An ultrasound is a primary method of fetal imaging or screening device used during pregnancy and is now considered a routine by obstetricians for pregnant women. Generating an image to view the fetus in the uterus, ultrasounds come in different stages.
In early pregnancy, women will undergo a transvaginal ultrasound to view the early developing fetus, to monitor your baby's heartbeat and to check if it is growing right where it should be in the uterus. The next required ultrasound is the congenital scan to ensure that your baby is developing normally. Other ultrasounds include the 3-D and 4-D to generate actual images of the fetus using specially designed scanners to view the face and movements of the baby. Some mothers ask their doctor to film the baby's actual movement for keeps.
It's really good for pregnant women to listen to their doctor when he prescribes an ultrasound procedure; it helps a lot in ensuring that the baby is developing normally and well. Ultrasound benefits include (1) it can confirm pregnancy early, (2) the doctor can be guided, judging by the fetus's heartbeat, regarding its condition, (3) multiple pregnancies can be detected early, so the mother can take proper care of herself and the babies', (4) the birth date of the baby can be determined, (5) the baby's gender, whether boy or girl, can be checked, so parents can start thinking of a name sooner, (6) the growth and development of the fetal organs can be inspected, (7) fetal position can be verified, (8) to make sure that the placenta isn't blocking the birth canal, (9) abnormalities, if any, can be detected, and (10) it helps assure the mother of a smoother and safer pregnancy.
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