Understanding Antenatal Care Ultrasound: A Simple Guide for Expecting Parents
When someone in the family is expecting a baby, it's a time filled with excitement and a bit of nervousness too. From the very first test to holding the baby in your arms, it's a journey full of care and regular check-ups. One important part of this journey is ANC Sonography, also known as ultrasound ANC. It's something most pregnant women go through, but not everyone understands what it really means or why it's done. So let’s break it down in a simple way.
What is Antenatal Care Ultrasound?
Antenatal Care (ANC) Ultrasound is basically a scan done during pregnancy to check on the baby growing inside the womb. This scan gives a picture of how the baby is developing and helps doctors make sure everything is going smoothly. It’s also called ANC sonography in pregnancy, and it’s a very normal part of the checkups during those nine months.
These scans don’t cause pain and are done using a device that gently moves over the tummy. The machine uses sound waves to create images of the baby. It may sound technical, but it's really just a way for the doctor to get a clear look inside the womb.
Why is ANC Scan During Pregnancy Important?
Every stage of pregnancy brings something new, not just for the mother but also for the baby. The ANC scan at New Life Radiology Clinic during pregnancy helps track this growth. Here are some simple reasons why these scans are usually advised:
- To confirm the pregnancy and its position
- To check the baby’s heartbeat and movements
- To see how many babies are there (single or twins)
- To monitor the baby’s size and growth
- To check the placenta and amniotic fluid levels
- To detect any visible abnormalities
In many cases, early scans can help avoid confusion later on. As the pregnancy progresses, further scans are done to make sure the baby is growing as expected.
When Are Ultrasound ANC Scans Done?
Usually, doctors recommend a few ultrasound ANC scans across the different stages of pregnancy. Each scan has a specific purpose:
- Early pregnancy scan (6-9 weeks) confirms the pregnancy
- NT scan (11-13 weeks) checks for chromosomal conditions
- Anomaly scan (18-22 weeks) checks the baby’s organs and body structure
- Growth scan (later stages) checks the baby’s size, weight, and position
These aren’t done daily or weekly, but only when needed, depending on how the pregnancy is going.
Who Performs ANC Scans?
Ultrasound scans are done by trained professionals. If you're in or around Thane and looking for someone reliable, it's always a good idea to visit a trusted centre with experienced hands. The Best Radiologist in Thane will not only do the scan but also explain the results in a way that makes sense to you. It’s important to feel comfortable and ask questions if something is unclear.
The radiologist or the doctor may also recommend repeat scans in certain cases. Sometimes babies grow a little slowly or need extra attention, and that’s completely okay. With regular monitoring, doctors can keep everything under control.
What Should You Keep in Mind Before an ANC Scan?
If it’s your first time going for an ultrasound ANC, don’t worry. The process is smooth. Just follow what your doctor suggests. Sometimes, they might ask you to come with a full bladder, especially in early pregnancy scans, because it helps them get clearer images.
Also, wearing comfortable clothes and bringing your previous reports along can make things quicker. Most importantly, try to stay calm. These scans are not harmful, and many moms even find joy in seeing their baby move on the screen.
