How many times and how are routine ultrasounds of pregnant women performed? Scheduled ultrasounds First planned ultrasound of pregnancy

Ultrasound of pregnant women is a three-time examination that is included in the category of planned examinations during this period. It aims to assess the dynamics of the growth and development of the fetus, identify anomalies in its development, and assess whether there are any threats to gestation from the maternal and temporary organs.

It is the ultrasound diagnostic data that the obstetrician-gynecologist focuses on when prescribing treatment and determining delivery tactics.

Timing for routine ultrasound examinations of pregnant women

There are three routine ultrasound examinations during pregnancy. Everyone has their own specific deadlines and goals. The ultrasound diagnostic schedule during pregnancy approved by the Ministry of Health looks like this:

1. First ultrasound during pregnancy. It is completed within 10-14 weeks. This is a routine examination, that is, it is necessary for the doctor to obtain important information about the fetus and the organs (maternal and formed) that support its life and development.
2. When to go for an ultrasound during pregnancy for the second time? Based on the ultrasound calendar approved by health organizations around the world, the recommended period for the second ultrasound during pregnancy is 18-22 weeks. It is this study that will finally say whether there are any malformations of the fetus that are dangerous for full extrauterine life, and whether there is pathology on the part of the maternal and temporary organs that requires correction.
3. The third mandatory ultrasound diagnosis during pregnancy is carried out at 30-34 weeks.

If the previously indicated deadlines were more strict, then in the case of a third ultrasound during pregnancy, it can be done even a little later than 34 weeks. Let's explain why.

For the first time, the viability of the fetus, its absence of gross defects and the mother’s ability to bear it were determined. The period up to 14 weeks is most favorable (in case of poor results) for medical termination of pregnancy.

If the pathology was “seen” only by the second planned ultrasound examination, it is less severe, however, there is a chance that the child will be disabled. In this case, before the 23rd week, it is also possible to terminate the pregnancy by performing an abortion rather than an artificial birth.

The timing of the last ultrasound during pregnancy can be discussed with the doctor, and if there is no pathology during this period, conduct a study after 34 weeks in order to find out more accurately:

• how you will give birth (even if there were no indications for a cesarean section before, they could appear)
• Will the birth happen soon?
• what does your baby look like and how developed is it?
• whether he will need urgent surgical care immediately after giving birth (it is impossible to predict whether he will need intensive care - it also depends on how you give birth).

Therefore, the period when ultrasound is prescribed for the last time during pregnancy may fluctuate, but only if previous studies did not indicate pathology.

What are the diagnostic features

The number of ultrasounds during pregnancy is three. They are carried out within the time limits described above. But these are planned studies for those whose childbearing period is normal. Often, ultrasound diagnostics have to be performed more often. Let's consider how many times ultrasound diagnostics can be done while expecting a child.

How to confirm pregnancy

When a woman conducts a home test and gets two stripes on it, the question immediately (almost everyone) arises at what week of pregnancy an ultrasound can be done to confirm it.

The recommended time frame is at least 14 days after the delay. Then (this will be equal to 5 weeks) you need to do a transvaginal ultrasound. In this case, ultrasound will determine not only the presence of intrauterine pregnancy, but will also tell whether the embryo is alive and developing, because only from this time, and only in this way, can the contractions of the baby’s heart be seen.

From what week can you do an ultrasound examination?

The fetus in the uterus will be visible from the third week, that is, from 5 days of delay.
Thinking about routine ultrasounds is advisable for those women who, in addition to the usual signs of pregnancy, are not bothered by:

• bloody discharge: in any quantity and any color - from scarlet to brown
• there is pain in the lower abdomen
• weakness
• dizziness.

If the above symptoms appear, there is suspicion of ectopic implantation of the fertilized egg. Therefore, a visit to ultrasound diagnostics (even if menstruation is delayed by 1 day and the test is positive) is justified.

If everything is normal for you, just a “striped” test, go for a scheduled appointment with a gynecologist. From 5-6 weeks, he will determine “with his hands and eyes” whether everything is normal with the developing baby, and you will undergo an ultrasound as planned. The fact is that, although it has not been proven that ultrasound is harmful, even major European and American scientists do not recommend performing an ultrasound of pregnant women before the 10th week without indications.

