Ultrasounds During Pregnancy: Your Complete Guide at Guadalentín Hospital
Pregnancy is one of the most exciting stages in the life of any expectant mother. It’s a time filled with expectations, questions, and emotions, and one of the most important tools for monitoring the well-being of both the baby and the mother is the ultrasound.
At Guadalentín Hospital, we are committed to providing you with the best care and personalized attention to ensure that this experience is both safe and pleasant for both the mother and the fetus.
An ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the baby in the womb. It is a non-invasive, painless, and completely safe procedure for both the mother and the baby. Thanks to this technology, we can observe the baby’s development, check its health status, and detect any potential complications early on.
Types of Ultrasounds and Their Benefits
At Guadalentín Hospital, your hospital in Murcia, we offer various types of ultrasounds during the different phases of pregnancy. Each one serves a specific purpose and is recommended at key moments of the baby’s development:
1. Pregnancy Confirmation Ultrasound (6-8 weeks)
This is the first ultrasound performed to confirm that the pregnancy is viable and to detect the baby’s heartbeat. It is also used to determine the number of embryos and the location of the gestational sac, ensuring it’s not an ectopic pregnancy.
2. First Trimester Ultrasound (11-14 weeks)
Known as the nuchal translucency ultrasound, this test measures the fold at the back of the baby’s neck to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. It also allows us to check the baby’s proper growth and the correct formation of its organs.
3. Morphology or Second Trimester Ultrasound (18-22 weeks)
This is one of the most important ultrasounds as it allows for a detailed examination of the baby’s anatomy. At this stage, vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and brain are evaluated, and the baby’s gender can also be revealed if the parents wish.
4. Growth or Third Trimester Ultrasound (28-32 weeks)
As the pregnancy progresses, this ultrasound is done to monitor the baby’s growth, its position in the womb, and the state of the placenta. It is essential for detecting possible complications such as growth delays or excess amniotic fluid.
6-Week Pregnancy Ultrasound
The ultrasound at six weeks of pregnancy is one of the most exciting and crucial moments for future parents, as it is the first time they can visualize the early stages of pregnancy. At this stage, although the embryo is still very small, the ultrasound can provide key information about the pregnancy.
The six-week ultrasound is usually performed transvaginally. This type of ultrasound is more accurate for visualizing very small structures within the uterus. A small transducer is inserted into the vagina, which allows for clearer and more detailed images than an abdominal ultrasound, especially in the early stages.
A transvaginal ultrasound is the most effective method to detect an ectopic pregnancy at six weeks.
First Pregnancy Ultrasound
In general, the first ultrasound is done between the 6th and 8th week of pregnancy, although in some cases, it may be performed later, up to the 12th week. The specific timing for the ultrasound may vary based on the doctor’s recommendation, the mother’s medical history, and the need to confirm the pregnancy or rule out potential complications.
20-Week Pregnancy Ultrasound
The 20-week ultrasound is typically an abdominal ultrasound, where the doctor applies a conductive gel on the mother’s abdomen and uses a transducer to obtain detailed images of the baby. This exam is painless and lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the baby’s position and the clarity of the images obtained.
The 20-week ultrasound is one of the most important in pregnancy as it allows for a detailed evaluation of the baby’s health and development.
5D Ultrasound at 15 Weeks of Pregnancy
The 5D ultrasound is an advanced version of traditional ultrasounds that provides real-time images with more detailed and realistic quality of the baby in the womb. At 15 weeks of pregnancy, this technology allows for a clearer and more emotional view of the fetus’s development for the parents.
Although most 5D ultrasounds are performed between 24 and 32 weeks, interesting images can still be obtained at 15 weeks. In a 5D ultrasound, you can observe the baby’s shape, movements, gender, heartbeat, and the formation of its bones and limbs.
Doppler Ultrasounds in Pregnancy
A Doppler ultrasound is used during pregnancy if any abnormalities are suspected concerning blood circulation between the pregnant woman and the unborn baby. It can also assess the baby’s blood circulation and ensure that everything is functioning correctly.
How Many Ultrasounds Are Done During Pregnancy?
Ultrasounds help doctors and future parents track the favorable progression of the pregnancy. If everything proceeds normally, an ultrasound is typically done once per trimester:
- One around week 6-8.
- Another at week 20.
- And the last one between weeks 32 and 36.
However, parents are free to request an ultrasound at any time to feel closer to their future child.
Is It Harmful to Have Many Ultrasounds During Pregnancy?
Despite what one might think, ultrasounds have evolved in recent years, improving the quality and clarity of the images. The ultrasounds used do not harm the fetus, so it is not harmful to have multiple ultrasounds during pregnancy.
Why Choose Guadalentín Hospital for Your Ultrasounds?
Guadalentín Hospital is equipped with cutting-edge radiodiagnosis technology, being a pioneer in the region and guaranteeing excellent ultrasound services in Murcia. Additionally, we have top-level specialists in gynecology and obstetrics who prioritize the well-being of both pregnant women and their future babies.
You can schedule an ultrasound appointment in Murcia by calling 868 682 900 or by requesting an appointment via email.
Benefits of Ultrasounds at Guadalentín Hospital
- Personalized and close care from our professionals.
- A wide range of appointment times to suit your schedule.
- Multilingual staff to make you feel right at home.
- The latest ultrasound technology for clear and precise results.
At Guadalentín Hospital, we are here to support you during all the phases of your pregnancy, ensuring that both you and your baby receive the best care possible.
