An 18 Week Ultrasound At 18 Weeks Pregnancy

Your due date is determined by a calculation which uses your last period. Your physician will use this to determine what tests you should have at what times frames. For example when you are 18 weeks pregnant you should have an 18 week ultrasound.

Wondering how big your baby will be at 18 weeks? He or she will weight just about 6 ounces and measure 5 to 6 inches long. In other words about the size of a can of vegetables. The ultrasound will clearly show this.

Your baby is also developed enough so that signs of birth defects will be noticeable on the scan. Ultrasound is an excellent way to determine abnormalities which allow you plan ahead for intervention that may be required after the birth.

By this age your baby is developing the myelin along the nerves and will continue to produce this until the end of your pregnancy. By now your baby's sex should be able to be determined if your baby happens to face the right way for the ultrasound.

Your ultrasound will be ordered to confirm age, look for birth defects, ensure your baby is growing properly, and check where the umbilical cord and placenta are located. It's a great idea to bring along your husband or partner so they can have a look at their child.

As mentioned earlier this is a time that your baby's sex can be determined. It's up to you to decide whether you want to know your baby's sex in advance or whether you want to be surprised when baby arrives. The ultrasound is pretty accurate but occasionally a mistake can be made.

Chances are you will have regular ultrasounds throughout your pregnancy. The following guide indicates what will can be determined during each trimester.

Trimester 11. Determine the progression of the pregnancy2. Determine whether there is more than one fetus3. Estimate the fetus gestational age4. Determine the risk of a chromosome defects such as those that cause Down syndrome5. Check for spinal cord or brain birth defects.

Trimester 21. Estimate the fetus gestational age2. Check the size of the fetus and its position3. Check the amniotic fluid and placenta4. Umbilical cord blood sampling for amniocentesis5. Detect for major birth defects like heart problems

Trimester 31. Check to make sure the fetus is alive2. Check to make sure the fetus is moving properly3. Check the size and the position of the baby4. Check the placenta and amniotic fluid

An ultrasound is a very safe test. There is no radiation and to date no studies have found any reason to believe that the sound waves are detrimental to the baby. That said you should only have ultrasounds done that are for medical reasons and they should never be conducted in excess.

2D ultrasounds are very common and 3D are being used more frequently then ever. However 4D is the newest technology and it actually presents a moving image which is extremely useful and fascinating to watch.

Your 18 week ultrasound is just the beginning of a fascinating journey.

About The Author:
Yong has been working for a leading ultrasound manufacturer for last 8 years. At At http://www.ultrasoundlive.com he has provide information about different types of utlrassound equipments. Visit the website to get more information about ultrasound equipment and accessories.

Tags:

Rating:

Comments

Your Name:
Email Address:
Title:	An 18 Week Ultrasound At 18 Weeks Pregnancy
Author:	Yong Moma
Message about this article:

Main Menu

An 18 Week Ultrasound At 18 Weeks Pregnancy