1) VIABILITY OR EARLY

This is an ultrasound exam that is most often done before 14 weeks of gestation. It allows:

• Check that the pregnancy is growing correctly inside the uterus

• Check EMBRYONIC vitality: that there is a heart rate

• Check the number of embryos if it is single or twin

• Check placental abruption or bruising

• Check uterus and ovaries to rule out presence of tumors or cysts

• Establish the due date.

2) SCREENING OF THE FIRST QUARTER

This is an ultrasound exam done between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation.

• A measurement of the free space in the tissue is obtained at the back of the baby's neck.

• The presence or absence of the fetal nasal bone is documented (the absence of nasal bone may be associated with an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities).

These results are combined with your age and a special blood test to determine if your pregnancy is at increased risk for certain chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. This ultrasound can also detect some (not all) birth defects, an increased risk of heart abnormalities in the baby.

3) MORPHOLOGICAL OF THE SECOND QUARTER

This ultrasound is most often done between weeks 20 and 22.

Your baby's anatomy is reassessed for possible birth defects due to the fact that some features of the anatomy of the fetus can be better visualized at this time. Also, parts of the baby are still developing, such as the genital organs. It is important to note that not all birth defects can be identified during pregnancy. It also allows:

• Evaluate the characteristics of the placenta and amniotic fluid.

• Calculate the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm labor and gestational loss.

• Confirm gestational age according to fetal biometry and, using these parameters, evaluate fetal growth.

4) BIOPHYSICAL PROFILE OF THE THIRD QUARTER

This ultrasound exam is used to assess the health of your baby. Movement, tone, respiratory efforts, amniotic fluid volume, and fetal umbilical artery resistance to blood flow are assessed, assessed by applying color Doppler to help determine how well your baby is in the womb. This test can be obtained if you feel that your baby is NOT moving as often as he previously did or if you or the baby have a medical condition that requires such an evaluation. The main objective of the 32-34 week ultrasound is that it allows the timely detection of many of the risk factors that can negatively influence growth, development and oxygenation during the last stage of pregnancy and delivery.

5) OF GROWTH

A growth ultrasound is done to determine your baby's estimated weight. This test may be ordered if the doctor thinks your baby may be larger or smaller than expected, or if you have a medical condition that requires the obstetrician to keep track of the baby's weight. It is important to note that this weight is an "estimate" and that actual birth weight and estimated fetal weight may differ.

6) DOPPLER

Doppler studies are a special ultrasound of the maternal, placental, or fetal vessels. They are used to determine if your pregnancy is at risk for problems or to determine the health of your baby in the womb. These tests are only obtained if you or the fetus have a condition that requires them. An ultrasound can be used to identify the location of your placenta. Your obstetrician may order this test if you have a history of vaginal bleeding, if your placenta appears to be close to your cervix, or you have multiple cesarean sections and require viewing of the placental boundaries.