Patient's question:
I am currently 1 and a half months pregnant. How often can I have an ultrasound to check the development of the fetus?Doctor's answer:
The answer to how often a pregnant woman should have an ultrasound is not absolute. Generally, the first ultrasound examination is performed at the hospital around 50 days after the menstrual period. If the menstrual cycle is regular, the gestational sac, primitive heart tube, and fetal bud can be observed. Between weeks 18-24 of pregnancy, a three-dimensional ultrasound for fetal anomaly screening should be conducted. This is a very detailed examination of the baby, including all organs, and it is very important—make sure to do it.Around week 32, another two-dimensional ultrasound is performed. This mainly focuses on the baby's development, with particular attention to the biparietal diameter, femur length, amniotic fluid index, and placental maturity, as well as the fetal position.
Close to the time of delivery, there is usually one more ultrasound, typically performed after 36 weeks. This also focuses on the fetal position, amniotic fluid, biparietal diameter, and femur length. These data are used to determine whether the baby can be delivered vaginally.
In general, these four ultrasounds are basically necessary. For some pregnant women who have more ultrasounds during the middle of their pregnancy, it depends on their own physical condition. If any of the parameters do not meet the standards, they may need to have additional ultrasounds for follow-up, and this varies from person to person.