MRI FETAL

Overview of Fetal Ultrasound

Fetal Ultrasound is a safe imaging technique that is usually used during pregnancy to provide images of the developing fetus in great detail. It uses sound waves that aid in providing images of the fetus in the womb. 

Fetal Ultrasound can be defined as a method that checks on the development of fetuses during pregnancy and the anatomy of babies at a given period of gestation. This technique is devoid of major risk although there are some recommended procedures notably, drinking water prior to testing, this has the effect of enlarging the bladder making viewable images more relevant. Typically, there are no changes in how and what is eaten before the procedure. 

What is Fetal Ultrasound? 

During this procedure, a transducer is passed over the body. The transducer will enable the fetus to be visible. Apart from allowing nurses and doctors to see the fetus, a transducer will also create images for display on monitors. 

In addition this transducer will allow nurses and doctors to monitor the condition of the fetus in real time. 

Types of Fetal Ultrasound : 

• Transabdominal Ultrasound: This is the widely used technique moving the transducer over the abdomen and widely used through out the pregnancy. 
• Transvaginal Ultrasound: It entails insertion through the vagina and placing a small transducer to have a more closer view during early pregnancy or when more detailed view is required. 
• Doppler Ultrasound: This is used to evaluate the umbilical cordless increases and transport blood to the fetus and placenta which is used to check whether the heart rate is effective. 
• 3D and 4D Ultrasounds: Used to provide 3 dimensional photographs and videos which are also real time and likely employed when more structural details are required. 

List of Parameters Considered During the Fetal Ultrasound:

• Fetal Heart Rate: Looks at war beat, you have concentration and adequate rhythm steady shot-sweet. 
• Anatomical Structure: These are the ultrasound assessments done on the fetal head specifically the brain, spine and ribs, abdomen, hips, legs and arms and indeed the whole foetal body. 
• Placenta and Amniotic Fluid: The volumetric and structural measurements of the region of interest. 
• Fetal Growth Measurements: Measurement of the head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, as well as estimation of fetal weight. 
• There may be some intra and inter observer variability in these measurements or methods due to the age of gestation and maternal conditions. 

Reasons for Taking a Fetal Ultrasound:

• To witness positive Fetal ultrasound results in a pregnancy. 
• To determine if the fetus is following a normal growth pattern. 
• To rule out the presence of congenital defects or other developmental issues. 
• To check pregnancies that are at high risk of complications. 

When and Who Needs to Take a Fetal MRI? 

• Such ultrasound is deemed to be advisable among pregnant women for use during their regular checkups and is often alined with a certain stage of pregnancy. 
• Additional ultrasounds can be carried out in the especial case of problems during pregnancy especially when the fetus has not developed properly, in case of twins or if the fetus has already shown signs of development issues. 
• It is generalizable across all expectant mothers but especially so in cases of multiple risk factors such as young maternal age or adverse pregnancy history. 

Benefits of Taking the Test

• It provides the detailed and critical information concerning the fetoplacental unit and the necessary aspects of its evolution. 
• It may determine future plans regarding prenatal care and any action that would be required. 
• It gives comfort to parents regarding their child yet to be born. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with Fetal Ultrasound

• Defects of the heart, cleft lip and phenotypical variants such as pyloric stenosis. 
• Placental previa as well as placental abruption. 
• IUGR and abnormalities associated with placentas. 

Preparing for Fetal Ultrasound

1. According to standards, it could be preferable to consume a moderate quantity of fluids to ensure that there is enough urine in the bladder, so as to obtain clearer images of the fetus in the earlier stages of pregnancy. 
2. Ensure that one wears straight cut and fitting clothes that would allow for quick exposure of the abdomen 

Pre-requisites: 

1. There are mostly no strict pre-requisites but in case there are any, respecting such pre-requisites would assist in obtaining good enough images. 

What Is The Optimal Time To Conduct The Fetal Ultrasound?: 

• So normal ultrasounds are done at certain time periods of pregnancy, including the first trimester through a dating scan, the second trimester through anatomy scan, and other scans depending upon the clinical symptoms. 

Who can Avail the Service: 

• For every pregnant woman, the scan can be done as a part of basic antenatal procedures with the exception of those who require high antenatal care. 

How is The Fetal Ultrasound Done: 

• The pregnant woman lies down on the examining table and a gel that is conductive in nature is placed on the belly. 
• A machine that is called a transducer is then moved on the belly that gives sound and takes pictures. 
• The entire process normally takes between twenty to forty-five minutes depending on the type of ultrasound and the particular examinations done in the process. 

What Should Be Done Or Avoided Prior To Taking The Test: 

• Let the technician know of any particular fears or problems faced during the previous pregnancies. 
• If there are any allergies to ultrasound gels or to latex you should let your doctor know about it.