Pregnancy Ultrasound
Accurate and Safe Pregnancy Ultrasound
A pregnancy ultrasound is a fundamental and completely safe prenatal examination that provides essential information about the healthy progression of pregnancy. Through specialized ultrasound assessments performed during each trimester, physicians can accurately determine gestational age, monitor fetal growth and development, and evaluate the intrauterine environment.
In addition, pregnancy ultrasound plays a crucial role in the early detection of fetal anatomical abnormalities and markers associated with chromosomal conditions. This enables timely diagnosis, supports informed clinical decision-making, and helps ensure the best possible care for both mother and baby throughout pregnancy.
Advanced Technology for Reliable Prenatal Diagnosis
First Trimester Ultrasound / Nuchal Translucency Scan
11th–14th Week of Pregnancy
The First Trimester Ultrasound, also known as the Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan, is one of the most important prenatal examinations performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy.
During this examination:
- Gestational age is accurately determined by measuring the Crown–Rump Length (CRL) of the fetus.
- An initial assessment of fetal growth and anatomy is performed to detect major structural abnormalities.
- In multiple pregnancies, the examination determines chorionicity, which is essential for appropriate pregnancy management.
- Nuchal translucency (NT) is measured. NT refers to the fluid-filled space beneath the skin at the back of the fetal neck, which is naturally present in all fetuses. The measurement is performed between 11+0 and 14+0 weeks, when the fetal CRL measures between 45 mm and 84 mm.
- Additional ultrasound markers associated with chromosomal abnormalities are also evaluated, including the nasal bone, tricuspid valve blood flow, and ductus venosus blood flow.
The examination also includes an assessment of the risk for Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13 using specialized risk calculation software developed by the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF), London.
Risk assessment can be further refined by combining the ultrasound findings with maternal blood test results measuring free β-hCG and PAPP-A. These blood tests are performed through a simple blood sample collected at a clinical laboratory, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of the pregnancy.
Second Trimester Ultrasound / Detailed Anatomy Scan
20th–23rd Week of Pregnancy
The Second Trimester Ultrasound, also known as the Detailed Anatomy Scan, is a comprehensive prenatal examination performed between 20 and 23 weeks of pregnancy to assess fetal development and detect possible structural abnormalities.
During this examination:
- Fetal growth and well-being are carefully evaluated.
- The placenta, umbilical cord insertion, and amniotic fluid volume are assessed.
- A detailed examination of the fetal anatomy is performed, including the skull, brain, face, chest, heart, abdomen, kidneys, urinary bladder, spine, and upper and lower limbs, to identify any structural abnormalities.
- Ultrasound markers associated with chromosomal abnormalities are evaluated.
- The cervical length is measured to assess the risk of preterm birth.
- Uterine artery Doppler assessment is performed to evaluate blood flow and help predict the risk of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR).
This examination provides a comprehensive assessment of your baby’s development and plays a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and baby throughout pregnancy.
Third Trimester Ultrasound / Doppler Ultrasound
28th–32nd Week of Pregnancy
The Third Trimester Ultrasound, also known as the Doppler Ultrasound, is performed between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy to evaluate fetal growth, well-being, and placental function during the final stages of pregnancy.
During this examination:
- Fetal growth is assessed using a series of biometric measurements to ensure the baby is developing appropriately.
- The fetal biophysical profile, including fetal movements, breathing activity, muscle tone, and overall well-being, is evaluated, along with the baby’s position.
- The placental maturity and amniotic fluid volume are carefully assessed.
- Doppler ultrasound is used to evaluate blood flow in the fetal and maternal blood vessels, providing valuable information about placental function and fetal circulation.
This examination helps ensure that your baby is growing and developing normally while supporting the early detection of conditions that may require closer monitoring or specialized care during the remainder of the pregnancy.
3D & 4D Pregnancy Ultrasound
3D and 4D pregnancy ultrasound provides a unique opportunity to visualize your baby with remarkable clarity throughout pregnancy.
3D ultrasound creates realistic three-dimensional images of the fetus, allowing detailed visualization of facial features and body structures.
4D ultrasound adds the dimension of real-time movement, enabling parents and physicians to observe the baby’s natural movements, including facial expressions, hand and foot movements, and other fetal activities.
These examinations can be performed during all three trimesters of pregnancy, depending on the clinical indication and the stage of fetal development. In addition to creating a memorable bonding experience, 3D and 4D ultrasound imaging provides valuable supplementary information that supports comprehensive prenatal assessment and fetal well-being.