Ultrasound – What is it and when is it performed during pregnancy?

An ultrasound is a painless diagnostic test that uses sound waves to produce images of structures inside the body.

During pregnancy, ultrasounds are used to check the baby’s size and development, as well as the position of the placenta and umbilical cord. Ultrasounds can also be used to check for multiple pregnancy, and to diagnose certain complications, such as fetal growth restriction, twins, and breech presentation.

Most pregnant women will have at least one ultrasound during their pregnancy, although some may have more. The timing of ultrasounds depends on the purpose of the scan. For example, women who are at high risk for complications may have more frequent ultrasounds.

Ultrasounds are generally safe for both the mother and the baby. However, there is a small risk of heating tissues (known as thermal damage) with prolonged exposure to ultrasound waves. This is why ultrasounds should only be performed when medically indicated..Click Here

Breast changes – What can women expect in regards to their breasts during pregnancy?

Most women experience some changes in their breasts during pregnancy. These changes are usually mild and go away after the baby is born.

Some common changes include:

• Tenderness or pain in the breasts. This is caused by the growing uterus putting pressure on the blood vessels in the breasts. The pain should go away after the baby is born.

• Enlargement of the breasts. This is caused by the increase in the hormone estrogen during pregnancy. The breasts may stay larger even after the baby is born.

• Darkening of the areola (the dark area around the nipple). This is caused by the increase in the hormone melanin during pregnancy. The areola may stay darker even after the baby is born.

• Visible veins in the breasts. This is caused by the increase in blood flow during pregnancy. The veins should disappear after the baby is born.

• Montgomery’s tubercles. These are small, raised bumps on the areola that secrete oils to keep the nipple from drying out. They are more prominent during pregnancy and usually disappear after the baby is born.

All material on this site was made with pregnancysicknesssuport.org.uk as the authority reference. View it.