Ultrasound diagnostics for prenatal diagnosis

There is such a thing as prenatal screening, that is, determining the likelihood that a child will be born with serious developmental defects. In this case, the woman needs to donate blood, in which the levels of special hormones will be determined. Along with this, screening ultrasound is performed during pregnancy. It differs from the usual one in that it is carried out by specially trained specialists in prenatal diagnostics using expert-class devices.

Ultrasound as part of prenatal screening can be performed from the beginning of pregnancy. It is indicated for certain groups of women and has its own schedule during pregnancy (it differs slightly from the regular ultrasound calendar):

1. 10-14 weeks
2. 16-20 weeks
3. 32-34 weeks.

As you can see, the number of ultrasounds included in prenatal screening is also three. The only difference is in the timing of the second ultrasound examination.

In the described case, ultrasound during pregnancy is performed more often than planned screening. There is nothing wrong with this, since in this case a very important issue is being resolved - what pathology does the fetus have, how does it threaten it, and how to continue the pregnancy.

Questions and answers about ultrasound diagnostics

But when studying pregnancy, “weak” ultrasound is used, which, especially with a limited exposure time, cannot cause harm to the fetus. Scientists from all countries say that ultrasound diagnostics should be done when there is an indication for it.

However, you should not abuse

And also (it should be carried out if developmental defects are suspected, and only from the second trimester), as well as video recording of the study. In cases of such studies, the ultrasound power increases, which is not beneficial for the fetus.

1. as planned
2. for pain in the lower abdomen
3. with blood discharge from the genital tract
4. with any heavy vaginal discharge, especially if it has an unpleasant odor, even if the body temperature has not increased
5. after a viral or bacterial infection
6. if a woman does not feel any movement after 20 weeks
7. when preterm labor occurs
8. if contractions appeared at 36-40 weeks, and the last ultrasound was done in the first or second trimester.

More often (every 3-4 weeks) the study can be carried out when:

• placenta previa
• low placental attachment
• short cervix
• open internal pharynx (as control of a suture or staple placed on the cervix)
• retroplacental hematoma
• with gestosis.

That is, Frequent ultrasound during pregnancy according to indications will not harm the fetus. It can be done at least every day if the situation requires it. By the way, one family consisting of doctors - an obstetrician-gynecologist and a sonologist - did an ultrasound of their pregnant wife every morning to say hello to the baby. The child was born healthy.

How to prepare for ultrasound diagnostics

Preparation for an ultrasound scan during pregnancy depends on the period at which and in what way the procedure will be performed. Only abdominal ultrasound requires some preliminary actions and only in the first trimester:

• before the study, you eliminate legumes, carbonated drinks, cabbage, and brown bread the day before
• An hour before the procedure, you need to drink about 2 cups of still water, and then do not urinate.

Transvaginal ultrasound up to 12 weeks is performed without preparation. In the future, it will not be needed for examination through the abdominal wall.

How is diagnostics carried out?

• through the stomach
• by inserting a sensor into the vagina.

In the first case, everything is clear; this study is no different from ultrasound for identifying pathologies of the abdominal cavity. The latter method is performed using a special attachment for an ultrasound machine.

The woman undresses, takes off her underwear, lies on her back, bending her knees. A small sensor inside a condom is inserted into her vagina. During the examination, they make movements of small amplitude in different directions (no more painful than examination with the help of gynecological mirrors).

Bloody discharge after an ultrasound performed with a vaginal probe may appear within the first three days after the procedure. They should not be abundant and scarlet. There may be only a slight discharge of brownish blood or streaks for 1 day, followed by a yellowish discharge. Scarlet blood, abdominal pain, copious, foul-smelling and foamy discharge, fever - require urgent medical examination.

Who and where conducts the decoding of the study?

Description of the ultrasound examination is carried out according to a protocol that includes:

1. Number of fruits
2. Fetal presentation
3. Fetal fetometry
4. Assessment of each internal organ of the fetus
5. Data from examination of the umbilical cord, placenta, amniotic fluid
6. Examination of the cervix, cervical canal, and uterine walls.

In order to evaluate all this data, there are pregnancy ultrasound standards by week. That is, if you had to do a few more additional studies, the doctor will be just as good at understanding all the numbers and other indicators as during planned procedures.

An ultrasound scan during pregnancy can be done in paid gynecological clinics, multidisciplinary centers, perinatal centers, as well as at a maternity hospital or antenatal clinic.

About, where is the best place to get ultrasound diagnostics during pregnancy? You should ask your doctor (if you trust him): sometimes there are one or two professional specialists in the whole city, and they work in several clinics. Your treating gynecologist can tell you the name of such a specialist, and you will find the addresses where this particular specialist performs ultrasounds during pregnancy.

