Pregnancy is an exciting, but stressful, time for a couple. It’s a time of hope and love, but it’s also a time of anxiety and worry. The biggest concern that couples have is how their baby is doing inside the womb. For this reason, pregnant women have been getting ultrasounds to get an image of their baby while they’re still in the womb.
How many ultrasounds are done during pregnancy? Are there any risks to getting too many ultrasounds? In this article, we answer these questions and more.
Ultrasounds Explained
Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technology that uses sound waves to create images of internal organs. These high-frequency sound waves create images of the inside of the body that can be used for diagnostic purposes. Ultrasound technology is used for many different situations, but one of the most common uses is to create an image of a developing fetus inside a mother’s womb.
There are different types of ultrasounds. Traditionally, ultrasound scans were two-dimensional and only produced a flat image at various angles. However, there are also 3D ultrasounds that give a three dimensional picture, and 4D ultrasounds that allow the doctor to see how the baby is moving inside the womb.
How Many Ultrasounds Do You Get During Pregnancy?
Most women only need to get two ultrasounds during pregnancy: one at 11-14 weeks to determine gestational age, and another at 18-20 weeks to see how the baby’s anatomy is developing and to determine the biological sex of the baby.
At 11-14 weeks, the aim is to figure out whether or not the baby is healthy. The doctor checks for a heartbeat, signs of ectopic pregnancy, and looks for early signs of genetic disorders.
At 18-20 weeks, the aim is to see how well the baby is developing in the womb. The doctor will look for heart development, organ development, limbs, and of course the genitals to see what sex the baby is. The doctor will also look for signs that a C-section may be required at birth, such as whether or not the placenta is blocking the cervix.
Some parents would prefer the sex of their baby to be a surprise. If you do not want to know the sex of your baby before birth, let your doctor know.
Are There Risks Of Getting Too Many Ultrasounds?
But how many ultrasounds are safe during pregnancy? Currently, there are no known risks of getting ultrasounds. Ultrasounds, unlike X-rays and other forms of diagnostic imaging, do not use radiation. For this reason, medical experts don’t see any risks associated with the imaging technology itself.
Ultrasounds, however, do have a cost associated with them. Most pregnancies only need the two standard ultrasounds, but if you or your baby is at risk of complications, your doctor may have you get weekly ultrasounds for your health and the baby’s health.
Get a 3D Ultrasound in Atlanta
No matter where you are during your pregnancy, it’s understandable that you want to see what your baby is doing in the womb. At Baby Dimensions, we offer ultrasounds at all stages of pregnancy. Our team has the expertise to show you everything that you might want to see. Book an appointment with us today: 3D Ultrasound Atlanta
