You’re pregnant and would like to know more about what an ultrasound scan is really all about? Sound waves are used to create the ultrasound image. This ultrasonic sound waves are sent through the body, which are then reflected back and converted into an image that is visible on a screen.Ultrasound has revolutionised the care of women during pregnancy and is currently considered to be a safe, non-invasive, accurate and cost-effective investigation of the foetus. It was introduced in the 1950s and has progressively developed into an indispensible obstetric tool, playing an important role in the care of pregnant woman.

Modern obstetric medicine (for guiding pregnancy and childbirth) relies heavily on ultrasound to provide detailed images of the foetus. As it does not use radiation, being the most beneficial feature of ultrasound, it is safe for both the foetus and the mother.

When will I have my first ultrasound, and what are they looking for?

The first ultrasound scan, often known as the dating scan, is performed between six and fourteen weeks. Most expectant mothers can’t wait for that first ultrasound appointment. Though it is difficult for the patients to differentiate between actual baby on the screen, your sonographer will be able to tell a lot from that first ultrasound and will point out significant parts of the baby. Here are a few of the things they will be looking for especially if there has been some bleeding.
• The heartbeat
•.Whether there is a multiple pregnancy (twins or triplets)
• The expected delivery date
• Foetal abnormalities
• Whether the pregnancy is ectopic (occurring in the fallopian tubes instead of the abdomen)

Subsequent Ultrasounds are used to monitor Baby’s development:
• Growth of the baby
• Amniotic fluid
• Baby’s position
• Imaging the limbs to include hands and feet
• proper formation by checking spinal column
• Presence of heart, stomach, bladder and kidneys are determined by imaging
• Defects such as cleft palate, spina bifida (a gap in the spine), or malformations of the urinary tract can be ruled out
• Placenta and umbilical cord (whether a caesarean delivery is necessary when the placenta is blocking the exit from the uterus)

Before choosing a clinic for attending a pregnancy ultrasound scan in Dublin, Ireland or anywhere else, it’s important to keep the following in mind :

• Appointments should not take much time
• Sonographer should be a qualified person
• High diagnostic accuracy
• Response of clinical findings should be fast
• Location of the clinic should be convenient and comfortable
• Safe – No Radiation
• The clinic should be open during evenings and 7 days a week for your flexibility.