If you urgently need an ultrasound during pregnancy, Perinatal Centers are open 24 hours a day. There is also a service available as a paid ultrasound examination, which can be done at home.

How much does an ultrasound during pregnancy cost: in the first trimester the cost of an ultrasound is about 1,500 rubles, in the second and third trimesters - about 2,000 rubles. Dopplerography of the fetus costs about 1,700 rubles, and the volumetric version costs about 3,000. Ultrasound diagnostics are considered inexpensive in the range of 1,000-1,200 rubles.

Ultrasound examinations, which are prescribed during pregnancy, help the doctor determine whether the baby is developing correctly and whether the embryo corresponds to the gestational age. For any mother, an ultrasound is an opportunity to see her baby, listen to his heartbeat, and examine the baby’s body parts and organs.

Screening studies are carried out 3 times throughout pregnancy.

Research is routine and planned. They are usually carried out 3 times during pregnancy at 10-12, 20-22, 30-34 weeks. Also, if the mother wishes, she can undergo examination at 26-38 weeks of pregnancy; usually, if the pregnancy proceeds without complications, 3 examinations of the baby are sufficient.

In addition, if pathologies are detected in the fetus, selective studies are carried out.

Third ultrasound during pregnancy

The third routine fetal examination is the most important. It is during this period (30-34 weeks) that the doctor examines the pregnant woman to identify abnormalities and defects in the fetus.

The course of the examination during the third planned ultrasound is no different from the course of the previous ones: the doctor assesses the number of fetuses, their position in the uterine cavity, measures the size of the head circumference, the abdominal circumference and the length of the baby’s femur. In conclusion, the doctor writes how many weeks the pregnancy corresponds to, that is, how proportional the size of the fetus is to the average norms for a given period of pregnancy.

In addition, the specialist determines the location and thickness of the placenta, pathological changes in the placenta, and the degree of its maturity. Determining the amount of amniotic fluid is one of the main directions during the study at 32-34 weeks of pregnancy. The doctor must rule out complications that could interfere with the birth process.

Ultrasound at 30-34 weeks of pregnancy - attention to the placenta!

As already noted, the last third ultrasound is aimed not only at studying the fetus, but also at studying the placenta. Let's look at this in more detail and find out what is the reason for such increased interest in the placenta at these stages of pregnancy.

So, the specialist needs to accurately determine the location of the placenta, which wall of the uterus it is attached to - this information can greatly help the doctor in the process of delivery, especially if the woman has indications for a cesarean section.

Also important is the ratio of the lower edge of the placenta to the opening of the cervix. This measurement is very important to determine the likelihood of antepartum bleeding and bleeding during labor.

The width of the placenta is also measured at the place where it is attached to the umbilical cord, insufficient or excessive thickness of which, detected by ultrasound at 32-34 weeks of pregnancy, can be characterized as placental insufficiency. The internal structure of the placenta is also very important to study at the third ultrasound during pregnancy. The doctor, examining this indicator, determines the degree of “maturity” of the placenta. All these indications will help the doctor who is leading the pregnancy to determine how ready the woman’s birth canal is for childbirth and whether there are any risks that may interfere with the normal course of the birth process.

Norms of baby development and interpretation of ultrasound results at 30-34 weeks of pregnancy

Specialists conducting ultrasound examinations of the fetus determine the size of the baby and compare them with special tables that indicate the norms for the development of the baby at this stage of pregnancy. Sometimes deviations from the norm of 1-2 weeks are possible, which is in no way an indicator of fetal developmental delay.

It is worth noting that all generally accepted standards are conditional and you should not panic if your future baby falls a little short of certain indicators. If you are very concerned about this issue, then it is worth showing the results of the study to the doctor who is monitoring the progress of the pregnancy, he will give the necessary explanations.

During an ultrasound, a specialist measures the fronto-occipital (OZR) and biparietal dimensions (BPD), head circumference (CH) and abdomen (AB), length of the lower leg bone and length of the femur, length of the shoulder and forearm of the fetus, as well as the size of the nasal bones. If the size of the fetus is significantly smaller than normal, then in the conclusion the doctor indicates intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR).

If intrauterine growth retardation is detected, additional studies are prescribed to determine the fetal heartbeat and blood flow in the uterus, in the vessels of the embryo, and the umbilical cord.

