The main scan routinely offered during pregnancy is the morphology ultrasound, which is typically performed between 18 to 22 weeks.
Understanding Pregnancy Ultrasounds
Ultrasound scans are a common part of prenatal care. They use sound waves to create images of the baby inside the womb. This allows healthcare providers to monitor the baby's health and growth. Here's a closer look at the main scan:
Morphology Ultrasound
- Timing: This scan is usually done between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy.
- Purpose:
- It checks the baby's anatomy in detail.
- It identifies any potential structural abnormalities.
- It confirms the baby's age and estimated due date.
- It examines the position of the placenta and amniotic fluid levels.
Other Scans
While the morphology scan is considered the main one, there might be other ultrasounds offered during pregnancy, such as:
- Early Pregnancy Scan: This scan may be done early in pregnancy to confirm the pregnancy, check for viability, and determine the number of babies.
- Growth Scans: These scans are sometimes done later in pregnancy to monitor the baby's growth and well-being.
Is it compulsory?
- No, ultrasound scans are not compulsory. It is always your choice whether to have one.
Table of Common Pregnancy Scans
| Scan Type | Typical Timing | Main Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Early Pregnancy Scan | Early weeks | Confirm pregnancy, viability, number of babies |
| Morphology Scan | 18 - 22 weeks | Detailed anatomy check, detect abnormalities, confirm date |
| Growth Scan | Later in pregnancy | Monitor baby's growth and well-being |
