Abdominal ultrasound in pregnancy

When to perform an abdominal ultrasound in pregnancy?

Abdominal ultrasound is a widely available test that can be performed privately or under the National Health Service. Most often, the doctor orders them as a check-up or when certain indications occur. During pregnancy, abdominal ultrasound is performed when the mother-to-be reports complaints such as abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea. In addition, it is ordered when a pregnant woman has low back pain, urinary problems or fever. Abdominal ultrasound is a diagnostic test in cases of suspected appendicitis, for example, but also kidney stones. Abdominal ultrasound in pregnancy can be useful in gallbladder disease.

Is an abdominal ultrasound during pregnancy safe?

Ultrasound during pregnancy is a safe test for both the mother-to-be and the developing baby. Like fetal ultrasound, abdominal ultrasound can be safely performed when indicated. Abdominal ultrasound is a much safer test in pregnancy than, for example, a CT scan. If a radiologist has doubts about the diagnosis, he or she may recommend a more accurate test, which a safe one for pregnant women is an MRI.

How to prepare for abdominal ultrasound in pregnancy?

No special preparation is necessary for abdominal ultrasound during pregnancy. This examination can be technically more difficult due to the enlarging uterus along with the baby, as well as the anatomy changed because of this, and the different positioning of organs in the body of the mother-to-be. If urinary problems are suspected, it is recommended that the urinary bladder be filled for abdominal ultrasound. For better visualization, it is also useful to remain fasting for several hours before the ultrasound.

What does an abdominal ultrasound in pregnancy detect?

Abdominal ultrasound in pregnancy detects pathologies involving the liver, gallbladder, appendix, kidneys or bladder. It is a quick and safe test, which makes it much easier than on the basis of laboratory tests alone to make an accurate diagnosis, among other things. Abdominal pain complaints during pregnancy.