Ultrasound during pregnancy: its importance and when to get it

Pregnancy ultrasound is a test that allows doctors to closely monitor the fetal development and the health of the pregnancy. There are many different types of ultrasounds and recommended timings to ensure a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby. Ultrasounds are important for prenatal health screenings, and the main types include 2D, 3D, and 4D ultrasounds, each with its own benefits and suitability. Transvaginal ultrasounds are also available, which are helpful in early pregnancy screenings and in special cases.

1. First ultrasound (approximately 6-8 weeks)
During this time, your doctor will perform tests to confirm that you are pregnant, including checking the position of the gestational sac and checking for a fetal heartbeat. This early test helps determine if the baby is in the uterus and developing normally.

2. Second ultrasound (approximately 11-14 weeks)
Tests during this period help doctors detect genetic abnormalities, such as measuring the thickness of the skin on the baby's neck (Nuchal Translucency), which helps assess the fetus' risk of Down syndrome and other abnormalities.

3. Third ultrasound (approximately 18-22 weeks)
This test is more detailed, as the doctor will examine the baby's physical structure, such as the heart, spine, and brain, to detect any abnormalities that may occur in the baby's body.

4. Fourth ultrasound (approximately 32-36 weeks)
Toward the end of pregnancy, your doctor will perform tests to assess your baby's overall growth, including checking the blood flow in the umbilical cord and the baby's position to ensure that he or she is healthy and ready for birth.

Types of ultrasound

1. 2D Ultrasound
- **Image Description**: It is a flat black and white image showing the internal structure of the baby's body.
- **Primary Uses**: Most commonly used during pregnancy to monitor fetal heartbeat, position of the gestational sac, and general health.
- **Pros**: Accurate and provides sufficient information for assessing the baby's general health.

2. 3D Ultrasound
- **Image characteristics**: The resulting image is three-dimensional, with clear details of external organs such as the face and fingers.
- **Main use**: Used to examine the structure of the baby, such as facial abnormalities or abnormalities of external organs.
- **Pros**: The clear images allow parents to see the baby's appearance in detail.

3. 4D Ultrasound
- **Image characteristics**: 3D video images that can see the baby's movements in real time, such as smiling, moving.
- **Main use**: Used to monitor the baby's behavior and movements, giving a lively image of the fetus.
- **Advantages**: Helps build bonding between family and baby as the fetus' movements and reactions can be clearly seen.

Transvaginal ultrasound is an ultrasound technique that uses a probe inserted through the vagina to provide a clearer image. It is useful in the following situations:

1. Early pregnancy test (Early Pregnancy)**
A transvaginal ultrasound is recommended during the first 6-8 weeks to confirm pregnancy, check the position of the gestational sac, and carefully monitor the fetal heartbeat.

2. Investigate the cause of abnormal bleeding**
If you experience abnormal bleeding during early pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound can more accurately detect causes such as an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

3. Examine the internal structure of the uterus and ovaries**
A transvaginal ultrasound can detect abnormalities of the uterus or ovaries that may significantly affect pregnancy, such as abnormal uterine structures or ovarian cysts.

4. Cervical assessment in cases of risk of premature birth**
Doctors will use a transvaginal ultrasound to measure the length of the cervix, which can help more accurately assess the risk of preterm birth.

Prices for each type of ultrasound

The price of the examination may change or depend on the hospital where you go for the examination. Generally, the price is approximately as follows:

1. 2D Ultrasound
Price: approximately 500 - 1,500 baht per time

2. 3D Ultrasound
Price: approximately 1,500 - 3,000 baht per time

3. 4D Ultrasound
Price: approximately 2,500 - 5,000 baht per time

4. Transvaginal Ultrasound
Price: approximately 1,000 - 2,500 baht per time

The above prices are averages and may change depending on the hospital or promotions during each period.

Ultrasound is an important part of prenatal health screening. Choosing the appropriate examination method for your pregnancy period and your doctor's needs helps ensure a thorough and accurate examination, ensuring safe prenatal care.