his "picture" in real time and has the ability to control the image, achieving the best. Those. the ultrasonographer will not tell the patient: “Come on Wednesday for the result, if it didn’t work out, we’ll repeat” :o)

A little bit of physics, or How does it all work?

Ultrasound is generally called high-frequency sound waves with a frequency above 20 kHz. In medicine, frequencies in the range of 2-10 MHz are used.

Different tissues conduct ultrasound differently and have different reflection characteristics. This makes it possible to obtain an ultrasound image. When the reflected echo signal returns to the transducer (the transducer is a high-tech device capable of both generating and receiving ultrasonic waves), a two-dimensional image reconstruction of all tissues through which ultrasonic waves have passed becomes possible. This information is displayed in real time on the monitor of the ultrasonic unit.

Why do you need an ultrasound during pregnancy?

The importance of ultrasound in obstetrics cannot be overestimated. Before the introduction of ultrasound imaging, it was impossible to accurately determine the size of the fetus, specify the gestational age, examine the structure of the placenta, and diagnose congenital malformations. Sometimes X-rays were used to diagnose deformities, but exposing all pregnant women to it was out of the question due to the adverse effects of radiation on the fetus. Therefore, it can be said without exaggeration that the revolutionary improvement in perinatal outcomes that has taken place in recent years is due to ultrasound diagnostics in obstetrics.

Sometimes you can hear the question: healthy people do not go for ultrasound. Is it necessary for a normal pregnancy? There can be only one answer: of course, it is necessary. Firstly, because a preventive approach is always preferable, especially in obstetrics. After all, the fetus itself will not go to the ultrasound room and say: “I’ve been feeling bad lately ...” :o(

Here are a few arguments in favor of the need for ultrasound control over the course of pregnancy:

Fetal malformations in 90% of cases develop in perfectly healthy parents, without any risk factors. Those. such defects are detected in a timely manner only with an ultrasound scan performed for preventive purposes;
There may be significant malformations of the fetus with an outwardly successful pregnancy;
Clinical examination (i.e. palpation by external methods) is not reliable in establishing multiple pregnancy, not to mention the control of normal (associated) intrauterine development of twins;
Pregnant women with a low placenta and placenta previa usually do not realize this until bleeding begins;
Up to 50% of women who claim to know exactly the gestational age (including “at conception”) are mistaken for more than 2 weeks, and these 2 weeks can be very important. For example, medical tactics with the threat of preterm birth at 34 or 36 weeks will be different.

When should you have an ultrasound?

When should I visit the ultrasound room for the first time during pregnancy? It is best to do this within 15 weeks. It is during this period that you can:

Confirm pregnancy;
Clarify the location of the fetal egg (in the uterine cavity or ectopic);
Accurately determine the gestational age. It is in the early stages that it is possible to clarify the gestational age of the fetus with an accuracy of 2 to 3 days. In the future, these boundaries will be wider;
Detect multiple pregnancies;
Exclude the so-called. false pregnancy in the presence of formations in the pelvis.

The next ultrasound examination during pregnancy, as a rule, is prescribed in the period of 18 - 22 weeks of pregnancy. This is the best period for:

diagnosis of congenital malformations of the fetus. It is important to identify them right now, when abortion is still possible;
determining the location of the placenta and identifying its presentation.

The next “planned” ultrasound during pregnancy is most often recommended at 32 to 34 weeks. When researching during this period, it is possible:

establish the presence of fetal growth retardation syndrome;
identify some types of fetal pathology that could not be detected at an earlier date;
identify placenta previa and determine the position of the fetus;
determine the amount of amniotic fluid, which is important for the diagnosis of certain types of fetal suffering;

This does not mean that only a three-time ultrasound examination is possible during pregnancy. This is rather the minimum amount of examination, acceptable for an absolutely physiologically proceeding pregnancy. In case of pregnancy occurring with certain deviations, the program of ultrasound studies must be expanded. For example: echoscopy is sometimes of some interest immediately before childbirth, when it is possible to determine the estimated weight of the fetus and clarify its position and presentation. Often, doctors prescribe a series of studies with an interval of 2 to 3 weeks to clarify the growth rate of the fetus when there is a suspicion of intrauterine suffering.

Doppler methods

Speaking about the intrauterine suffering of the fetus, one cannot but mention other ultrasound methods that allow it to be detected. The research technique that we talked about above is called “ultrasound biometrics”, because it is based solely on clarifying the size and shape of fetal body parts, spaces filled with amniotic fluid, and other formations, i.e. static objects. But there is another group of techniques, whose principle is based on measuring the speeds of moving objects. These methods are:

Cardiotocography (CTG, fetal monitoring, cardiac monitoring);
dopplerography

The physical effect used to measure blood flow velocity (with Doppler) and fetal chest vibrations (with CTG) is called Doppler frequency shift and bears the name of Christian Johann Doppler, professor of elementary mathematics and practical geometry, who in 1842 established that when reflected from a moving object ultrasound changes the frequency characteristics. The ultrasound scanner picks up reflected ultrasound, calculates the difference between the transmitted and reflected wavelengths, and displays the result in a graph. These research methods help to clarify the condition of the fetus and identify even the initial signs of its intrauterine suffering.

When going for an ultrasound during pregnancy, do not forget to bring the conclusions of previous ultrasound studies with you.