Check out the main ultrasound exams in pregnancy and their differences:

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• Initial obstetric ultrasound: ideally performed between the 7th and 8th week of pregnancy, preferably transvaginally. It aims to define whether the pregnancy is topical (inside the uterus), to evaluate uterine abnormalities, to estimate the gestational age and probable date of delivery, to assess the number of fetuses and the viability of the pregnancy.

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• First trimester morphological ultrasound:  performed between the 11th and 14th week of gestation. Its purpose is to assess the formation of the baby, the measurement of nuchal translucency and other important milestones in the research of fetal malformations and risk of maternal preeclampsia. At this stage it is possible to diagnose some serious abnormalities, such as changes in the baby's central nervous system and abdomen.

1 . What is nuchal translucency? 
It is the measurement of fluid accumulation in the baby's neck region, a risk marker for chromosomal alterations, as an example we have Down Syndrome.

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two . And what is preeclampsia? 
It is a serious complication that can occur in women with risk factors, leading to the death of around 76,000 mothers and 500,000 babies worldwide every year. The evaluation with Doppler in the morphology of the 1st trimester allows the early detection of at least 80% of pregnant women who may develop the disease, allowing preventive treatment.

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• 2nd trimester morphological ultrasound: 
Performed between the 20th and 24th week of pregnancy. In addition to knowing the long-awaited sex of the baby, the exam allows evaluating the diagnosis of fetal malformations in up to 85% of cases. At this stage, the assessment of the length of the cervix and the risk of preterm birth is also prioritized.

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• Fetal echocardiography: 
Performed between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy, with indication for all pregnant women, especially those at high risk and with a family history of congenital diseases. It is dedicated to assessing the baby's heart and identifying congenital heart defects even before birth.

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• Conventional obstetric ultrasound: 
It can be performed at any gestational age. The aim is to assess the baby's growth and weight gain, amniotic fluid, placental conditions, as well as assess the baby's position in the uterus.

The performance of ultrasound in pregnancy has specific goals for each stage and there is no right amount of exams. This decision must be made in conjunction with the physician responsible for prenatal care. Ultrasound is a simple, radiation-free exam of extreme importance in monitoring the baby and mom.

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Surrounded by many anxieties and expectations, this phase can be lived peacefully and safely with quality medical care. Therefore, it is important to choose a clinic that can meet your demands with quality.