How many ultrasound examinations are needed during pregnancy?

In order to understand the growth and development of the baby in their belly in a timely manner, pregnant women will definitely go for a B-ultrasound examination, which can also satisfy their curiosity about the fetus in their belly. Generally, doctors will give pregnant women a suggestion on when to have an ultrasound examination. Some women do not know how many ultrasound examinations are best, and think that the more times they do it, the better it can ensure the health of the baby. Is this true? How many ultrasound examinations are needed during pregnancy?

If everything is normal during your pregnancy, your doctor will usually recommend 2 to 3 ultrasound examinations:

1. The first B-ultrasound examination is performed in the second trimester. It is best for all pregnant women to have this test between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. The main purpose of this B-ultrasound examination is to check whether the fetus has any malformations, including heart and neural tube.

2. Conduct a second B-ultrasound examination in the late pregnancy. Ultrasound examinations in the late pregnancy are usually scheduled after 36 weeks of pregnancy. The purpose is to check the baby's fetal position, amniotic fluid, and placental position and function, mainly to prepare for delivery.

Some areas will arrange a routine B-ultrasound examination before the 36th week of late pregnancy, usually between 30 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. The main purpose is to monitor the development of the fetus and review the fetal organs to rule out malformations. If you want to know in advance how your hospital arranges ultrasound examinations, you can consult your doctor during any prenatal check-up.

Sometimes your doctor will arrange for you to have more ultrasound examinations during the last 3 months of pregnancy. The most common reasons include:

1. Determine the cause of vaginal bleeding

If you have vaginal bleeding in the second half of your pregnancy, it may be caused by a problem with the placenta. Ultrasound can help your doctor determine the specific problem you have.

2. Check your baby's growth

Late in your pregnancy, if you're concerned that your baby isn't growing normally, your doctor may order an ultrasound (or a series of ultrasounds) to measure certain parts of your baby's body, particularly the size of his head, the length of his femurs, and the circumference of his upper abdomen.

3. Check your amniotic fluid volume

If you are diagnosed with oligohydramnios, your doctor will usually schedule regular ultrasounds for you during the last three months of pregnancy to monitor the development of the fetus.

4. Determine whether you need a cesarean section

You may need a cesarean section if your baby is particularly large (especially if you have diabetes), is in an unusual position (breech), or if the placenta is blocking your baby's passage out of the uterus.

According to the introduction above, female friends also know how many times to do B-ultrasound examinations during pregnancy. The main function of B-ultrasound is to measure amniotic fluid, observe the baby's condition, and determine whether a caesarean section is needed. It is sufficient to do B-ultrasound examinations appropriately. It is not necessary to do it frequently, and doctors will not recommend it. There is no need to do it frequently.