Is Ultrasound scan safe during pregnancy? This was the first question we asked our doctor. There is no data available  about any side effects of ultrasound during pregnancy but then few decades ago even X-Ray was also considered safe.

First Ultrasound in second month

First ultrasound was done in the second month, this was a quick scan and its done to identify if there are more than one baby (twins) and is it properly placed in the gestation bag. To my disappointment, we were not fortunate to have twins (Dakshata felt relieved ) but then probability of having twins in just 3%. Below are pictures from the first scan. Can you imagine, the baby at this stage was just 3 cms and head is the most dominant part.

Second Ultrasound in 20th week

Our doctor had informed us in last visit this is the most important test.  This was done in the 20th week. We really wanted to capture this on CD but the radiologist recommended by our doctor did not have this facility and our doctor was on leave, so we couldn’t get another reference letter. So we had to unwillingly settle for a 2D B/W scan.

He started the scan and I was anxious to see it on screen but he asked me to wait for few minutes. While I was restlessly waiting he started telling many different numbers to his assistant. While she was busy taking notes she also opened one existing report of Mrs. Sunidhi and started making some changes. I made quick mental note of what she was changing. The two most important things apart from few numbers which differed in our report, were position of the baby and type of placenta. After we came out I immediately queried Google that “vertex presentation with spine left and posterior” and “fundo-posterior, Grade 1″ are common. Then he called me to see it on screen. He showed us our baby’s beating heart, brain, spinal cord, ribs, legs, hands etc. We saw our baby’s movements and this was the most unforgatable moment.  We felt really really relieved. Following are few things examined during the scan -

Baby’s internal organs were examined in cross-sectional views which was difficult for to make out.  But with some help from doctor, I could make out mostly every thing. Bones appeared white on the scan, fluid is black, and soft tissues look gray.

• The head was examined first, to check its shape and internal structures. He informed that some severe brain problems are visible at this stage. He also looked at the baby’s face to see if he can see any cleft of the lip.
• The spine was checked in both the long view and in cross section, to make sure that all the vertebrae are in alignment and that the skin covers the spine at the back. The baby’s abdominal wall was also checked to make sure it covers all the internal organs at the front.
• The heart was looked at very closly for its size and shape.
• The stomach was visible just below the heart. He also showed some black spots which was apperently urine, which means kidneys are functional.
• Hands and feet were examined and the fingers and toes were also looked at. Baby could move its hands and legs.

To our relief doctor confirmed that the baby is fine and its important organs are already functional. This scan ruled out all the structural anomalies. By this time almost all parts of baby were functional. Doctor also explained us about different numbers under the Foetal Biometry and I also did little bit Googling to understand these numbers. Essentially all of these are sizes of various parts of body of baby. They help to determine the age of the baby and ensure that various organs are growing in proportion.

So now we are just so thrilled with this scan that we thought about doing another 4D color scan and this time we will capture it as movie also 4D will ensure better chances of detecting structural anomalies than 2D could . We also consulted our doctor and she okayed our plan. Now we have appointment on Wednesday at Hiranandani Hospital, Powai for 4D scan. I am eagerly waiting for Wednesday. BTW, I got

pictures from second ultrasound scanned, check them out.

BTW, I am getting design ready for my T-Shirt with above pictures while Dakshata is waiting for images from 4D.