Pregnancy is one of the most emotional and life-altering events in a person’s life. From the very instant that the pregnancy test comes positive, there is a growing feeling of anticipation, and it intensifies with the passing of each stage of pregnancy. Within the womb, a new life is forming, a new person is being created, and the expectant parents are absolutely excited about the day they can finally get to “meet” their little one.
However, till then, all they can really see is a gradual baby bump that grows bigger as the months go by. Not knowing if the baby within the womb is safe and healthy can be a source of concern for parents. This is where fetal monitoring plays a crucial role—it offers a window into the womb. Apart from reassuring parents that all is progressing as it should, such pregnancy scans enable healthcare professionals, like gynaecologists and obstetricians, to view the baby’s development and overall health. The results from the scans at each stage of the pregnancy journey will be used by them to provide the best care possible.
Let’s take a closer look at the different types of fetal monitoring techniques that are currently being used.
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Fetal monitoring during pregnancy is an extremely vital process because it helps healthcare providers track each stage of the baby’s growth and development, detect any potential health issues or complications, and, last but not least, assess the overall health and well-being of both the baby and the expectant mom. It is important to adhere to the fetal monitoring schedules that healthcare professionals recommend, as it ensures a safe and healthy pregnancy journey. Physical examinations and ultrasound scans are the predominant methods employed to assess fetal health.
Prenatal ultrasounds, also known as sonograms, are scans performed by obstetricians or sonographers (radiologists) to assess various aspects of fetal health. During an ultrasound scan, a device called a transducer is used to send harmless sound waves via the abdomen or vagina. These sound waves will bounce off various internal organs and your baby, resulting in the creation of images that can then be viewed on a screen. Ultrasound scans are usually safe as they do not use radiation.
Ultrasound scanning provides valuable information about:
There are two types of ultrasound scans that will be utilised at different stages of the pregnancy period: Transvaginal and Transabdominal.
Transvaginal ultrasound scans are usually used in the early weeks of pregnancy. This scan is typically used to detect the heartbeat of the fetus and determine its approximate age. During this procedure, a small probe or transducer device, covered with a protective sheath and gel lubricant, will be slowly inserted into the vagina and rotated around. Sound waves generated from this device will start bouncing off the internal organs and the fetus, thus creating a clear image. The entire process is usually painless, but a slight amount of discomfort can be expected.
Obstetricians typically use transabdominal scans after the 12th week of pregnancy. After a gel is applied to the abdominal area, the transducer device will be placed and moved around the belly in order to create images of the uterus and the fetus.
Approximately three to four scans may be performed during various stages or trimesters of the pregnancy period. The number of scans may increase if any potential health issue has been identified or in the case of high-risk pregnancies.
Given below are the typical scans used for monitoring the development of the fetus, along with the estimated timelines during pregnancy :
The dating scan is an ultrasound-based early pregnancy scan during the pregnancy period. This is the first and most important fetal monitoring scan performed within the first few weeks of the first trimester. It is performed to assess the viability of the pregnancy and to determine if there are any potential risks, such as ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, internal bleeding, etc. Apart from this, the dating scan can also be used to determine the gestational age of the fetus and the current stage of growth and development, along with detecting the presence of any physical abnormalities. This scan is vital for pregnant women who experience spotting or bleeding during the early days of pregnancy.
The NTS scan can be either a transabdominal or transvaginal type of ultrasound scan. This scan is usually performed during the 12th week of pregnancy. The main purpose of this scan is to rule out any potential health issues arising from chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, in the fetus. It does so by measuring the size of the nuchal fold that is found at the back of the fetus’s neck.
Also called the ‘Fetal Anomaly Scan’, a Morphology Scan’s primary purpose is to scan the fetus for any potential abnormalities in the development of organs, muscles and bone. This scan will be used to assess the heart rate and rhythm, the position of the placenta, the current condition of the cervix, etc.
During the final stages of pregnancy, an ultrasound scan may be performed to assess the following:
Commonly known by its abbreviated name, the BPP test, this scan is usually performed in case of high-risk pregnancies or when the due date has passed without delivery. The BPP test is recommended for women who suffer from health issues like asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc., or those who have experienced miscarriages or stillbirths in the past. This is also done when there is a noticeable reduction in the baby’s movements or when there is too little or too much amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. This is a painless, non-invasive test that is a combination of ultrasound scanning and a non stress test. The non stress part of the test involves having a belt with two sensors placed around the belly to monitor the fetal heartbeat and movement.
Electronic Fetal Monitoring, or EFM, is one of the most commonly used types of fetal monitoring during labour. EFM is used to monitor the baby’s health during delivery. It can also be used to distinguish between false and true labour as it monitors uterine contractions. EFM can be performed externally or internally. For external EFM, sensors are placed over the mother’s abdomen to record the baby’s heartbeat and movement. In case the results are unclear, an internal EFM may be performed, which involves sensors being inserted into the uterus to pick up the readings.
Prenatal healthcare is vital for the well-being of the expectant mother and the little one that grows within her womb. Always listen to the advice of the consulting obstetrician and make sure to follow the schedules that have been set for the fetal monitoring process.
