- Abnormal Smear
- Abnormalities of the Uterus
- Abnormalities of the Vagina
- Adenomyosis
- Amenorrhea
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Barrier Contraception
- Bartholins Cysts
- Caesarean Section
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Screening
- Childbirth
- Chlamydia
- Clitoral Hoodectomy
- Colposcopy
- Colposcopy
- Contraceptive Pill
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Dyspareunia
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Gonorrhoea
- Heavy Periods
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hymenoplasty
- Hysterectomy
- Incontinence
- Incontinence
- Infertility
- Intrauterine Devices
- Labial Reduction
- Loss Of Libido
- Menorrhagia
- Menstrual Disorders
- Miscarriage
- Natural Family Planning
- Oligomenorrhoea
- Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Pelvic Floor Restoration
- Perineoplasty
- Polycystic Ovaries
- Polymenorrhoea
- Post-Coital Bleeding
- Pregnancy Scanning
- Premature Menopause
- Progesterone Contraceptive Pill
- Pruritus Vulva
- Sterilisation
- Syphilis
- The Wart Virus
- Thrush
- Treatment for CIN
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Prolapse
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vaginal Cysts
- Vaginal Discharge
- Vaginal Infections
- Vaginal Prolapse
- Vaginal Tightening
- Vulva Cancer
- Vulval Anatomy
- Vulval Dystrophy
- Vulvodynia
- Well Women Checks
Pregnancy Scanning
Pregnancy scanning is the name given to the process of scanning an expectant mother to view the inside of her womb, and to monitor the development of the foetus inside. It is an important process to ensure there are no complications, and can be an exciting event when it is possible to determine the sex of the baby. Pregnant women must make appointments to be scanned regularly by their local GP or gynaecologist.
The machine used to perform pregnancy scans on pregnant women is called an ultrasound machine, or a sonograph. It works by emitting extremely high frequency sound waves into the abdomen of the woman. These sound waves are too high for humans to hear, and are able to pass through the soft tissue and liquid in the woman’s abdomen. When the waves hit a solid object such as the foetus, they bounce back and are captured by the sonograph. These reflections, or echoes, are then translated by the machine to give an image of the developing foetus inside the mother’s womb. This method of scanning the pregnant woman is very effective, and it is not harmful to either the mother or the foetus as the waves passing through the tissue are only sound waves.
The purpose of pregnancy scanning is relatively straightforward. Apart from the moment when the sex of the baby is determined, it is used simply to monitor the progress and development of the foetus. Any abnormalities or complications involving either the foetus or the surrounding liquids and tissues will be highlighted in the scans produced by the ultrasound machine, as well as the presence of a second foetus. If a pregnant woman undergoes regular pregnancy scans, she will minimise the possibility of experience complications, and increase the chances of catching and dealing with problems before they become more serious. To be on the safe side, it is important that women do take pregnancy scanning seriously and attend all appointments.
A woman’s first pregnancy scan can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. It is important to be aware of what will happen during the process of the scan. The entire process can take up to an hour, but is simple and painless. A lubricating gel is applied to the abdomen of the pregnant woman, and the scanner can then slide around the skin in order to maintain contact and get a clear view of the foetus inside.