Ultrasound in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy (photos included)

Ultrasound examination in the 2nd–3rd trimester of pregnancy is a non-invasive imaging examination used to monitor fetal development and well-being, assess fetal anatomy, and evaluate the progression of pregnancy. The examination is performed using ultrasound waves and does not involve ionizing radiation.

Depending on gestational age and medical indications, the physician assesses fetal biometry, visible organs and anatomical structures, cardiac activity, fetal position, placenta, amniotic fluid, and the cervix.

Indications

• monitoring fetal development during the 2nd–3rd trimester;
• assessment of fetal biometry and growth;
• evaluation of fetal anatomy and structures;
• assessment of placental location and development;
• assessment of the amount of amniotic fluid;
• cervical assessment when medically indicated;
• monitoring pregnancy in the presence of risk factors or medical indications;
• follow-up of findings identified during previous ultrasound examinations.

Procedure / Duration

The examination is performed transabdominally using an ultrasound probe and a special gel applied to the abdomen. The physician assesses the fetus, placenta, amniotic fluid, and other structures relevant to the gestational age.

During the examination, ultrasound images of the fetus may be taken and provided to the patient at the end of the examination.

Duration: approximately 20–40 minutes, depending on gestational age and the complexity of the examination.

Restrictions

Ultrasound examination is non-invasive and generally does not require any recovery period. In some cases, the duration of the examination may vary depending on fetal position and technical conditions.

Contraindications

There are no absolute contraindications to routine obstetric ultrasound examination when performed according to medical indications.

Advantages

• non-invasive and painless method;
• does not use ionizing radiation;
• allows monitoring of fetal development and growth;
• provides information about fetal anatomy, placenta, and amniotic fluid;
• can be repeated when medically indicated;
• allows ultrasound images of the fetus to be obtained.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ultrasound/about/pac-20395177
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7390574/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultrasound
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/sonogram/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4995-ultrasound