You should not try to independently decipher the data obtained from an ultrasound scan and compare them with standard tables; only a specialist will be able to give a complete and accurate conclusion about the progress of fetal development, as well as the presence of deviations, if any are detected.

Additional ultrasounds at 35-38 weeks of pregnancy

If the expectant mother or baby has any problems that may affect the course of the birth process, the doctor may prescribe an additional ultrasound examination in the last weeks of pregnancy.

A pregnant woman can conduct additional research at her own request. At 35-38 weeks of pregnancy, the doctor will be able to accurately determine the date of birth, the weight of the baby and the amount of amniotic fluid, and confirm the gender of your unborn baby. Very often, additional ultrasounds are prescribed at 37-38 weeks to determine whether a woman needs to go to the hospital before giving birth.

Photo of the baby as a souvenir

During an ultrasound at 32-33 and later, you will be able to take a photo in which the baby’s face and limbs will be clearly visible. Thanks to modern technology, future parents can even ask for a three-dimensional photo to be taken. For any expectant mother, it is very important to get a photo of the baby before he is born.

From the moment a woman finds out that a new life has begun in her, it would be right for her to go to an antenatal clinic and register. An obstetrician-gynecologist leading a pregnancy will prescribe various examinations at different stages, many of which the woman did not even know about before.

But almost everyone knows about one type of diagnosis, and even looks forward to it - this is ultrasound. Everyone is aware that modern pregnancy management tactics cannot do without this procedure. But those who are planning to become parents for the first time are especially interested in the timing of ultrasound examinations during pregnancy. And also at how many weeks an ultrasound is performed to determine and confirm the very fact of pregnancy. In addition, the question remains relevant: at what date will an ultrasound show an ectopic pregnancy?

Goals and objectives

Ultrasounds are performed during pregnancy on all women, pursuing the following goals and objectives:

• determination and confirmation of pregnancy;
• assessment of compliance with the stages of intrauterine development;
• fetometry;
• examination of the membranes;
• assessment of amniotic fluid volume;
• study of uteroplacental circulation;
• assessment of the condition of the female reproductive organs.

Ultrasound diagnostics of pregnant women is performed in two main ways - through the anterior wall of the abdomen, and also by inserting a sensor into the vagina. In the early stages of pregnancy, the second method is considered more informative.

Scheduled ultrasounds

If the pregnancy is progressing normally, then an ultrasound should be done as planned. There are international standard timing for ultrasound examinations during pregnancy:

• Ⅰ trimester - at 11–13 weeks (+ 6 days);
• Ⅱ trimester - at 19–24 weeks (usually from 21 weeks);
• Ⅲ trimester - at 30–34 weeks.

But if necessary, more research can be carried out. However, additional ultrasounds should be done not just out of idle curiosity, but for serious reasons.

First ultrasound

The first planned ultrasound during pregnancy is not always performed after the 10th week. In some cases, for medical reasons, it can be performed earlier. Typically, the fertilized egg can be detected in the uterus in the third week from the moment of fertilization. And from 4–5 weeks the embryo is already visualized in it and the heartbeat can be heard. Motor activity can usually be assessed after 6 weeks from the moment of conception.

The gestational sac is evidence of a healthy intrauterine pregnancy

When an ultrasound is done in the early stages, it can show the following:

• normal or ectopic pregnancy;
• the number of fertilized eggs and their main characteristics;
• the exact period of pregnancy;
• heartbeat and fetal mobility;
• condition of the membranes;
• condition of the mother's reproductive organs.

At this stage, possible complications of pregnancy are identified: the threat of miscarriage, the degeneration of trophoblast into a huge number of small blisters and other pathologies. When performing the first planned ultrasound, it is possible to identify gross developmental anomalies (pathology of intrauterine brain development, malformations of the trunk bones), as well as chromosomal pathologies of the fetus (Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, Edwards syndrome).

Second ultrasound

Usually, the doctor leading the pregnancy warns the woman about when it is time to do a second ultrasound. As a rule, it is prescribed starting from the 20th week of pregnancy. At this stage of pregnancy, the study is done to solve the following problems: dynamically assess the growth and weight gain of the fetus, identify malformations of intrauterine development (enlargement of the ventricles of the brain, enlargement of the renal pelvis, abnormalities in the shape of the skull and cerebellum).

