Brilio.net - A woman's pregnancy process must receive intensive care. As a prospective mother, you need to ensure that the fetus you are carrying grows and develops well. Regular check-ups with an obstetrician are one way to monitor the health of the mother and baby during pregnancy.
One of the important examinations to be done during pregnancy is Ultrasonography (USG). Ultrasonography allows doctors and prospective parents to see the development of the fetus in the womb. Through ultrasound, you can find out various important information such as gestational age, fetal position, baby's heartbeat, and even the baby's gender if it can be seen.
As prospective parents, you really have to learn how to read ultrasound results correctly and without mistakes. By understanding how to read ultrasound results, you can be more active in monitoring your little one's development and discussing with your doctor about your pregnancy condition. Summarized by brilio.net from various sources, Thursday (8/29), let's learn more about ultrasound and how to read the results!
What is an ultrasound?
photo: freepik.com
USG or Ultrasonography is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the body's internal structures. In the context of pregnancy, USG is used to visualize the fetus in the womb. The USG device consists of a transducer that emits sound waves and a computer that processes the reflected waves into images that can be viewed on a monitor screen.
Ultrasound tests during pregnancy are performed for various purposes, including confirming the presence of the fetus, determining gestational age, checking the development of fetal organs, detecting possible abnormalities, and estimating the baby's sex. Ultrasound can also help doctors assess the position of the placenta and the volume of amniotic fluid.
Ultrasound examinations are generally safe and painless. The doctor will apply a special gel to the abdominal area to facilitate the movement of the transducer and produce clearer images. During the ultrasound, you will be able to see an image of your baby on the monitor screen and get an explanation from the doctor about the progress of your pregnancy.
How to read ultrasound results
photo: freepik.com
Here are the detailed steps for reading ultrasound results:
1. Identify basic information
- Pay attention to the patient's name, date of examination, and the name of the doctor who performed the ultrasound.
- Check the gestational age listed on the ultrasound results and compare it with your calculations.
2. Understand image orientation
- Ultrasound images are usually displayed in black and white or grayscale.
- Dark areas indicate fluid, while light areas indicate solid tissue.
3. Identify the main structure
- Look for an oval or circle shape that indicates the baby's head.
- Note the spine which is usually visible as a curved white line.
- Identify the baby's body, arms and legs.
4. Check the size and measurements
- Pay attention to the Crown-Rump Length (CRL) measurement for the first trimester of pregnancy.
- In the second and third trimester, pay attention to the measurements of Biparietal Diameter (BPD), head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length.
5. Check the fetal heartbeat
- Normal fetal heartbeat ranges between 120-160 beats per minute.
- Pay attention to the numbers listed on the ultrasound results or ask your doctor.
6. Pay attention to the position of the placenta
- The position of the placenta is important to know, especially before labor.
- Placenta that covers the birth canal (placenta previa) requires special attention.
7. Check the volume of amniotic fluid
- A normal amount of amniotic fluid is important for fetal development.
- The doctor will measure the amniotic fluid index and include it in the ultrasound results.
8. Pay attention to additional notes
- Read carefully any notes or comments written by the doctor.
- Don't hesitate to ask if there is something you don't understand.
9. Compare with previous ultrasound results
- If this is not your first ultrasound, compare it with previous results to see how the fetus is developing.
10. Discuss with your doctor
- Ask your doctor if there is anything confusing or requires further explanation.
- Doctors are a trusted source of information to accurately interpret ultrasound results.
Reading ultrasound tests other than pregnancy
photo: freepik.com
Although ultrasound is often associated with pregnancy tests, this imaging technique is also used for a variety of other medical purposes. Ultrasound can help doctors diagnose various health conditions in the body's internal organs. For example, ultrasound can be used to check the condition of the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, and other organs.
In the case of a non-pregnancy ultrasound, the principle of reading the results is similar. You need to pay attention to basic information such as the patient's name, the date of the examination, and the doctor's name. Then, identify the organs being examined and pay attention to the doctor's notes or comments. It is important to remember that the interpretation of non-pregnancy ultrasound results should be done by an experienced medical professional.
If you are having an ultrasound for a reason other than pregnancy, don't hesitate to ask your doctor about what the results show. They can explain important findings and recommend follow-up if needed. Having a good understanding of your ultrasound results can help you make decisions about your health and the medical care you may need.
By understanding how to read ultrasound results, you can be more active in maintaining your health or monitoring the development of your little one if you are pregnant. Remember that ultrasound is only one tool in medical diagnosis, and accurate interpretation of results should always be done by a competent health professional. Always maintain good communication with your doctor to ensure optimal health for you and your little one!