Why is the examination performed?
Ultrasound of pregnancy between the 28th and 32nd week is a mandatory examination according to the guidelines of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians.
The ultrasound examination in the third trimester assesses:
- fetal positioning,
- placenta,
- the umbilical cord,
- the amount of amniotic fluid,
- the cervix of the uterus.
The doctor also evaluates the fetal anatomy:
- head,
- neck,
- skull,
- brain,
- spine,
- chest,
- heart,
- abdominal cavity,
- kidneys,
- urinary bladder,
- long bones of the limbs.
The examination allows the doctor to determine whether the fetus is developing normally, as well as whether there are any features that suggest the presence of birth defects.
During the examination, the doctor may also attempt to identify gender.
What does the examination look like?
An ultrasound of pregnancy between the 28th and 32nd week is performed through the abdominal shell. The patient lies down on a recliner and exposes her abdomen, and the doctor applies a special gel to the camera's head to obtain a good-quality image. Contact of the skin with the gel may cause discomfort due to coldness and a sticky feeling, but the unpleasant sensations pass as soon as the examination is over. It is advisable to come to the examination in an outfit that allows easy exposure of the abdomen.
The test is painless and completely safe for both the woman and the fetus.
1000 tests and services
544 doctors
1500 visits available