Routine Investigation during the First trimester of pregnancy contributes to maternity care. The Routine Tests During Pregnancy especially those performed at initial stages of pregnancy, ensure a healthier pregnancy.
In this part of A to Z Guide to pregnancy, we will discuss appropriate testing in the First Trimester of pregnancy.
First Ultrasound During Pregnancy: What to expect?
We’ll guide you through how the Test During Pregnancy are performed, what they interpret and Risk if any associated with them.
Standard investigations are recommended for a pregnant woman to rule out any risk if any and to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Ultrasound examination
It can be either Transabdominal ( TAS) or Transvaginal ( TVS ). USG used to identify many conditions that would be harmful to the mother and the baby.
Why is Ultrasound Performed?
Obstetric ultrasound is primarily used to rule out any abnormality like hydrocoele, Ectopic or Tubular pregnancy.
- Date of the pregnancy (gestational age)
- Confirm fetal viability
- Check for fetal movement and heartbeat.
- Determine the location of the fetus.
- Check the location of the placenta in relation to the cervix
- Check for the number of fetuses.
- Check for major physical abnormalities.
Interpretation of Ultrasound (USG) at first trimester
- Transvaginal USG is performed to determine the gestational age of a fetus. CRL in USG shows fetal age between 7- 12 weeks
- Embryonic movements are seen at 7 weeks
- Fetal cardiac activity is seen at 10 week
In the first trimester, a standard ultrasound examination typically includes:
- Gestational sac size, location, and number
- Identification of the embryo and/or yolk sac
- Measurement of fetal length (known as the crown-rump length)
- Fetal number, including the number of amniotic sacs and chorionic sacs for multiple gestations
- Embryonic/fetal cardiac activity
- Assessment of embryonic/fetal anatomy appropriate for the first trimester
- Evaluation of the maternal uterus, tubes, ovaries, and surrounding structures
- Evaluation of the fetal nuchal fold, with consideration of fetal nuchal translucency assessment
How it’s done?
Done when your bladder is full and on empty stomach. You can have some tea or biscuits if you feel dizziness.
When it’s done?
Done on the very first visit of prenatal care.
Risk: Ultrasound is a non-invasive and very low risk.
Reference:
- ncbi.nlm .nih. gov/books/NBK51886/
- vitamedmdrx . com/resources/articles/archive/pregnancy/the-first-trimester-ultrasound
- ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/books/NBK409108/
- D.C Dutta textbook of obstetrics.
Disclosure: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger.
DISCLAIMER: The content in this post is purely meant for educational purpose only and not to be substituted for professional medical advice. One should consult the expert for any related information.
