Motherhood is a beautiful journey. The mother and the baby deserve utmost care to ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy. Pregnancy scans have revolutionized prenatal care by offering a window into the womb, utilizing advanced imaging technology, these scans help monitor the growth, structure, and overall health of the baby, enabling timely intervention and appropriate management of complications. This article explores the importance of pregnancy scans in detecting complications and highlights their significance in ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy journey.
Early pregnancy complications
Various health issues can arise during the initial stages of pregnancy. Here are some common early pregnancy complications:
Miscarriage: Miscarriage is the unexpected loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. It is caused by chromosomal abnormalities or other contributing factors. Common indications of a miscarriage include vaginal bleeding, cramping, and tissue discharge through the vagina.
Ectopic Pregnancy: In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube. This can be a life-threatening condition as the fallopian tube may rupture, causing internal bleeding. It requires immediate medical attention such as medication or surgery.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Hyperemesis gravidarum refers to a condition characterized by intense nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, which can result in dehydration and weight loss.
Infections: Certain infections, such as urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, or sexually transmitted infections, can pose risks to early pregnancy. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to minimize potential complications.
Late pregnancy complications
Late pregnancy involves the risk of several serious complications, including:
- Placental abruption: Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. This can lead to bleeding and reduced oxygen supply to the baby. It occurs in approximately 1 in every 100 pregnancies.
- Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia causes elevated blood pressure and the presence of high levels of protein in the urine. It typically develops after the 20th week of pregnancy and can affect multiple organs in the body.
- Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot produce enough insulin to manage the increased blood sugar levels during pregnancy. While all pregnant women experience some degree of insulin resistance in late pregnancy, those with pre-existing insulin resistance have a higher risk of gestational diabetes.
- Oligohydramnios/polyhydramnios: Oligohydramnios refers to an insufficient amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus, while polyhydramnios is characterized by an excessive amount of amniotic fluid. Both conditions can cause complications for the baby and may require medical intervention.
Ultrasound scans during pregnancy
Ultrasound plays a crucial role in prenatal care as it allows doctors to monitor the baby’s development and detect any potential abnormalities. It’s non-invasive, painless, and safe for both the mother and the baby. If fetal abnormalities are detected, further testing is required.
First Trimester: During the first three months of pregnancy, an ultrasound assesses the development of the embryo within the womb. This scan confirms the number of embryos, determines gestational age and baby’s due date.
Second Trimester: Between 18 and 20 weeks (about 4 and a half months) of pregnancy, an ultrasound evaluates the development of organs and structures, including limbs, spine, brain, and heart. The size and location of the placenta are also assessed. The ultrasound can also reveal the baby’s sex, if parents wish to know.
Third Trimester: In the later stages of pregnancy, an ultrasound assesses various factors determining the baby’s position, estimating their weight, evaluating the levels of amniotic fluid, and identifying any potential complications. The scan helps the doctor develop an appropriate delivery plan to ensure a smooth and safe delivery.
Specific tests done to detect complications during pregnancy
Nuchal Translucency Test – NT test is typically performed between 11 and 14 weeks (about 3 months) of pregnancy. It measures the thickness of the nuchal translucency, a pocket of fluid at the back of the baby’s neck. Abnormal thickness can indicate a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome or other genetic conditions.
Anomaly Scan – Also known as a mid-pregnancy ultrasound, it is performed around 18 to 20 weeks (about 4 and a half months) of pregnancy. It involves a thorough examination of the fetus’s anatomy to detect any structural abnormalities or developmental issues in organs, bones, and other body systems.
Double and Triple Market Test – Double and Triple markers are blood tests between 15 and 20 weeks (about 4 and a half months) of pregnancy. The double marker test measures two specific substances in the mother’s blood: serum beta HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and PAPP-A (Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A). The triple marker test measures these two substances along with an additional marker called alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Abnormal levels of these markers can indicate a higher risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities or neural tube defects.
Blood test (Serum Beta HCG) – Serum beta HCG is a hormone produced in the placenta. Blood tests to measure serum beta HCG levels are often performed to monitor the progress of pregnancy, check for viability, and assess the risk of certain complications, such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
Importance of pregnancy scans in detecting complications
Taking proactive steps and following a healthy lifestyle with the understanding of the importance of pregnancy scans can help prevent complications during pregnancy
Be proactive
Being proactive means actively participating in your prenatal care and staying informed about your pregnancy. This involves seeking regular medical checkups, following your ob-gyn instructions & recommendations, asking questions, and addressing any concerns or symptoms promptly.
Attend all checkups
The importance of pregnancy scans cannot be overstated. Regular prenatal checkups are crucial for monitoring the progress of your pregnancy and identifying any potential complications early on. Attending all regular checkups helps in detecting and addressing any issues promptly.
Eat healthy
Proper nutrition is essential for a baby’s growth and development. A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while avoiding fats is vital for the health of baby and mother. Consult a dietician or doctor for a personalized pregnancy diet.
Engage in regular exercise
Regular exercise during pregnancy offers numerous benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, increased strength and flexibility, better mood, and overall well-being. Engage in activities that are safe for pregnancy, such as walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, or low-impact aerobics. Always consult your doctor before starting or continuing an exercise routine, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.
Monitor your weight
It’s important to monitor your weight gain during pregnancy. Excessive weight gain can increase the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and difficulties during labor. On the other hand, inadequate weight gain may lead to poor fetal growth. It’s essential to maintain an appropriate weight based on your BMI.
Take your vitamins and minerals regularly
Prenatal vitamins are specifically formulated to meet nutritional needs during pregnancy. They typically contain important vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, iron, calcium, and others. Taking prenatal vitamins as prescribed helps ensure that you’re getting adequate nutrients for both you and your baby’s health.
Pregnancy scans play a crucial role in detecting complications and ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the baby. From confirming the pregnancy and assessing the initial stages of fetal development to monitoring growth, detecting structural abnormalities, and assessing blood flow, these scans provide invaluable information for the comprehensive care of both the mother and the baby. By understanding the importance of pregnancy scans, expectant parents can ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy journey.