Determine the thickness and structure of the child's seat. The amount of amniotic fluid is measured. In addition, if future parents are very interested in when is the best time to do an ultrasound, which not only shows the pregnancy, but also allows you to determine the sex, then it is best to solve these problems in the second trimester.

Obstetricians and gynecologists say that it is necessary to do a second ultrasound during pregnancy before 22 weeks. These ultrasound dates during pregnancy are not set arbitrarily, but on the basis that at the full 5 months, the embryo has already formed all the vital systems and individual organs that were not examined during the first planned ultrasound.

Third ultrasound

The obstetrician-gynecologist who monitors the expectant mother will also advise you in what week to go for the last ultrasound during pregnancy. As a rule, routine ultrasounds during pregnancy in the Ⅲ trimester are performed at 32–34 weeks.

The following areas are subject to research during this period:

• degree of maturity of the placenta;
• condition of the umbilical cord;
• the length of the uterine cervix, as well as the condition of the external and internal os;
• quantity and purity of amniotic fluid;
• determining whether the baby’s size corresponds to the week of pregnancy;
• the location of the fetus in the uterus (the head, buttocks or legs of the child are located at the entrance to the pelvis);
• condition of the child’s organs;
• developmental defects that do not affect the survival of the fetus, but affect its future health.

Intrauterine examination of the baby's organs allows us to identify developmental defects that could have remained hidden at an earlier stage. As a rule, they do not affect survival, but such children require special care immediately after birth. In this case, the birth should take place in a maternity hospital, which has an intensive care unit and a neonatologist.

When pregnant women go for the third planned ultrasound, special attention is paid to the amount of amniotic fluid. It is not possible to determine its exact amount using ultrasound. But an approximate calculation is carried out using a special index. In addition, it is necessary to go for an ultrasound at 32–34 weeks to determine the condition of the woman’s internal organs.

If uterine tone, negative dynamics of the cervix (sharp shortening and smoothing), and non-closure of the internal or external pharynx are detected, then this indicates a threat of premature birth. In this case, the pregnant woman is recommended to go to the hospital for conservation. If the ultrasound confirms that the baby's head is directed towards the pelvic inlet, then natural delivery is recommended.

After experiencing a cesarean section in the past, in the third trimester of the current pregnancy, it is necessary to evaluate the condition of the uterine scar.

Ultrasound screening

Prenatal screening involves a comprehensive study that includes conventional ultrasound. And at a later date - CTG and a special type of ultrasound diagnostics, which allows you to assess the nature and speed of blood flow in the vessels. As well as a detailed blood test (determination of specific markers) of a pregnant woman, taken from a vein. Not all pregnant women are referred for screening, but most often according to indications.

Although some obstetrician-gynecologists prefer to prescribe it to all pregnant women, even with a good pregnancy. You can do ultrasound screening and even need it for such patients:

• bad heredity;
• a woman in the past had miscarriages, miscarriages, or gave birth to a stillborn baby;
• conception was associated with the use of antibacterial or other embryotoxic drugs;
• first pregnancy after 35 years;
• the woman has an alcohol or drug addiction;
• living in an environmentally unfavorable area or working in a hazardous industry;
• future parents are close relatives;
• the family already has a child with congenital developmental pathologies.

A pregnant woman’s gynecologist will tell her when to go for an ultrasound screening. The timing of regular and screening ultrasounds may differ somewhat. As a rule, all screening procedures are shifted 2-3 weeks earlier than usual studies. This allows, if the picture is questionable or critical, to carry out repeated examinations or, if necessary, to terminate the pregnancy.

The doctor explains when to do this or that diagnosis during pregnancy. But any examination is done voluntarily. How many times and whether an ultrasound examination will be performed at all depends on the decision of the future parents. Every pregnant woman goes for an ultrasound consciously. She must remember that ultrasound examination will contribute to a healthy delivery and well-being of both the baby and the mother herself.

There is ambiguous opinion about the harm or benefit of ultrasound. But whatever the attitude of future parents to such an examination, it is necessary to understand that the benefits from it are greater than the harm and it is necessary to do at least 2 ultrasounds during pregnancy for your own peace of mind about the life and health of the unborn child.

The first ultrasound usually takes place in the first trimester. At 10-12 weeks, the doctor determines the expected date of birth with an accuracy of 2-3 days. At this time, it is possible to diagnose chromosomal diseases. The collected data is analyzed, the doctor plans medical tactics for the entire pregnancy.

