quick clicks

pregnancy today articles

pregnancy today q&a

message boards

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Ultrasound

Seeing Is Believing

By Sharon Waldrop

"Ultrasound may detect many obvious and subtle fetal abnormalities," says Dr. Jay M. Kulkin, medical director of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Georgia. "Limb, cardiac and cranial defects are easily seen. Spinal, kidney and intestinal defects may be noted as well. Physicians specializing in ultrasound are most sophisticated at detecting subtle fetal abnormalities." It is important to discuss with your provider what level of ultrasound expertise each case warrants.

A Cesarean section may be scheduled if an ultrasound shows a breech baby, very large baby or misplaced placenta. Knowledge of these conditions in advance can be a lifesaver for Mother and Baby.

Cristina Solomon started bleeding during the 4th week of her pregnancy. She dashed over to her doctor's office and a transvaginal ultrasound was performed. A transvaginal ultrasound works best during the very first few weeks of pregnancy. The ultrasound showed no signs of an embryo. Cristina and her husband's dream was crushed as it appeared that they had a failed pregnancy. Cristina was preparing herself for a D&C the following week and felt empty inside.

Thankfully, Cristina's doctor continued to check her hormone levels, which were rising – a true sign of pregnancy! A second ultrasound – this time an abdominal ultrasound – showed a heartbeat and an embryo that was a few weeks more mature than originally thought. That little embryo emerged as a little girl named Amber 7 1/2 months later.