The second planned ultrasound in pregnancy is carried out at 20-24 weeks of pregnancy. The fruit at this age can no longer be seen entirely, so the doctor looks at the individual parts of the body and the organs of the baby. This incomplete picture does not prevent the experienced specialist from detecting abnormalities in the infant or his normal development, as well as determining the sex of the child.
Ultrasound in the second trimester of pregnancy will determine the development of the fetus, and prevent various complications of pregnancy. The doctor carefully studies both the baby itself and the condition of the uterus, so to speak a fetal place. The fruiting place includes: amniotic fluid, placenta, umbilical cord.
Fetal ultrasound at week 21
Anatomical research during ultrasound at 20-21 weeks provides an excellent opportunity to make sure that parents are developing correctly. It is in the second trimester of pregnancy that all internal organs of the child are visible on ultrasound examination. The doctor assesses the condition of the heart, stomach and other organs to exclude the presence of pathology. On this depends the further management of pregnancy and future births in women. The heart beat of the baby is 120-140 beats per minute, which is almost double the heartbeat of an adult. The attentive doctor will count all the fingers on the hands and feet of your baby, because this question worries every mom, even more than the weight of the child.
Ultrasound can determine how active the fetus is. However, during ultrasound, the child may be in a state of sleep or drowsiness, so this point does not pay much attention.
Norms of ultrasound at 21 weeks of gestation
Uziste makes a careful measurement of the fetus, measuring the circumference of the head and abdomen, as well as the size of the hip bone, and the frontal-temporal lobe.
Dimensions of the fetus for 20-21 weeks of gestation:
- by 21 weeks the weight of the baby in the womb of the mother reaches 300-350 g, and its height is 18-25 cm;
- head circumference from 166-200 mm;
- frontal-occipital size 60-72 mm;
- the circumference of the abdomen of the fetus is 137 -180 mm;
- length of the leg from the knees to the thigh (femur) 32-40 mm;
- length from the foot to the knees (crural bones) 29-37 mm;
- length of arm from shoulder to elbow (humerus) 29-37 mm;
- the length of the arm from the wrist to the elbow (forearm bones) is 24-32 mm.
Due to these indications, the doctor confirms the period of pregnancy. The error in the timing of ultrasound at 20-21 weeks of pregnancy can be up to 7 days.
Mummies should not panic in advance, because each child has its genetic heredity, the weight and size of children of one fetal age can, though slightly, differ from each other.
Ultrasound of the fetus and cervix
The amniotic fluid protects the baby from bumps. And also, they allow unimpeded access to the child nutrients and oxygen through the umbilical cord. The study of amniotic fluid during ultrasound may also indicate pathology or its absence. In the amniotic fluid, their quantity and quality are studied. In the presence of deviations from the norms of ultrasound, the doctor will prescribe an additional examination and treatment.
The study of the placenta occurs in two directions - its location and structure. The location of the placenta is different:
- Front, when it is attached to the anterior wall of the uterus;
- Rear, respectively, when it is attached to the rear wall;
- and previa, which is considered the most dangerous.
During the presentation of the placenta overlaps the cervix. In this case, the woman is recommended to move as little as possible, and to cancel all planned trips in order to keep the pregnancy. When the placenta thickens, there is a high probability of intrauterine infection, which requires a more thorough study of the pregnant woman.
During the ultrasound at 20-21 weeks of gestation, the doctor also examines the umbilical cord that connects the mother and the baby. In the second trimester of pregnancy, the baby can be wrapped around the umbilical cord. This does not speak of pathology. Because of the high mobility of the baby, it can also be quickly unraveled, as it is entangled.
The cervix should be tightly closed during the entire pregnancy period. The task of the ultrasound is to determine if there are any dangerous changes in it. If the cervix has a small opening of the internal pharynx, there is a high probability of premature birth. The doctor who conducted the ultrasound will immediately send the woman to the doctor.
A second ultrasound during pregnancy will allow a pregnant woman to avoid unnecessary complications, and also dispel many doubts about junior health