Ultrasound during pregnancy

Regular ultrasound during pregnancy – safety and fascination combined

Ultrasound is one of the most fascinating and important examinations during pregnancy. It provides valuable insights into your baby's development and plays a crucial role in monitoring both mother and child. It offers reassurance even in the early weeks of pregnancy and later strengthens the bond with your unborn child.

Ultraschall in der Schwangerschaft<br />Stilistische Darstellung für Ultraschall eines Kindes im Mutterleib

In our gynecology practice, we offer state-of-the-art ultrasound diagnostics based on the latest medical advancements. With extensive experience, empathy, and ample time, we will guide you through every stage of your pregnancy, answering your questions clearly and sensitively. Our goal is to provide you not only with medical reassurance but also with peace of mind.

Ultrasound is an indispensable tool in prenatal care. It usually begins with the confirmation of pregnancy via ultrasound, during which we verify the location of the pregnancy. A very special moment follows shortly after with the first ultrasound scan of the pregnancy, during which we can often already see your baby's first heartbeats.
Later in pregnancy, ultrasound examinations are regularly used to:

to regularly monitor your baby's growth and age-appropriate development,
to monitor heart activity and thus check your child's vitality,
to detect possible malformations or abnormalities at an early stage,
to assess the position of the placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid,
to determine or confirm the expected date of birth.

Depending on the week of pregnancy, different ultrasound examinations are used, specifically tailored to the respective developmental stages of your baby. We take the time to explain the images to you so that you can understand how your child is developing.
Ultrasound is gentle and painless for both mother and child. It not only serves as a medical check-up, but is also a special moment for many expectant parents – a moment of wonder, joy, and closeness to their baby.

Chromosomal abnormalities and serious diseases can be detected early using special ultrasound in prenatal diagnostics. This method has gained importance and is considered an important marker for chromosomal abnormalities, especially trisomy 21. This risk-free, non-invasive ultrasound offers a high degree of certainty in assessing fetal health and is performed between the 12th and 14th weeks of pregnancy. An abnormal nuchal fold indicates a high risk of chromosomal abnormalities. When used in conjunction with special blood tests, the accuracy of detection is improved. The so-called first-trimester screening can also diagnose other chromosomal abnormalities. However, normal results do not guarantee a healthy child. If the risk is increased, further measures are necessary. For these examinations, we regularly refer you to specialized centers with appropriate additional qualifications. We are convinced that this multi-eye principle will further optimize your care during your pregnancy.

Color Doppler ultrasound is used to examine blood flow in the fetal and maternal vessels. This imaging technique can be used to assess placental function and thus the supply and potential dangers to the fetus. This ultrasound is preferably used in the last trimester of pregnancy, starting at the 27th week.

Indications for a Doppler ultrasound:

- - VA growth retardation, stagnation
  - Reduction in the amount of amniotic fluid
  - Pregnancy-related illness of the mother (hypertension, diabetes, preeclampsia)
  - Childhood malformation or illness
  - Infections during pregnancy
  - Premature/deficient birth, preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome
  - Multiple pregnancy

3D ultrasound provides a three-dimensional image of your baby, while 4D ultrasound additionally shows movements in real time – for example, facial expressions, gestures, or gentle movements. This gives us valuable additional information about your child's development.

A key medical advantage of 3D/4D ultrasound diagnostics is the ability to assess certain physical structures with exceptional precision. This allows for the early detection or more reliable exclusion of potential malformations or developmental abnormalities. This, in turn, supports comprehensive and responsible prenatal care.

Furthermore, the 3D/4D rendering is an emotional moment for many expectant parents: seeing their baby so vividly before birth promotes bonding and makes pregnancy a very special experience.

The examination is gentle and painless for both mother and child and is performed by experienced specialists using state-of-the-art technology. We will, of course, explain the images clearly and take the time to answer your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about ultrasound during pregnancy

Up to which week of pregnancy is a basic ultrasound examination performed?

Basic ultrasound examinations are an integral part of prenatal care and are performed at specific intervals during pregnancy. They take place in various weeks of pregnancy and serve to regularly monitor your baby's development.

How many ultrasound scans are performed during pregnancy?

Several ultrasound examinations are part of the statutory prenatal care program. These so-called basic ultrasound examinations accompany the pregnancy from the early weeks until the last trimester.

What is meant by a basic ultrasound examination?

The basic ultrasound examination serves as a general assessment of your unborn child. Among other things, growth, development, heart activity, the baby's position, the placenta, and the amount of amniotic fluid are checked.

In which week of pregnancy does the first ultrasound examination take place?

The first ultrasound examination takes place in early pregnancy. It serves to confirm the pregnancy, determine the correct position of the baby, and estimate the expected due date.

What is the difference between basic ultrasound and prenatal diagnosis?

Basic ultrasound examinations are part of routine prenatal care. Prenatal diagnostic examinations go beyond these and are performed in specific cases or upon request, in order to specifically rule out or further investigate certain malformations or genetic abnormalities.