What are the scans that has to be done during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and many milestones. For every expecting mother and her family, ensuring the health of both mother and baby is the top priority. One of the most important ways to track the progress of pregnancy and monitor the baby’s development is through ultrasound scans. These scans are safe, non-invasive, and provide critical insights at different stages of pregnancy. Doctors recommend specific scans at certain times, and each one has its unique purpose. Skipping or delaying these scans may result in incomplete information about the baby’s growth or health. Let’s explore the essential scans that must be done during pregnancy.
The first scan is the Dating Scan, which is usually done in the second month of pregnancy, immediately after a missed menstrual cycle. This is often the very first step in confirming pregnancy through ultrasound. The dating scan not only confirms the presence of a baby in the womb but also provides an estimated due date by measuring the baby’s size. It also helps rule out early complications like ectopic pregnancy and confirms if it is a single or multiple pregnancy. For many parents-to-be, this scan is an emotional moment because it is often the first time they see their baby.
The next important scan is the NT Scan, also known as the Nuchal Translucency Scan, usually done in the third month. This scan is vital because it measures the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck and helps in assessing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. While it cannot give a definite diagnosis, it is an effective screening tool that alerts doctors if further tests are needed. Along with the NT scan, blood tests may also be advised for a clearer picture of the baby’s health. Performing this scan at the right time is crucial because the nuchal translucency can only be measured within a specific window during early pregnancy.
The Anomaly Scan comes next, typically done in the fifth month of pregnancy. This is also called the mid-pregnancy scan or Level II ultrasound. It is one of the most detailed scans performed during pregnancy, as it thoroughly examines the baby’s organs, spine, heart, brain, limbs, and other structures. The main goal of the anomaly scan is to detect any structural abnormalities or birth defects. It also assesses the position of the placenta, the amount of amniotic fluid, and overall fetal growth. For parents, this scan provides reassurance that the baby is developing as expected, and for doctors, it helps in making early decisions if any medical interventions are required.
Finally, the Growth Scan is usually performed in the eighth or ninth month of pregnancy. This scan focuses on checking whether the baby is growing well in the later stages. It measures the baby’s weight, position, and blood flow through the placenta. Doctors can also assess the amniotic fluid level and ensure that the baby is receiving enough nutrition. The growth scan is particularly important for mothers with high-risk pregnancies, such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other medical conditions. It helps doctors decide the safest time and mode of delivery for both mother and baby.
In summary, these four scans—the Dating Scan, NT Scan, Anomaly Scan, and Growth Scan—are considered compulsory during pregnancy. Each of them provides valuable information at a specific stage of the baby’s development, and missing them may mean losing out on crucial details about the baby’s health. Doing the scans at the recommended time ensures that doctors get accurate and adequate information to guide parents throughout the pregnancy journey.
Pregnancy scans are not just about medical information; they also give parents an opportunity to bond with their little one even before birth. From hearing the heartbeat for the first time to watching the baby move in the womb, each scan brings immense joy and reassurance. However, it is important to remember that these scans should always be done under the guidance of qualified doctors and at reliable diagnostic centers to ensure accurate results.
So, if you or your loved one is expecting, make sure to keep track of these key scans. Consult your gynecologist regularly, follow the advised schedule, and never postpone or skip a scan. With timely ultrasounds and proper care, you can enjoy peace of mind and look forward to welcoming a healthy baby into the world.
Founder of Nisarga Diagnostics, is a renowned fetal ultrasound specialist with over 20 years of expertise. An alumnus of Government Medical Colleges in Mysore and Bangalore, he also holds a D.N.B. from the National Board of Examinations, Delhi, and certification from the Fetal Medicine Foundation, London. A former Professor and HOD, he has trained countless PG students and junior radiologists, shaping the future of fetal imaging in India.