A few weeks after the first study, the doctor prescribes a second planned ultrasound during pregnancy to obtain information about the condition of the mother and the development of the child.

It is important not to miss this period; at 20 weeks of pregnancy, an ultrasound is performed to definitively exclude malformations or confirm unfavorable diagnoses.

Ultrasound examination helps to obtain information about the development of the embryo that cannot (or can be determined with certain assumptions) using other diagnostic methods:

• exact date,
• multiple pregnancy,
• diagnosis and prevention of miscarriage,
• pathologies of fetal development,
• gender of the child, which is of particular interest to future parents for 9 months.

According to doctors' recommendations, the second ultrasound during pregnancy must be done no later than 22 weeks. This deadline was not set by chance. By 20 weeks, the embryo has already sufficiently formed almost all organs and systems that could not yet be examined during the first planned ultrasound. At this stage, it is almost always possible to identify defects that cannot be treated and make a decision about a possible termination of pregnancy.

Sometimes, when performing an ultrasound at 20-21 weeks of pregnancy, pathologies of the embryo are revealed, which can lead to its death even before birth or the child will not live long after birth.

• severe disability of the child,
• diseases requiring expensive operations,
• lack of limbs,
• the impossibility of a child’s existence without supporting his life functions with special equipment or medications.

If such defects are detected at a later stage, for example, at the 24th week of pregnancy, then gynecologists take great precautions to terminate such a pregnancy. In the later stages, there is a high risk of developing complications that threaten the life of the pregnant woman herself. This is why it is so important to undergo a second ultrasound during pregnancy.

If the doctor has doubts about making a diagnosis at 20-21 weeks, he can reschedule another study a week later. During this time, the doctor can assess the condition of the fetus over time, see whether it has worsened or improved. This will allow you to clarify the diagnosis and draw the right conclusions.

If a second ultrasound is performed at 22 weeks of pregnancy, then there is less and less opportunity to influence the development of identified pathologies.

What is examined at the second ultrasound during pregnancy

During an ultrasound at 20-24 weeks of pregnancy, first of all, the doctor pays attention to the correspondence of the size (body weight, length of limbs, size of internal organs) of the fetus to the gestational age. A study at this time is very informative for further pregnancy; at this time the condition of the placenta and amniotic fluid is also assessed.

The purpose of this study is to identify pathologies of fetal development. If there are deviations, the expectant mother is referred for consultation to a doctor - a geneticist. Timely intervention and proper treatment usually bring positive results.

An ultrasound scan at 20 weeks is mandatory for those expectant mothers who have detected abnormalities in the early stages. This is the period during which the most positive results of the identified pathologies can be obtained when starting treatment.

You also need to take into account the fact that only up to 22 weeks the law allows you to legally terminate an unwanted pregnancy.

Important points of the second ultrasound

During an ultrasound at 20 weeks of pregnancy, the video clearly shows the first movements of the embryo; the doctor, at the request of the parents, can make them a disc with their baby in the leading role.

At 20 weeks, the active development of the embryo begins, its internal organs are formed, and the basic parameters of the bone structure are laid down. During this time, the embryo acquired the shape of a small man, it had hairs on its head and nails on its toes. The fetal heartbeat can be clearly heard using an electronic monitor or an auditory tube. With an ultrasound at 20-21 weeks of pregnancy, the normal weight and height of the fetus is considered to be approximately 250-300 g and 16-18 cm.

Starting from the 20th week, the fetus is actively gaining weight; it can gain weight up to 50 grams per week. His internal organs begin to function more and more actively; by the 22nd week they are fully formed. From 20-23 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus begins to form subcutaneous fat, and the skin becomes less wrinkled. The embryo also develops grasping and sucking reflexes. At this time, the nervous system is so developed that the fetus can feel touch. The baby is actively moving inside; he can grab the umbilical cord or bring his finger to his mouth.

An ultrasound at week 22 will show the functioning of all the internal organs of the fetus, you can also even observe its facial expressions. At this stage, the embryo has formed to such a size that the doctor can examine not only the limbs themselves and their size, but also count how many fingers and toes he has.

At this moment, the gender of the child can be determined with great certainty; at the request of the parents, the doctor can tell them this news. With an ultrasound at 22 weeks of pregnancy, the normal weight is considered to be about 350 g and the length from the crown to the sacrum is about 19 cm.

If for some reason an ultrasound was not completed at 20-22 weeks, 23-24 weeks of pregnancy is the deadline for intervention in the development of the fetus.