Third trimester ultrasound was performed using transabdominal ultrasound. Transabdominal ultrasound involves scanning through the lower abdomen of pregnant women. You do this by placing a small amount of ultrasound gel on the skin of the lower abdomen with an ultrasound probe, then scanning it. Gel serves to increase contact between the probe and the skin of the mother.
Sometimes, depending on the situation, transvaginal ultrasound is also performed during the third trimester ultrasound. This is done to check the placenta lying low, checking the length of the cervix, or other possible indications. Mothers need not worry, transvaginal ultrasound is safe to do and will not injure the baby in the womb.
Transvaginal ultrasound is an internal ultrasound that involves scanning with an ultrasound probe inserted into the Miss V. The transvaginal ultrasound probe has a diameter of about 2 centimeters. The probe is covered with a disposable protective casing. A small amount of ultrasound gel is placed at the tip of this probe. The probe is then gently inserted a short distance to Miss V by the sonographer. All transvaginal examinations have been cleaned and sterilized according to the recommended method.
Conducting an ultrasound in the third trimester of pregnancy is done to determine the possibility of complications in a previous pregnancy or whether the mother has certain medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. If the mother does experience this, ultrasound will be done regularly during the third trimester of pregnancy.
According to WHO recommendations, at least eight USG examinations during pregnancy are performed. The conditions are once in the first trimester, twice in the second trimester, and five times in the third trimester. Especially in the third trimester, the examination will be carried out at 30, 34, 36, 38 and 40 weeks of pregnancy.
The Importance of Third Trimester Ultrasound
Ultrasound in the third trimester is important for pregnant women to do. The following are some conditions that require an ultrasound examination in the third trimester:
1. Monitor Baby’s Growth
One of the reasons the third trimester ultrasound is done is to check the baby’s growth. Is everything really as it should or turns out there are symptoms that indicate abnormalities. The baby’s weight is also checked when the ultrasound examination of the baby’s growth.
2. Measurement of Head Circumference
Head circumference measurements are performed to find out how the baby’s brain is developing, whether the baby has reached an average size or not. In addition, an examination is carried out to check the volume of fluid whether the amniotic fluid is reduced or is excessive.
3. Placental Position
A third trimester ultrasound examination is also performed to determine the position of the placenta. Do not let placental abnormalities such as placenta previa which can be a dangerous complication if late handled. At this time, most of the placenta will move out of the cervical pathway, so that transvaginal ultrasound is indeed needed to do a more detailed examination.
4. Twin Pregnancy Monitoring
If the couple expects third-trimester ultrasound twins to be performed to check whether the baby is growing normally, the possibility of twins and how the health condition of the two babies.
5. Baby Position
The baby is always changing positions and knowing the position of the baby is very necessary to know how the labor will be done. By doing an ultrasound it can be seen whether the baby’s legs are stretched or bent. If the foot is tucked under the bottom or in any position, all the possibilities will help pregnant women and doctors to decide on safe delivery.