Pregnancy

Types of Scan During Pregnancy: Guide For First Time Moms

Pregnancy is an amazing time where you get to watch your body grow and change to accommodate a new life. While most of the changes are welcome, some of them can be a little bit uncomfortable. For example, many women experience increased Braxton-Hicks contractions, which can feel like mild cramping or sharp jabs in the side. These contractions are perfectly normal and nothing to worry about – but they can be a bit of a nuisance. Luckily, there are ways to help manage them! In this article, we’ll go over the different types of scans you can get during pregnancy and how each one can help relieve some of the discomforts you may be experiencing.

Overview of Pregnancy Scans

Pregnancy scans are an important way to check on the health of your baby during pregnancy. There are different types of scans that can be done, and your doctor will recommend the best ones for you based on your individual situation. Here is a brief overview of some of the most common types of scans performed during pregnancy:

Ultrasound: This is the most common type of scan, and it uses sound waves to create a picture of the baby in the womb. Ultrasounds can be used to assess the due date, check for multiple pregnancies, look for birth defects, and track the position of the placenta.

Doppler Ultrasound: This type of ultrasound uses sound waves to measure blood flow in the vessels leading to and from the baby. It can help doctors assess the risk for problems such as pre-eclampsia or growth restriction.

Anatomy Scan: This is a detailed ultrasound that is usually performed around 20 weeks of pregnancy. It allows doctors to get a good look at all of the baby’s organs and systems to check for any abnormalities.

Fetal Echocardiogram: This is a special ultrasound that assesses the structure and function of the heart. It is usually done if there is a concern about the baby’s heart based on findings from another ultrasound.

Amniocentesis: This is a procedure in which a needle is used to take a small sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. The fluid can be tested for genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): This is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the placenta. The tissue can be tested for genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.

Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS): This is a procedure in which blood is taken from the umbilical cord using a needle. The blood can be tested for genetic abnormalities, such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia. Also, Read: Importance of Partner Support During Pregnancy

When to Have your First Scan

If you’re a first time mom, you’re probably wondering when the best time to have your first scan is. The answer is that it depends on your individual circumstances. If you’re high risk, your doctor may want to do an early scan at around 6-8 weeks. Otherwise, your first scan will likely be at around 12 weeks. This is when you’ll have your dating scan, which will give you a more accurate due date.

The Different Types of Pregnancy Scans

As a first time mom, you may be wondering what types of pregnancy scans are available, and which ones you will need to have. Here is a guide to the different types of scans that are available during pregnancy.

Anomaly Scan: This scan is also known as the 20-week scan or the fetal anomaly scan. It is usually done between 18 and 21 weeks of pregnancy. This scan is used to check for any physical abnormalities in the baby.

Growth Scan: A growth scan is usually done between 28 and 40 weeks of pregnancy. This scan is used to check the size of the baby and to make sure that the baby is growing at a healthy rate.

Doppler Scan: A Doppler scan can be done at any point during pregnancy. This scan uses sound waves to measure the blood flow in the baby’s umbilical cord. This information can be used to check for any problems with the baby’s heart rate or blood flow.

3D/4D Scan: A 3D/4D scan can be done from 24 weeks onwards. This type of scan gives you a three-dimensional image of your baby, or a four-dimensional image that includes

How Often Should you Have a Scan?

As a first time mom, you may be wondering how often you should have a scan during your pregnancy. The answer to this question will depend on your individual situation and what your healthcare provider recommends. In general, however, you can expect to have at least one ultrasound scan during your pregnancy. This scan will be performed around week 20 and will help to assess the health of your baby and determine the due date. You may also have additional scans if there are any concerns about your pregnancy or if you are considered high risk. Also, Read: Explainer: What Not to Eat During Pregnancy

There are a few different types of scans that you may have during your pregnancy, and it can be confusing to know which one is which. This guide will help you understand the different types of scans so that you can be prepared for your next appointment. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your doctor or midwife. They will be able to give you more information and help you make the best decision for your pregnancy.

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