Ultrasonography examinations performed during pregnancy provide findings about the condition of both the fetus (unborn baby) and the expectant mother that are not definitively diagnosed, but can help the physician to monitor. If performed properly, ultrasonography examination during pregnancy does not have a negative effect on the fetus.
Ultrasonography determines whether there is pregnancy or not, the viability of the fetus, the presence of multiple pregnancy, the possibility of ectopic pregnancy, the week of pregnancy, the growth of the fetus and the state of its fluid. The days when birth can occur are determined within certain margins of error. Position of the baby, placenta (baby partner) placement and length of the cervix, number of vessels in the umbilical cord, amount of water in the baby, measurements for growth monitoring (head diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, bone lengths), intracranial structures, facial profile and nasal bone, upper lip integrity, neck thickness (fluid thickness in the neck is measured in the 11-14th week, skin thickness is measured in the following weeks), lungs, diaphragm membrane, heart chambers, large vessels entering and leaving the heart, stomach, intestinal density, kidneys and bladder, spine, arms, legs, hands, feet, long bones are evaluated.
Color Doppler examination of the main arteries that carry blood to the uterus and the blood flow passing through the baby's umbilical cord: This examination evaluates pregnancy blood pressure and blood pressure that may develop in the following weeks. infections transmitted from mother to baby (CMV, rubella, parvovirus infections) in the early stages of pregnancy (especially before the 20th week of gestation), chromosomal disorders in the baby (most commonly trisomy 18, trisomy 13, trisomy 21) and congenital malformations, twin pregnancies and other multiple It can give preliminary insight into situations that may lead to developmental delay, such as pregnancies. However, pregnancy follow-up should not be done only with ultrasonography.
Our chance of detecting chromosomal anomalies with ultrasonography alone is limited. Starting from the 11th week of pregnancy, screening can be done for some chromosomal anomalies and the "probability of finding" the chromosomal disease is estimated. For this, nuchal translucency test, double and quadruple "scanning" tests are used. In recent years, these include tests performed with fetal DNA obtained from maternal blood. (NIPT) was also added. In cases where results are considered risky, chromosome analysis is performed using diagnostic methods such as villus biopsy or amniocentesis. Definitive diagnosis of chromosome anomalies can only be made by CVS (chorion villus sampling) between 11-14 weeks or amniocentesis between 15-22 weeks. Tests such as NIPT and double-quadruple test performed with ultrasonography are only screening tests and are not definitive diagnostic methods. A definitive diagnosis of chromosomal disorders can only be made by performing a chorionic villus biopsy or amniocentesis.
In 2 out of every 100 pregnancies, a congenital abnormality may be found in the fetus. Only 30-50% of these abnormalities that can be seen at birth can be detected by ultrasonography during the 11-13 weeks of pregnancy. In other words, it is not possible to get results for “all” possible abnormalities. 18-23 weeks of pregnancy. Abnormalities that may be present in the fetus can be detected at a slightly higher rate with a detailed ultrasonography examination performed during the 2nd week.
4-Dimensional Ultrasound Results
A problem that was not present in the week when the ultrasound was performed may occur in later periods, or it may exist even though it is present. It may not be seen due to the small size of the fetus. For example, brain function disorders, vision and hearing defects, small holes and valve problems in the heart, gland, skin and nerve diseases, non-imaging pharynx, intestine, kidney and anal obstructions, gender disorders, hip dislocation, non-obvious bone shortness, Some finger-foot abnormalities, some chromosomal disorders and many rare genetic diseases cannot be detected during scans and cannot be diagnosed early.
In these scans, from time to time (approximately), a problem that does not actually exist may appear to exist and may cause unreasonable concern. . To resolve concerns, other laboratory tests may be requested and samples may be taken from the fetus and its appendages (amniocentesis...). These interventions may cause additional costs and even a low rate of pregnancy loss (1%).
Perinatology specialists (Gynecologists who are sub-branch specialists in High Risk Pregnancies) or experienced radiologists who are intensively interested in this subject. This ultrasound examination is level 2 ultrasonography, Detail It is known by different names such as fetal ultrasound, detailed ultrasound, detailed fetal ultrasound, color ultrasound, color Doppler ultrasound, 4-dimensional color ultrasound, fetal anomaly scan. It takes an average of 45 minutes.
Detailed obstetric screening examination performed with ultrasonography cannot diagnose all congenital diseases or malformations. What is mentioned here is the screening of major problems related to the fetus and especially major problems that are not life-sustaining, and the expected results may not be obtained in cases where the image is not sufficient. As a result, ultrasonography examination performed during pregnancy gives a preliminary idea about the baby to be born. In doubtful cases, further examinations may be required. In complex cases, physicians may ask for help from each other.
The majority of ultrasound examination is performed using a black-and-white (2-dimensional) probe. Color ultrasonography is used during the measurement of Doppler blood flows, while 3- or 4-dimensional (3D/4D) ultrasonographic examination is used where appropriate, especially in the diagnosis of superficial anatomy (such as face, lips, hands, feet) and some heart anomalies. If the appropriate position and image quality are achieved, images in which you can see the baby's face are taken. At the end of the ultrasonographic examination, 4D images, CD, video and color images are given to you.
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