The 12-week ultrasound is one of the most important during pregnancy and that is why it is one of the first routine tests performed. doWhat is evaluated in the ultrasound of the 3-month-old baby? It is a study of great clinical importance, where the general state of the fetus and its development are analyzed.
The ultrasound of the 3-month-old baby allows evaluating the intrauterine state of the fetus in order to know if it has formed normally and does not present major complications. Through a series of parameters, various aspects related to the development, growth and general formation of the embryo are evaluated.
What does the 3-month ultrasound look like?
Beyond the state of health, the 3 month ultrasound It has a great emotional impact since you can hear the baby's heart beating. This is a high-resolution ultrasound that analyzes the fetus in all its dimensions to provide highly relevant data on its overall status. Although it is known as a 12-week ultrasound, it can be done between weeks 11 and 14.
¿What is evaluated in the 3-month ultrasound? One of the great revelations is being able to decipher if it is a single pregnancy or if there is more than one fetus in the womb. The vitality of the fetus is also evaluated through the heartbeat. On the other hand, various measurements are made to establish the size of the baby by means of the crown-caudal length. Although it is still an early stage, in this ultrasound it is also possible to establish a series of parameters that would make it possible to determine whether the fetus could be at risk of Down syndrome or other pathologies linked to chromosomal alterations.
Another relevant aspect that is evaluated in the 3 month baby ultrasound It is the implantation of the embryo, the placenta and checking for possible bruising, something quite common at this stage of pregnancy. The gestational age of the fetus is also checked and with this it is possible to establish the possible date of delivery. The measurements that are made in turn allow the baby's development to be analyzed to see if it has physical malformations.
Week 12 and triple screening
In addition to evaluating generalities of the fetus, in the 3 month baby ultrasound A complementary study called nuchal translucency or Triple Screening is also performed. This test is done on the same day as the ultrasound and looks at the baby's nasal bone and nape folds. These data are then combined with additional data to produce a probability-based result to establish the risks of the baby having trisomy 21 or Down syndrome and trisomy 18, also known as Edwards syndrome.
Triple Screening is made up of three differentiating aspects. On the one hand, the age of the mother is analyzed together with the levels of two proteins manufactured by the placenta, free beta-hCG and PAPP-A. These data in turn are combined with the data obtained in the nuchal translucency (analysis of the folds of the baby's neck). The result yields a risk index although it should be noted that it is not a conclusive test. For that it is necessary to perform an amniocentesis.
https://madreshoy.com/que-esperar-de-una-ecografia-a-las-12-semanas-de-embarazo/
Usually, the first step in detecting these chromosomal abnormalities is to perform nuchal translucency, which is done during 3 month baby ultrasound. In the event that the risk is greater than expected, the doctor will recommend carrying out other types of studies in order to establish more precise parameters and have a greater picture. One of the options is to carry out an analysis of the DNA of the fetus in maternal blood using a blood sample from the mother. Another option is amniocentesis or chorionic biopsy. This study is invasive and that is why it is recommended after the translucency or if it is an elderly mother.