What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a high-frequency sound wave greater than 20,000 Hz. In medicine, the principle of examination using high-frequency sound waves or Ultrasonography is to send high-frequency sound waves from the probe (Transducer). The sound waves will hit various tissues, which have different abilities to transmit and reflect back. The probe receives the reflected sound wave signals at different levels, indicating the density and depth level of the tissue. It then processes the received signals and creates an image.
Benefits of Ultrasound Examination During Pregnancy
Ultrasound examination during pregnancy is useful for detecting abnormalities in the structure of the fetus and main structures, including the placenta, umbilical cord, amniotic fluid, skull, brain tissue, arms, legs, chest cavity, lung tissue, heart, atrial walls, and major internal organs in the abdominal cavity. Measuring the size of the fetus through ultrasound also helps confirm gestational age and determine the delivery date in cases where the mother cannot recall her last menstrual period or has irregular periods. This is very beneficial for care during the late pregnancy period and helps prevent post-term pregnancy, which may adversely affect the health of the fetus.
Additionally, ultrasound allows the mother to see images of the baby moving in the womb, fostering love and bonding even before birth (Maternal-fetal Bonding). Many European countries have policies recommending that all pregnant women undergo at least one ultrasound examination during the mid-pregnancy period to screen whether the fetus is within normal parameters (Mid-trimester Screening).
However, ultrasound examination has limitations. Some abnormalities cannot be diagnosed, especially those involving very small organs, certain types of congenital heart defects, or the function of various organs.
