1. Is ultrasound safe during pregnancy?
ANS: The simple answer is yes, but of course, it has to be used diligently on a case-to-case basis There is epidemiological evidence to date that, there is no association between diagnostic ultrasound exposure in utero and childhood malignancies, dyslexia, speech development, etc.
2) What is color doppler?
ANS: Color doppler adds information about the amount & direction of blood flow to an organ, system, or fetus. thus assisting us in better evaluation of conditions like venous & arterial blockages, fetal growth restrictions & evaluation of various tumors.
3) What are 3D and 4D ultrasounds?
ANS: The ability to display information in 3D is a big advancement in the field of ultrasound. 4D USG is the addition of "motion" to3D technology. with the help of 3D and 4D usg we now have the ability to examine the fetal abnormalities in great detail. We can also plan corrective surgeries for abnormalities like cleft lip and palate even before the baby is born. 3D and 4D technology with color doppler help us in the evaluation of fetal heart, patients of infertility, and a host of other medical conditions.
4) How many ultrasounds are required during pregnancy?
ANS: Normal healthy pregnancy will generally require at least five ultrasounds.
VIABILITY SCAN: This is done to confirm the site & viability of the fetus.
FIRST TRIMESTER GENETIC NT/NB SONOGRAM is done between 11_13-i- 6 weeks. In combination with biochemical markers (blood levels of FREE BETA HCG and PAPP_A), This ultrasound is critical for the evaluation of genetic /chromosomal abnormalities like Down's Syndrome.
ANOMALY SCAN/LEVEL II SCAN is done in the fifth month for the evaluation of various anomalies GROWTH SCAN is done between the seventh to eighth month of pregnancy.
The last ultrasound scan in the ninth month helps the obstetrician to plan the delivery.
Ultrasound & color dopplers are however tailored to the need of an individual patient by the treating obstetrician.
5) Does a normal ultrasound exclude all the congenital abnormalities in the baby?
ANS: Immense progress has been made in terms of equipment, knowledge, and operator skill. Minor structural abnormalities especially of the limbs, heart, and chromosomal abnormalities may not be detected on a single scan. A combination of biochemical markers (blood tests) and targeted scans to exclude anomalies increase the detection rate of abnormalities
6) What is fetal echocardiography?
ANS: It is a detailed evaluation of the baby's heart, generally done around the fifth month of pregnancy to exclude major congenital abnormalities of the heart.
7) What is mammography?
ANS: It is a form of soft tissue X-Ray performed to assess a palpable lump in the breast or is used as a tool for screening women at risk of breast cancer.
8) What is the advantage of digital X-Rays?
ANS: The digital X-ray is obtained on a conventional machine, but the images are stored in a digital format These images can then be processed later to obtain a large amount of information Digital imaging also cuts down on the radiation dose to the patient High-resolution cameras provide resolution up to 20 pixels and further improve the quality of images
9) What preparations are needed for an ultrasound scan?
Fasting for 2-4 hrs for abdominal scans is preferred. A full bladder is needed for kidney, prostate scans in males, and pelvic scans in females. Most pregnancy scans hardly need any preparation.
10) What is Amniocentesis?
Performed after 15-16 weeks of pregnancy. Amniocentesis involves the removal of small quantities of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus for the purpose of Diagnosing chromosomal abnormalities. It may be needed to be performed if the ultrasound, the first trimester combined tests, or other tests like triple or quadruple marker show increased risk of Genetic/chromosomal abnormalities or structural defects in the fetus.
It is usually a very safe procedure but may carry a risk of less than 1:500 for procedure-related pregnancy loss . No anesthesia is required and patients can usually go home in about 30-60 minutes post-procedure. Results for FISH/QfPCR for common problems take 3-4 working days while a karyotype (Complet map of 23 human chromosomes )may take 2-3 weeks.
11) Chorion Villous Sampling
This is performed earlier in pregnancy (10-13 weeks ) for similar indications as Amniocentesis. It involves the removal of small Placental tissue bits, usually under local anesthesia. Apart from the reasons mentioned for amniocentesis, CVS may be needed for earlier Diagnosis of inherited disorders like Thalassemia, Muscular dystrophies, etc. Results, turnaround around times expected are similar to amniocentesis. The pregnancy loss rates are slightly higher in amniocentesis, however, all these procedures are very safe in experienced hands.
