Ultrasound during pregnancy

Ultrasound during pregnancy

For most women today, it's difficult to imagine gynecological examinations or prenatal care without ultrasound scans, but the truth is that this "invention" only came into existence in the mid-1950s.

In today's article, we will explore how ultrasound works, its types, what it examines, and whether there are any risks for the mother and the baby during its use.

Application of ultrasound in gynecology, obstetrics, and prenatal medicine

Ultrasound diagnostics can be widely used in the field of maternal and fetal health examination both before and during pregnancy.

Ultrasound can be used for:

  • Examination of the uterus and ovaries, including checking for the presence and development of ovarian follicles to determine ovulation (folliculometry).
  • Confirmation of pregnancy, with the possibility of very early detection of pregnancy.
  • Determining whether the pregnancy is single or multiple.
  • Monitoring the growth and development of the baby in the mother's womb, including all vital organs and systems.
  • Checking the baby's heart activity, muscle tone, as well as the blood flow in uterine and other arterial and venous vessels.
  • Screening for congenital defects and anomalies.
  • Assisting in other prenatal tests, such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis.
  • In addition to traditional ultrasound,

In addition to traditional ultrasound top clinics in Switzerland offer various other examinations, such as organ screening, nuchal translucency measurement, Doppler sonography, or 3-D ultrasound.

Pregnancy monitoring and childbirth in Switzerland First trimester (12-14 weeks)

First trimester (12-14 weeks)

Ultrasound during the first trimester, between the 12th and 14th weeks of pregnancy, is used to confirm the normal progression of pregnancy. Specifically, it checks the baby's heartbeat and body shape. It also determines whether multiple births are expected. Based on special measurements, such as crown-rump length, the expected due date is verified and finalized. Initial signs of developmental abnormalities can be recognized. An increase in nuchal fold thickness may indicate a chromosomal disorder. Additional examinations are then scheduled only with the consent of the future parents.

Second trimester (20-23 weeks)

On the 30-32nd week of pregnancy

a third ultrasound can be performed. This examination assesses the baby's development (weight), position, placental location, and the amount of amniotic fluid. All organs have grown even larger at this point, and in some cases, they can be seen more clearly. If any abnormalities are detected during any of the examinations, further diagnostic methods or monitoring may be initiated.

Second trimester (20-23 weeks)

On the 30-32nd week of pregnancy, a third ultrasound can be performed. This examination assesses the baby's development (weight), position, placental location, and the amount of amniotic fluid. All organs have grown even larger at this point, and in some cases, they can be seen more clearly. If any abnormalities are detected during any of the examinations, further diagnostic methods or monitoring may be initiated.

Can ultrasound harm the baby?

Ultrasound examination is a safe and painless procedure, with no increased risk of miscarriage or harm to your baby. The sound waves used have very low frequency and will not harm either you or your baby, and your baby cannot hear them.