MORPHOLOGY OBSTETRICS ULTRASOUND: This is done between 18 weeks and 22 weeks gestational age. This is when most of the organs can be seen and evaluated. Also the position of the placenta is localized- In cases of a low-lying placenta/ previa it may be followed up later for placental migration. Suspected cervical incompetence can also be assessed.
You may be asked to wait for baby to turn into a better position to view certain organs. Occasionally, baby is not cooperating, and this may require returning at a later date.
PREP.1: FULL BLADDER:
For this test, you need to have a full bladder. Empty your bladder only once 2 hours before the test (this is so that you do not have an uncomfortably overfull bladder at appointment time). Do not empty the bladder again. Then drink 1 litre of water (5 average cups) and finish it 1 hour before the test. Also drink another half litre (2 cups) half an hour before the test if you can. Do not empty your bladder until after the ultrasound test.
We use the water in the bladder as a window to transmit the sound waves. Contrary to some practice, even though there is liquor water in the sac of the baby, the full bladder also helps to push the baby’s head up for better measurements, and which would otherwise cause shadows and obscure our vision of the maternal cervix/ birth canal, and lower placental border.