Ultrasound in Obstetrics

Ultrasound (sonography) is a non-invasive imaging technique we use to visualize the fetus on a screen before birth. The method is harmless, non-invasive, and easily accessible. The introduction of ultrasound into clinical practice has led to the rapid development of contemporary prenatal care. The effectiveness of an ultrasound examination during pregnancy largely depends on the quality of the ultrasound equipment and the experience of the specialist performing the scan. The experience of the examiner is of utmost importance.

At Hospital Plodnost, ultrasound is used for:

Diagnosis of Early Pregnancy and Its Potential Complications: Ultrasound is essential in confirming early pregnancy and detecting possible complications.
Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases During Pregnancy: Conditions such as uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and adnexal formations can be identified during pregnancy using ultrasound.
Diagnosis of Multiple Pregnancy and Its Potential Complications: Ultrasound helps in assessing multiple pregnancies, including determining chorionicity and identifying potential complications.
Fetal Biometry: This involves measuring various fetal parameters (such as head, abdomen, and long bones) to correlate with gestational age. These measurements help evaluate fetal growth and development and accurately estimate the delivery date.
Fetal Anatomy Survey: Ultrasound is the primary imaging method for prenatal diagnosis of structural fetal abnormalities. The fetal morphology scan is typically performed at least three times during pregnancy—at 12-13+6 weeks, 18-23 weeks, and 28-32 weeks.
Ultrasound Screening for Fetal Chromosomal Abnormalities: Certain sonographic markers and structural defects detected through ultrasound can increase the risk of associated chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. In such cases, additional diagnostic tests may be recommended, including repeat anatomy assessments, fetal echocardiography, or invasive prenatal diagnosis (such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis).
Ultrasound Screening for Preterm Delivery: This screening involves measuring the cervical length via ultrasound. The examination is more accurate when performed transvaginally. This screening can be conducted during any routine ultrasound scan in obstetrics and may be repeated later in pregnancy. A cervical length of less than 25 mm increases the risk of preterm delivery, requiring special attention from your Ob&Gyn specialist.
Fetal Echocardiography (Fetal Echo): This specialized ultrasound examination focuses on the fetal heart and can be performed at various stages of pregnancy. Typically, Fetal Echo is scheduled around 20-22 weeks but can be done earlier or later, especially in high-risk pregnancies.
Doppler Examination of Blood Flow: This advanced ultrasound technique evaluates and monitors the blood flow in maternal-fetal and fetal-placental circulation. It is particularly useful in prenatal screening and monitoring high-risk pregnancies complicated by conditions like congenital thrombophilia, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, diabetes, and Rh-isoimmunization.

At Hospital Plodnost, we offer a full range of highly specialized ultrasound examinations during pregnancy. All scans are performed in a comfortable environment using high-end ultrasound equipment by our highly qualified specialists. For more information about the various types of ultrasound examinations available during pregnancy at Hospital Plodnost, please consult your doctor or contact our registration desk.