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Ultrasound Gestation Period Calculator
Weeks after the 1st day of the last menstrual period is called gestational age. After 5 to 6 weeks of the last menstrual period, the fetus can be measured by ultrasound. The ultrasound gestation period is a very accurate process to measure the baby in early pregnancy. For this purpose, we use an ultrasound gestation period calculator. However, the most preferred period to know the gestational age is the 10-18th week after pregnancy. Ultrasound is the best and accurate way to determine the gestational age. The age of the baby is always measured from the 1st day of the last menstrual period since the exact conception date is never known.
Gestation Period
The time of pregnancy is called the gestation period. 39-42 weeks is the most common time when a baby is born. If any baby is born after 42 weeks, it is called a postmature baby and if the baby is born before 37 weeks then it is called a premature baby. The gestation period is a very good time to know the status of pregnancy as knowing the fetus’s development age is very essential.
The ultrasound gestation period is always performed by doctors to know the gestation age and the status of the baby. Ultrasound is the most effective way to determine gestation age. Week 5 to week 10 is called embryonic period, week 10 to the birth of the baby is called, fetal period.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is very important in the time of pregnancy. An ultrasound exam is performed to know the gestation period using a sound wave of high-frequency. Ultrasound captures the picture of the baby by scanning the pelvic cavity and the women’s abdomen. The ultrasound gestation period is very accurate to know the status of the baby.
Different types of ultrasound exams are performed in the time of pregnancy, some of the exams are,
Standard Ultrasound Exam
The most common and used ultrasound exam, that generates developing fetus images in 2-D. This exam is performed by scanning the abdomen using a transducer. The price of this ultrasound exam is low compared to other exams.
Advanced Ultrasound Exam
As the name suggests this type of ultrasound exam is an upgraded version of the standard ultrasound. But advanced ultrasound exam is performed to detect any issues or problem with better pieces of equipment.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
In the early stages of pregnancy, this type of exam is performed. This exam performs by producing sonogram images inside of the vagina with the help of specially designed probe transducers.
3-D Ultrasound
This process is almost similar to standard and advanced exams. But the picture of developing fetus is much clearer by producing 3-D images. Specially designed probes are used to develop these images. The more the image is clearer, the more the issues or status of the fetus can be observed.
Doppler Ultrasound
Doppler ultrasound is used to capture slight moving changes in the ultrasound waves frequency. Slight changes in the blood cells or other things are captured by the Doppler ultrasound.
Fetal Echocardiography
This ultrasound exam is very different from others as this exam is performed to know the status of the baby’s heart. To know the status of the heart of a baby such as anatomy of the heart or if the functions are working properly is measured by ultrasound waves.
4-D Ultrasound
Almost like the 3-D ultrasound, this exam is performed with better-designed scanners to produce better images. But this exam is used to observe the status of the baby’s face and movements.
Method of Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a process to know the pregnancy status of women in many stages. Commonly it is performed by using a sound wave along with placing gel to the abdomen. Mostly the sound waves are produced by a transducer. Ultrasound produces black and white images using sound waves to bounce off particles such as tissue, bone, blood cell.
Ultrasound is mostly performed during the time of pregnancy at any time. Some of the ultrasound procedures are performed in an early stage of pregnancy to detect and diagnose any issues, like molar pregnancy can be diagnosed by performing transvaginal scans. Ultrasound exams are not limited, someone might need many ultrasound exams in her pregnancy and healthy pregnancy might need none.
Ultrasound is used to determine any problems during the pregnancy period. Commonly some other tests are done along with ultrasound such as triple tests, chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis to diagnose any detected problem during pregnancy.
Reasons for Ultrasound
Ultrasound is used to ensure the safety of the baby and mother. Ultrasound is mostly used to detect any issues during pregnancy. Ultrasounds are often used for non-medical reasons which are not liked by health experts, Tho ultrasounds are harmless for both baby and mother. Such as, ultrasound images are produced to determine the sex of the baby.
Reasons for ultrasounds during trimesters of pregnancy
Reasons for ultrasounds during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (1st trimester) are:
- To determine any abnormality in the fetus
- To check for any heart issues related to the fetus
- To examine cervix, ovaries, placenta, and uterus
- To diagnose miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
- To check for multiple pregnancies
- And to determine the due date and gestational age
Reasons for ultrasounds during the 12-24 weeks (2nd trimester) and 24-40 or till birth (3rd trimester)
- To confirm multiple pregnancies
- To check for symptoms of “Down syndrome”
- To check for other issues such as placental abruption and placenta previa
- Sex of the baby
- Growth and position monitoring of the fetus
- Birth abnormalities or defects are also known as congenital abnormalities
- Amniotic acid monitor
- Blood flow abnormalities or shape issues of the fetus
- Check the oxygen intake of baby
- To determine intrauterine death
- Measurement of the length of the cervix
- Check for any pregnancy tumors
- To help other tests such as amniocentesis
Ultrasounds are not harmful to the mother or baby. The ultrasound gestation period is common for most of the mother but repeating ultrasound without a medical reason is not recommended by health professionals.
Conclusion
Ultrasound in the gestation period is very important for both the safety of the mother and child. ultrasound may be performed at different times depending on the health of the pregnancy. An ultrasound gestation period calculator can help in tracking your pregnancy health.