Discover how essential ultrasound milestones guide your pregnancy journey from early confirmation through to delivery readiness. At OBGYN Durban, expert pregnancy growth scans ensure personalised care for both mother and baby.
Here is what you will learn:
- Key milestones evaluated during first-trimester scans.
- Assessing chromosomal risks with early screening.
- Detailed anatomical checks during the second trimester.
- Growth and placental monitoring before delivery.
Each pregnancy journey is filled with anticipation, and every pregnancy scan offers a reassuring glimpse into your baby’s development. At OBGYN Durban, Dr Nitesh and Dr Augustine provide expert care and guidance to ensure both mother and baby remain healthy throughout every step of your journey.
Knowing what to expect at each stage helps you feel prepared, comfortable and connected as your little one grows. In this blog, we provide a glimpse into the different ultrasound scans done during pregnancy in each trimester, helping you and your doctor to monitor the baby’s healthy development.
First Trimester: Confirming Your Journey
Your initial appointment will involve an early ultrasound scan during pregnancy to establish key milestones and assess initial growth.
- Dating Scan (6–9 Weeks): A dating scan confirms your pregnancy, checks your baby’s heartbeat, verifies if you are expecting multiples and calculates your accurate due date.
- NT Scan (11–13 Weeks): The nuchal translucency or NT scan measures tissue at the back of your baby’s neck to assess the early risk of chromosomal conditions.
Getting an early pregnancy scan in Durban gives mothers peace of mind during these vital first weeks.
Second Trimester: The Mid-Pregnancy Anatomy Scan
Now the picture gets clearer! During the second trimester, your baby’s organs, limbs and features are clearly visible, allowing for a comprehensive health assessment.
- Anatomy Scan (18–22 Weeks): Often called an anomaly scan, the anatomy scan carefully evaluates your baby’s brain, heart, spine, kidneys and physical structures. It also checks placental position and amniotic fluid levels. This is the point when pregnancy scans often reveal your baby’s sex, so decide before your visit if you wish to know.
This detailed screening provides vital information to ensure optimal ongoing care and to give you and your partner peace of mind.
Third Trimester: Monitoring Growth and Delivery Readiness
In the final months, ultrasound imaging focuses on tracking your baby’s development, position and overall well-being as delivery approaches.
- Pregnancy Growth Scan (28–36 Weeks): A pregnancy growth scan measures your baby’s head, abdomen and thigh bone to track growth curves. It also assesses blood flow through the umbilical cord to ensure your baby receives adequate oxygen and nutrients.
With this friendly guide to pregnancy scans by trimester, you’ll hopefully feel confident at every milestone. Contact OBGYN Durban today to schedule your pregnancy growth scan with Dr Nitesh and Dr Augustine and let’s work together on your safe journey to parenthood.
Also Important: When to See an Obstetrician in Durban.
FAQS
What is the purpose of a dating scan between 6 and 9 weeks?
A dating scan confirms the pregnancy, checks the baby’s heartbeat, verifies if you are expecting multiples, and calculates an accurate due date.
What does the anatomy scan evaluate during the second trimester?
Performed between 18 and 22 weeks, the anatomy scan evaluates the baby’s physical structures, including the brain, heart, spine, and kidneys, while checking placental position and amniotic fluid levels.
How does a pregnancy growth scan help in the third trimester?
A growth scan measures the baby’s head, abdomen, and thigh bone to track growth curves while assessing umbilical blood flow to ensure adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery.