How Does the Doctor Examine All the Parts of the Child in Scanning?
During pregnancy, expectant parents eagerly await the various scans that allow them to catch glimpses of their developing baby. These scans are crucial for monitoring the health and development of the fetus. However, it’s not uncommon for patients to feel confused or worried when asked to walk around or eat something sweet before a scan. Dr. Srinivas Prasad from Nisarga Diagnostics sheds light on why these steps are sometimes necessary and what they mean for the scanning process.
Why Do Doctors Ask Pregnant Women to Walk or Eat Sweets Before a Scan?
During a pregnancy scan, the main objective is to get a clear and comprehensive view of the fetus. The baby’s position can significantly impact the visibility of different anatomical structures. For instance, if the baby is lying on its back (supine position), the doctor can easily examine the face, heart, and limbs. However, to get a good view of the spine, the baby needs to be in a different position.
Stimulating the Baby to Move
To ensure that every part of the fetus is examined thoroughly, doctors sometimes need the baby to change positions. This is where walking around or eating sweets comes into play:
- Walking Around: Movement can help stimulate the baby to change positions. When the mother walks, it gently rocks the baby, encouraging it to move into a different position.
- Eating Sweets: The sugar from sweets can provide a quick energy boost, prompting the baby to become more active and move around.
Addressing Common Concerns
It’s natural for parents-to-be to feel anxious if a scan needs to be repeated. They may worry that there is a problem with the fetal structure. However, Dr. Srinivas Prasad explains that in most cases, repeating the scan is a routine procedure aimed at getting a complete and clear view of the baby.
Detailed Examination of the Fetus
During the scan, doctors look at various parts of the fetus to ensure everything is developing as it should. Here’s how different positions help with the examination:
Supine Position (Baby on its back): This position is ideal for viewing the fetal face, heart, and limbs. It allows the doctor to check the facial features, examine the heart chambers, and observe the movement and development of the arms and legs.
Prone Position (Baby face-down): To get a good view of the spine and the back of the baby’s body, the fetus needs to be in an upside-down or face-down position. This position helps in assessing the vertebral column and ensuring that the spine is developing correctly.
Conclusion
At Nisarga Diagnostics, our primary goal is to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. When asked to walk around or eat something sweet before a scan, it is usually to encourage the baby to move into different positions, allowing for a thorough and detailed examination. This process helps doctors get a clear view of all the vital structures and confirm that the baby is developing healthily.
By understanding the reasons behind these instructions, expectant parents can feel more at ease and confident during their pregnancy scans. Remember, these steps are part of standard procedures aimed at providing the best possible care for your developing baby.
Thank you for trusting Nisarga Diagnostics with your prenatal care. We are here to support you through every step of your pregnancy journey.