When you are pregnant, one of the things that you want to do is to do an ultrasound check. So, you can see your baby in your womb. Talking about ultrasound scan, did you know how to read the result of ultrasound scan?
Some moms may not know how to read it. Well, this information is important for you, especially for pregnant moms so that when they get the result of the ultrasound scan, they can know the information in it.
Read also: 17 Accurate Signs of Having a Baby Girl During Pregnancy
How to Read the Result of Ultrasound Scan
Ultrasonography or ultrasound is one of the examinations that moms will go through when being pregnant. Usually, this examination is done to find out the gender of the baby. Actually, this examination has other functions.
Ultrasound examination can help a doctor and a mom to find the baby’s growth and development. For your information, there are several types of ultrasound examination that you need to know such as 2D, 3D, and 4D.
OK, here are some sample ultrasound photos of my daughter, when I was pregnant:
There are also terms related to ultrasonography that you need to know so that you can understand how to read the ultrasound result well.
Here are the methods to read the result of ultrasound scan from abbreviation based on UNSW embryology.
1. EDD (Estimated Delivery Date)
This is about the estimation of childbirth which is calculated from your menstruation date.
2. LMP (Last Menstrual Period)
This term is known as the first day of last menstruation. Usually, it is used to measure the fetus’ age.
3. GA (Gestational Age)
This term shows the estimation of your pregnancy’s age where it is measured from the diameter of head, the development of organs, the length of arm limbs, and legs of the fetus.
4. GS (Gestational Sac)
This is the size of the pregnancy sac which is in the form of black circle and it can be seen in the result of ultrasound in the early trimester of pregnancy.
5. BPD (Biparietal Diameter)
This term refers to the size of fetal left and right temples. It is used to measure the length of a fetus in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
6. AC (Abdominal Circumference)
It is used to measure the fetal abdomen. If it is combined with BPD, it can produce the estimation of the fetal weight in the mom’s womb.
7. CRL (Crown Rump Length)
This term shows the length of the distance from head to toe of the fetus. Doctors usually use it to measure the fetus in the early trimester of pregnancy.
8. FL (Femur Length)
This term shows the information about the length of femur of the fetus.
9. FW (Fetal Weight)
This is a term that shows the weight of the fetus.
10. HC (Head Circumferential)
This term describes the size of the fetal head circle.
11. FHR (Fetal Heart Rate)
This term shows the information about the fetal heart rate which can be seen on the monitor when examining your pregnancy.
Well, you do not need to memorize these terms to know how to read the result of an ultrasound scan. However, after you read the terms above, at least you are familiar with them. When your pregnancy is examined with ultrasound, your doctor will explain the result so that you do not have to be worried.
What Do The Different Color Gradations Mean On Ultrasound Photos?
If you want to be able to read the result of an ultrasound scan, you also need to know the different color gradations in it. If you look at the photo carefully, you will see that there are different colors.
Here are the meanings of different color gradations of ultrasound photos.
- White color: This color describes dense tissue such as bones because the outer surface reflects more sounds.
- Black or dark color: It shows fluid-filled tissues such as the uterus.
- Air-filled organs such as lungs cannot be examined with ultrasound because it does not work well with gas.
What Are The Types of Ultrasound?
There are several types of ultrasounds that you need to know so that you can choose the right one for your needs.
1. Transvaginal Ultrasound
Usually, this ultrasound is used in the early pregnancy to get a clearer picture of the fetus. This test is done by inserting a small ultrasound censor to the vagina. By using this test, a doctor can monitor the fetal heartbeat and detect abnormalities in the cervix that can cause miscarriage or premature birth.
2. 2D Ultrasound
This is a standard ultrasound which is used by doctors to know the condition of the fetus. This ultrasound uses a transducer device which is moved on the stomach and then it will produce the fetal picture in 2D quality.
3. 3D Ultrasound
This ultrasound type uses more sophisticated technology where it gives a more detailed picture so that the doctor can see height, width, and depth of organs and fetus. By using this ultrasound examination, a doctor can diagnose problems related to pregnancy. Even though it has the same procedures with 2D ultrasound, this 3D ultrasound uses software and special censor tools.
4. 4D Ultrasound
With this ultrasound, you will get a fetal moving video so that you are able to see the baby’s face and body clearly. It can also get the fetal shadow and highlight better.
Read also: 4D Ultrasound – Definition, Benefits, and Procedures
Now, you know how to read the result of an ultrasound scan. Nevertheless, you can understand more by asking the doctor.
As explained earlier, by knowing how to read the result of an ultrasound, you can monitor the growth and development of your baby. And as a result, you can optimize the nutrition so that your baby will grow and develop well.
